The 2015 class of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) naval aviators started flight school this week!
I’ve been watching these youngsters on daily dog-walks in the park since early May. When they first showed up I noticed the their resemblance, in size and coloration, to the yellow puffball flowers of the American sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) towering above.
There were about 8-10 adults living in and around the lake and two pairs successfully hatched large clutches, the second batch about 10 days after the first.
The whole flock pitched in to keep the cautious but curious brood within a protective circle, long black necks and heads swiveling like periscopes scanning the horizon for imminent threats.
![Flight School canada geese flying by gidzy ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/canada-geese-flying-by-gidzy-ccl.jpg?w=500)
![Flight School downy canada gosling by ingrid taylar ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/downy-canada-gosling-by-ingrid-taylar-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=300)
Every morning’s stroll includes a peak into the classroom, watching as the new recruits move through basic training. First lesson: water =safety. Mandatory swimming lessons for all sailors! Initially,members of the new crew were skeptical, needing some strongly worded encouragement from a drill instructor to take the plunge.
![Flight School drill sergeant by rachel kramer ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/drill-sergeant-by-rachel-kramer-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=266)
In no time at all, though, they had their sea-legs and formed a flotilla.
![Flight School gosling flotilla by eric bc3a9gin ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/gosling-flotilla-by-eric-bc3a9gin-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=286)
Next, the unit practiced how to parade. The slow, unhurried pace set by the adults was clearly intended to convey respectability and prestige, and they pulled it off with stately ease. The trainees were another story entirely. Try as they might to imitate their elders, casual dignity is mighty difficult to achieve when your growing body hasn’t quite caught up to your oversized feet—ask any 12 year old boy wearing size 11 sneakers. The slightest break in concentration and the whole company piled up like dominos.
![Flight School big feet by pam p photos ccl1](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/big-feet-by-pam-p-photos-ccl1.jpg?w=400&h=290)
There was so much to learn! How to keep their uniforms squared away…
![Flight School preening by tjflex2 ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/preening-by-tjflex2-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=266)
Calisthenics to strengthen those important pectoral muscles…
![Flight School flapping gosling by jeremiah john mcbride ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/flapping-gosling-by-jeremiah-john-mcbride-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=543)
Choosing the right mess hall…
![Flight School grazing gosling by ray morris ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/grazing-gosling-by-ray-morris-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=225)
Not to mention growing by leaps and bounds. Before long, it was time to strap on the black aviator helmet and take off!
![Flight School gosling chin strap by eric bc3a9gin ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/gosling-chin-strap-by-eric-bc3a9gin-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=320)
Their first flights were brief and aquatic; buoyant new pilots seem to find over-water touch-and-go’s less intimidating. What’s the worse that can happen? You ditch, you get wet. A bruised ego heals a lot faster than broken bones.
![Flight School water landing by john benson ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/water-landing-by-john-benson-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=267)
Next, the flight instructors lead youngsters on low, circular cruises around the park, honking encouragement all along the way. Landing on turf requires more skill and daring..
![Flight School touchdown by john benson ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/touchdown-by-john-benson-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=320)
As well as greater maneuverability to avoid trees, lamp posts, power lines, and buildings. Practice makes perfect but there can be some embarrassing mistakes along the way.One missed turn can result in an unintended landing.
![Flight School roof goose by essayru ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/roof-goose-by-essayru-ccl.jpg?w=400&h=266)
Still, they’ve definitely got the right stuff: determination, focuse, and drive. Whether they chooseto become full-time Mid westerners or set off next year for northern climes to search for adventure and a mate, wild blue yonder here they come!
![Flight School early flight by j michael raby ccl](http://nextdoornature.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/early-flight-by-j-michael-raby-ccl.jpg?w=600&h=258)
![Flight School Avatar](https://focusingonwildlife.com/news/wp-content/uploads/blank.png)
Kieran Lindsey
Kieran Lindsey loves looking for wild things in all the wrong places... so she became an urban biologist. Her quest to entice others to share this passion led to flirtations with (gasp!) the media—as a columnist for the Houston Chronicle; as host of KUNM-FM’s Wild Things; as producer of an Emmy® winning wildlife documentary; and at her Next-Door Nature blog. Kieran has way too much fun as official Animal-Vehicle Biologist for NPR's Car Talk, and she isn’t ashamed to admit it.
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