Roz experiences her first autumn, with frost and changing leaves. She watches some animals changing, with more fur and feathers, and hears other animals talk about hibernation.

Roz learns that migratory birds fly south for the winter, including geese.

Brightbill asks Roz if it is true what the other goslings say, that the geese will leave the island and not return for many months. Roz replies that it is true and tells him that she cannot come along. Brightbill asks if he can stay on the island with Roz, but she thinks it is best for him to migrate with the flock.

Roz cannot answer Brightbill’s questions about the migration, so they go to ask the geese. Loudwing and the others reply that they will fly for a few weeks to reach their destination at a lake in the south.

Back in the Nest, Brightbill tells Roz that lately he has had a strong urge to fly. Roz explains that those are his instincts. Brightbill says that he will worry about Roz while he is gone, but she assures him that she will be fine.