The Buzz

Why is this Canada goose at Lake Renwick flying upside down?

Canada goose flying upside down
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)

Canada geese flying overhead across Will County isn't anything unusual.

How about a Canada goose flying upside down? Well, that's not your common, everyday occurrence, but it did play out at Lake Renwick Preserve in Plainfield.

At a quick glance, it appears nothing is out of the ordinary with the goose in the middle of the trio. A closer look shows it is indeed flying with its body upside down, while its head remains upright.

But why? 

What you're seeing here is a bird whiffling, which is a zig-zagging maneuver that helps it rapidly descend. Every now and then when birds whiffle, they'll rotate their bodies 180 degrees and fly upside down. What's particularly noteworthy about this is that they'll keep their head twisted so that it retains its normal position. 

This photo is a perfect example of how being in the right place at the right time can yield some incredibly interesting wildlife shots. 

The acrobatic goose only maintained that position for a few seconds, and immediately before landing on the water, flipped its body back around for the splash down.

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Latest Buzz

Step carefully: Cooler weather sends stink bugs indoors

10/2/2023

With summerlike temperatures on the way out, it's the time of year when stink bugs start making their way into our homes. Resist the urge to stomp on or squish them or you'll quickly learn how these insects got their name.

Read more

Not guilty: Stop blaming wolf spiders for invading your home

10/2/2023

Wolf spiders tend to get a bad rap in autumn for invading your house as the weather cools, but they are mostly being falsely accused. 

Read more