Flying Canadian Geese with the Colorado Rocky Mountains front range continental divide towering above in the background on a clear blue sky over the Rockies autumn day. The Canada goose is the most common wild goose in North America. At least 11 subspecies of Canada Goose have been recognized, although only a couple are distinctive. In general, the geese get smaller as you move northward, and darker as you go westward. The four smallest forms are now considered a different species: the Cackling Goose. The oldest known wild Canada Goose was 30 years 4 months old. Individual Canada Geese from most populations make annual northward migrations after breeding. Nonbreeding geese, or those that lost nests early in the breeding season, may move anywhere from several kilometers to more than 1500 km northward. There they take advantage of vegetation in an earlier state of growth to fuel their molt. Even members of "resident" populations, which do not migrate southward in winter, will move north in late summer to molt. Colorado Fine art nature landscape photography images by James Bo Insogna (C) - All Rights Reserved. *PLEASE NOTE, WATERMARKS WILL NOT BE ON THE PURCHASE PRINTS*