BELLE — Visitors to Belle City Park may have noticed a few feathered guests enjoying the lake this fall, as Canada geese take advantage of the peaceful waters and grassy shoreline.

Several of the large waterfowl were spotted Friday, Oct. 9, swimming across the lake and waddling along its banks, offering park visitors an opportunity to observe one of Missouri’s most recognizable bird species.

With their long black necks, white cheek patches and grayish-brown bodies, Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are a familiar sight throughout central Missouri. However, not all of these birds follow the same seasonal schedule.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri supports both year-round populations of Canada geese and migratory populations that travel through the state during seasonal migrations.

The giant Canada goose, a subspecies native to much of the Midwest, is a resident of Missouri. These birds can remain in the state throughout the year, particularly where lakes, ponds and grassy feeding areas provide suitable habitat.

Other Canada geese migrate considerable distances, traveling between northern breeding grounds and areas farther south where they spend the winter.

During the fall, migratory geese begin moving south as temperatures drop and northern waterways start to freeze. Missouri serves as both a winter destination and a stopping point for birds continuing their journey.

Those migratory geese that spend the winter in Missouri generally begin heading north again in late February and March, although some may remain into April depending on weather conditions and their destination.

For Belle City Park, that means some of the geese seen on the lake this fall could remain throughout the winter, while others may eventually continue their migration or return north with the arrival of spring.

Interestingly, MDC research has also documented a different migration pattern among some Missouri-nesting Canada geese. Birds that are too young to breed or have unsuccessful nesting seasons sometimes travel north to Canada in late May to replace their flight feathers before returning to Missouri in September or early October.

The geese are primarily plant eaters, feeding on grasses, seeds and agricultural grains. The combination of open water and maintained grassy areas found at Belle City Park provides the type of environment these birds frequently use for feeding and resting.

Canada geese are also known for their strong family bonds. Pairs generally mate for life, and young geese typically remain with their parents through their first winter and into the following spring.

Although the birds are often associated with the familiar V-shaped formations seen overhead during migration, they are equally comfortable spending time on the ground or swimming across a quiet lake.

While Canada geese may appear friendly or accustomed to people, wildlife officials recommend observing them from a respectful distance. Visitors should avoid feeding the birds bread or other human foods, which can contribute to nutritional problems and encourage geese to congregate in areas frequented by people.

Geese can also become defensive when protecting their nests or young, particularly during the spring breeding season. Parents should remind themselves and their children not to chase, approach or attempt to touch the birds, and pet owners should keep dogs under control. Giving the geese plenty of space allows park visitors to enjoy watching them without disturbing their natural behavior.

Whether the geese currently visiting Belle City Park are permanent residents or seasonal travelers cannot be determined from photographs alone. For now, however, the birds appear content to enjoy the lake, giving area residents another reason to appreciate the natural surroundings of their community park.