Hubby Tony and I were walking home from the grocery store yesterday when I saw a pair of geese. The female was on top of a retaining wall (where I assume there was a nest). The male was keeping watch on the sidewalk below her. I was walking on the other side of the two-lane entrance to the strip mall, but after I snapped the photo the male still hissed at me.
After passing the pair I stopped paying attention, so when I rounded the corner at the street I almost ran into the second pair of geese standing on the sidewalk. Once again I got hissed at, and the male started toward me. I had to quickly step out of the way.
Five years ago: Take Me Out To The (Daytime) Ball Game
Such large birds can be quite alarming when they're being defensive. I'm always wary of swans.
ReplyDeleteI will keep that in mind the next time I see a swan.
DeleteWhy are geese and swans never used in falconry?
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Because then they would have to change the name of the sport?
DeleteI never thought of that.
DeleteYeah, don't mess with the Cobra Chickens!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't familiar with the term cobra chicken, but when the internet told me it was because of their hiss the whole thing made sense.
DeleteInteresting story dear Kathy
ReplyDeleteI am familiar with mom chicken hissing at me when they were carrying their chicks along, I remember group of ducks would get aggressive and advance towards me and my sister while we cross them for the school
Your photos are excellent 👍
I guess all parents want to protect their young.
DeleteI love Canada geese. They only become aggressive when they feel threatened or if you get too close to them when they have goslings to protect.
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense.
DeleteWe were attacked on a sidewalk like that, we had to move away as quickly as we could
ReplyDeleteYikes!
DeleteIt's too bad humans have invaded their territory!
ReplyDeleteFor the geese in this area, human landscaping choices have created "artificial" habitats that encourage the goose populations.
DeleteGeese make me laugh. I used to go to the park early in the morning with my daughter when she was little and the geese would scare so many people.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you know to not invade the goose's space they don't have to be scary.
DeleteWe're so sorry about our geese. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI'm not taking it personally :-)
DeleteThey sure can be intimidating.
ReplyDeleteI guess it's to be expected, when little ones are involved.
DeleteThere is truly no intimidation quite like a Canada Goose in April. They really do act like they own the entire sidewalk, don’t they? I’ve had a few stand-offs myself where I’ve realized that no matter how much bigger I am, the goose is definitely the one in charge. I hope you and Tony managed to navigate the 'gauntlet' safely.
ReplyDeleteGoose Couple #2 was more of a threat, but I managed to skirt by them.
DeleteI miss the geese that hatched babies at the campground. I see them close to Lake Chatuge, but not in our neighborhood. I think a bluejay has a nest around here. Kevin was watching the pair as they flew from tree to tree. I do not miss dealing with campers!!
ReplyDeleteI am sure angry campers are far down on your 'fun' list!
DeleteThose big birds can be scary! Wise to keep away.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we don't havee a geese problem, the many birds that nest around our house will dive bomb us while we're mowing the lawn or working in the garden.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they consider you an enemy who is trying to invade their territory.
DeleteOh yeah, those are tough birds!
ReplyDeleteWe had a returning canada geese pair that nested near one of our ponds at the woods house-yes they are very territorial for sure
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to me how they can find the same place to nest year after year.
DeleteUsually the pond across the street is full of them. I haven't seen any this year... yet.
ReplyDeleteI wonder where they went to?
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