Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

Canada Geese are so common that most people no longer take pictures of them. I'm not one of them. At the marsh (here we go again) reside two geese that have adopted me. They have not been named other than Karen started calling them Joe's kids. This pair have laid claim to me to the point where they occasionally think they have to defend me and that can be embarrassing.
As you'll see in the pictures, they almost live in my lap when I'm there. They are so determined as they swim across the pond when I'm in their sight.
They trust me entirely and when I rub them under their chins they make a murmuring sound, almost like a cat purring.
When I'm photographing other birds and they're still there, they will often fall asleep in my company.
On Wednesday I was with them and their new clutch from this year. I was playing with the goslings, who make delightful peeping sounds, while mom was checking my pocket for a treat. Believe me they rarely allow a human to do that with their kids.
When a Canada attacks, it's wings will be extended and it's beak wide open, making a hissing sound. The bird will bite but that's not what does the damage. It will be a strike from a wing.
Ask a farmer who uses domestic geese for an early warning system.
Canadas are no different.
In this Essay you'll see my kids up close an personal and in the air. Can't say the 'air' ones are mine. I doubt it.
Anyway you'll also see a humorous couple where I wound up between two of my friends.
Raquel, (Natalie named her) the Racoon, was coming out of the brush for a snack. One of my kids saw her and went into attack mode. I was in between. Had they met, the Racoon would have made short work of the goose but not before I got a few marks on me.
I intentionally threw some peanuts a few feet away and Raquel went after them. I then grabbed my kid by the lower mandible and settled him down. He lowered his wings and became quite calm. I could hear Moira, who took these pictures saying, "And how are you going to handle this, Dr. Doolittle?"
Believe me, I had no idea at the time but I do know what my kids can tolerate.

Here then is the 'Essay'.

The kids coming across the pond.


...or when they see me on the path.


A close up of one of them.


Sound asleep


Mom and her babies (from last year)


On the ice.


In the air


Air again.


Raquel for a visit


Soothing the protector.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Top essay. I would score you 10 out of 10 for it. You obviously have a great bond with these beautiful creatures. Thank you Joe & Moira for a great story & fabulous pics.

Cotondog Loc: Saskatchewan, Canada

Great story and great pictures. It sounds like your "kids" have adopted you as much as you have adopted them. Your affection for these birds comes through quite strongly in your story.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Great set!

bunuweld Loc: Arizona

Those are beautiful as well as lovely pictures. I am familiar with domestic geese and I guess their behavior is not that different. One thing I notice in your pictures of them flying is what appears to be a perfect synchrony of their wing beat. It does not look like it would be just accidental, but I had never noticed it before. Enjoy your adopted kids!

bunuweld Loc: Arizona

Sorry! Duplicate



Those are beautiful as well as lovely pictures. I am familiar with domestic geese and I guess their behavior is not that different. One thing I notice in your pictures of them flying is what appears to be a perfect synchrony of their wing beat. It does not look like it would be just accidental, but I had never noticed it before. Enjoy your adopted kids!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Another thoroughly delightful story and photos. You are bird whisperer extraordinaire!

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

Thank you very much. How kind you are in your assessment of the essay. My interaction with the animals is everything. I'll let Moira know.

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

I certainly hope it goes both ways. I'm so glad you liked it. Thank you.

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

Thanks.

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

This is truly great Joe and very encouraging.
We have had a pair spending the last four Summers with us. I've always thought it best to leave them alone, even when they're almost in our front door.
We throw out corn and they clean it all up.
This year, Sandra has started talking to them, giving them a good 20 feet of space. They don't shy away from her now into the water.
The gosling appear to be fearless sleeping like puppies in a heap on our lawn.
She has not seen this essay, but when she returns tomorrow from from a trip, she'll really be excited.
We need to get some peanuts and leave a chair so Sandra can sit out when they're around.
We won't push hard.
So thanks for this and the encouragement it provides us.

Pierre

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

I'm afraid the synchronous flight is accidental. I have too many BIF shots where the wings are all over the place.
I'm so glad you enjoyed this little venture. Thank you.

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

Thank you very much Linda. Do you suppose that we ex Navy types are all a little different? ;)

tracyhuyler Loc: Beaver Dams, NY

beautiful. Enjoyed very much.

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

I don't know if she's willing to do this or not Pierre but suggest that she sit down on the lawn when she does that.
To wild animals, size means everything. A person standing up is intimidating to them. When you're closer to their level they respond much better.
Also, the geese may not be able to break a peanut shell the first time. That's an acquired skill. Lots around here. have no clue what to do with a peanut. My kids are like David Copperfield. See it.....now you don't.
Jack is a master at it.