Goose, says good-bye.

"It's almost time," said Goose. She gazed up at the clear blue sky. She felt the warm spring sun on her back. A gentle breeze ruffled her feathers. She hoped the breeze would blow toward the North tomorrow. That was when she would begin her flight back to Canada. A tail wind always helped.

Goose waddled over to the old oak tree. The tree grew next to the pond that Goose had called home for the past six months. She found Squirrel nibbling an acorn at the base of the tree.

"I came to say good-bye," said Goose. "I'm flying north tomorrow."

"There's nothing like a change in scenery now and then," said Squirrel. "I took a little vacation to Taylor Farm last week. I had a great time playing hide-and-seek with the rabbits."

"No," said Goose. "I'm not taking a little vacation. I'll be gone for six months."

"I'll miss you, but I hope you have fun," said Squirrel. She scampered off in search of more acorns.

Goose waddled over to the edge of the pond. She found Beaver swimming near the shore.

"Want to play duck, duck, goose?" asked Beaver. "I could ask Duck to join us. He's swimming nearby."

"I don't have time to play," said Goose. "I came to say good-bye. I'm leaving for Canada tomorrow."

"I had a cousin who moved to Mexico a few years ago," said Beaver. "She liked the climate there. Every now and then she sends a postcard."

"No," said Goose. "I'm not moving away forever. I'll be back in the fall."

Have a safe trip, and don't forget to write," said Beaver. He swam off to look for a playmate.

Goose continued around the lake until she found her friend Turtle. Turtle was sunning himself on a rock at the edge of the pond.

"I came to say good-bye," said Goose. "I have to leave for Canada tomorrow."

"I had an uncle who had to leave the pond," said Turtle. "He grew too big and he needed more space. The park ranger moved him to a lake."

"No one is making me leave," said Goose. "All the geese are leaving. We'll be back in the fall."

"I certainly hope so," said Turtle, and he slipped into the water.

Goose was settling herself in for the night when she heard Owl call, "Whoo, whoo?"

"It's just me," said Goose. "I'm going to sleep. Tomorrow's a busy day."

"Migration?" said Owl.

"Goodness!" said Goose. "You know?"

"Of course," said Owl. "That's what Canada geese do. They fly north in the spring and south in the fall. Have six months gone by already?"

"Yes," said Goose. "Tomorrow's the big day."

"Hope you get a tail wind," said Owl, and off he flew in search of dinner.

"See you in September," called Goose.