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Canada Geese I sketched the birds on acid-free tan mat board from several photos I had taken while teaching biological oceanography at the Wallops Island Marine Science Consortium on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I first painted with white acrylic then applied watercolor over the white and added grasses and water. A black head and neck with white "chinstrap" distinguishes Canada Geese, Branta canadensis. Native to Canada and the northern United States, Canada geese have also reached northern Europe naturally as well as the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Siberia, eastern China, and Japan. They were introduced to Britain in the late 17th century as an addition to King James II's waterfowl collection in St. James' Park and into New Zealand as a game bird where they have become local pests. Over-hunting and loss of habitat in the late 1800s and early 1900s had resulted in a serious decline in the numbers of birds in their native range by the early 20th century. With improved game laws and habitat preservation programs, populations have mostly recovered. In fact, they are now considered pests in some areas for their droppings, aggressive behavior, and noise. The original acrylic/watercolor is in a private collection but limited edition prints and note cards are available. Click here for availability and price.