Sunday Morning Gallery - A Photographic Study of Canadian Geese

My fascination with birds continues. I took these photos on a warm balmy February day. Thinking back, our winter was much warmer than our spring! But I digress. My friend and I found ourselves heading to a local park after our lunch. We just could not stay inside on such a beautiful day. I had my camera with me and as we talked quietly at the water's edge a pair of geese took a liking to our voices. They swam closer and closer and then just floated peacefully sleeping not more than a few feet away. It was endearing to see such trust in a wild creature. They did come ashore finally and the male, at least the larger one, laid at my feet like the family dog. Now tell me, who could not find that touching and sweet!

Canadian Geese

I really love Canadian Geese. Living near Fort Collins, Colorado, I am very aware that many consider them pests. Fort Collins is home to more than 10,000 full-time residents and about 100,000 migratory geese. They poop everywhere and they especially love to frequent golf courses. And then there is the recent plane crash that Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger landed in the Hudson River. Yes, Canadian Geese were the cause. But all that said I admire their beauty, their antics, and their monogamous nature.

A friend of mine who used to hunt geese told me he had to stop hunting them. After shooting one unlucky bird the mate kept flying overhead honking and would not leave the area after the rest of the flock flew away. He was so touched he gave up hunting.

Adult geese are also great parents often seen leading their goslings in a line, usually with one parent at the front, and the other at the back. While protecting their goslings, parents often violently chase away nearby creatures including humans by giving off a hissing sound and giving chase. And believe me, if you are unlucky enough to be chased by a goose, you will run!