Generation after generation of migrating birds will follow the same flyway to their destination. Each new flock of geese is guided by their elders on their first journey and after that, they always know their way. It’s fascinating to think about the great journeys that these birds take year after year, like clockwork.

I mention geese because I recently came across a beautiful movie that I had seen a while back. Fly Away Home is a 1996 film, directed by Carroll Ballard. It is about the young daughter of a widower (Jeff Daniels) who, with her father, leads a flock of Canada geese from Canada to a wildlife refuge in the US.

When the geese hatch the first living being they see is young Amy Alden (Anna Paquin). They believe that she is their mother and start following her around. As the geese grow and mature, it becomes obvious to Thomas (Jeff Daniels), Amy, and all their friends that the birds must migrate or the game warden will return to pinion their wings.

Her father, Thomas Alden, comes to the rescue. He devises a plan, to get the geese to follow Amy in an air craft, and so begins their great journey. Amy is not happy to lose her companions but she realizes it is for the best.

The movie is an absolute delight to watch. With spectacular visuals and stunning performances from the entire cast, it is no wonder that Fly Away Home was the most critically acclaimed movie of the year. There is a lot to love about this evocative family oriented film.

What I love most, is the message of the film. More than taking care of someone, sometimes the best thing you can do is teach them how to take care of themselves.