Wild Geese

Within the vast expanse of atmosphere that circulates above the beautiful valley of the Moyola River, there lies a considerable stretch of the serial route favoured by wild geese during their migration from the breeding grounds of higher latitudes. To the warmer winter quarters in Ireland I have observed them come in flocks arranged in V formation, each bird keeping an absolutely correct position in the ranks like a well-trained soldier. They appear to be quite certain of their route and destination, as they seldom divert from the straight path but proceed rapidly without any apparent hesitation. The journey must be an exciting one for the younger birds as they gaze upon new scenery, and are perhaps coached in ‘goose language’ by their elders as to the many pitfalls awaiting the unwary. After flying up the Moyola valley for several miles west of Draperstown, they usually cross the Tullybrick Hills in the direction of Davagh River (County Tyrone), and sometimes stop to rest on its banks. I noticed a considerable number of flocks passing up the valley on October 21st, and counted as many as 38 birds in one flock. Their appearance often heralds the approach of a north-east storm, which we had on October 21st and 22nd, accompanied by rain on the former date and snow the next day.– G. B. McKeown (Draperstown)