Geese Gone Wild
It’s that time of year again when Canadian geese start their yearly mating rituals. These protected birds seem to be plentiful in the Midwest as they flock to fresh water. The company I work for has a small, man-made lake on the property that is home to many geese….. it’s egg laying time again, and they’re back.
Normally, there aren’t any real issues, other than the geese taking their time crossing the drive…….oh, and having to watch where you step. People usually come and go without any trouble, however, during mating season they become overly aggressive and down right intimidating. Everyone dreads the possibility of confrontation on a daily basis.
The geese fight for prime nesting real estate, and unfortunately several of these areas are near in proximity to the building doors, both front and back. Early in the season, before spots are occupied there is a great deal of honking, flapping and squawking, over which pair will take ownership. During this time, if a human gets in the middle of the battle, chaos ensues.
We have a term known in my building as being “swooped”…..everyone dreads it will happen to them. I have been swooped on three separate occasions, thankfully, all not in the same season. The male goose will sit in strategic locations, specifically on the roof and over the door. If he feels you are a threat to the nest, the swooping begins.
The first time I was “swooped”, before I ever knew it existed, I was headed to my car, I heard a loud whooshing noise that was getting closer, and louder. As I turn around, this angry goose, with what seemed like a 6 foot wing span, was headed right for my head. I barely had time to react as I ducked just in time……WHAT THE!
Another “swooping” happened coming from a different building, and as luck would have it a pair was on the sidewalk where I had to pass. Being a farmgirl, it was no big deal, until I spotted a third goose honking and sqwacking from the roof. Before I had the chance again to react, I was in the middle of a love triangle, as the two males fought over the female. Several people witnessed the whole ordeal, which I still haven’t lived down.
Last year, a pair made a nest in a planter right outside a nearby window and we were able to watch as the mama sat on her eggs while her mate stood watch over the nest. We were lucky to watch during hatching.
These creatures mate for life and fiercely protect their young. Even though they usually won’t bother people, beware during mating season and geese gone wild.
xoxox…..Sheryl