Snow goose migration
In our region, autumn has its own ritual.
Every year, as soon as the mornings turn crisp and the light changes, the Richelieu River is covered in a coat of white. The people of St. Johann know this better than anyone: it's the sign that our snow geese are back for their long migration break.
It's a moment that belongs as much to families as to photographers, to the curious as to regulars.
Here, we stop for a few minutes, look up... and let ourselves be amazed.
A show... clearly visible here
After their breeding season in the Arctic landscapes, the geese begin a journey of several thousand kilometers. And in this long adventure between the tundra and the Atlantic coast, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and the Haut-Richelieu region is an essential stopover.
They find exactly what we like too:
- space
- calm
- a generous nature
- a fertile environment for recharging your batteries
For two to three weeks this year, mainly in mid-November, the Richelieu River is transformed into a veritable natural stage, where you can admire flocks of up to a thousand geese at a time. From a distance, it looks as if a white blanket has been delicately laid over the water.
Of course, you can make the most of this beauty by stopping by the water on foot or by bike.
Why do they stop on our river?
Because here they find everything they need to continue their journey and recharge their batteries:
- Roots
- Bulrushes
- And yes... a little corn, because our fields are close to the river
Let's just say that between the river, the riverbanks, the farmland and our peaceful landscapes, our region is a perfect buffet for snow geese.
Where can you see them in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu?
We suggest Place Barnabé, near the intersection of Rue Champlain and Rue MacDonald, or taking the canal strip, which is accessible on foot and by bike.
This is the spot where neighbors, families and enthusiasts gather to enjoy the view.
Bring a thermos, take some photos, breathe a little and watch the magic happen.
Here, we like to take our time. To be sure of finding them on the river, we recommend an early morning or evening visit.
Some features!
Some impressive facts about these birds:
They fly at an average speed of 55 km/h, and can reach 95 km/h.
Around 5% of them have blue-gray plumage: they're called blue geese.
Their migration extends over almost 4,000 km.
Barely a day old, they can walk 30 km without stopping.
It's safe to say they're not lacking in stamina!- The migration in more detail: After an initial stopover in the Baffin Island region, the Greater Snow Geese take to the skies again for an epic journey of over 1,000 kilometers. This second journey takes them to the St. Lawrence River region. It's during this period that we can observe the vast expanses of snow geese on the Richelieu River. The geese fill up on energy during this period before continuing on to their final destination.
Thanks to the Canadian Wildlife Federation for their valuable information. To learn more about snow geese, visit their site.
