They made a cute couple, were obviously friends and followed each other around as if they were tied together with an invisible rope.
At one point they decided to take a swim.
We observed and enjoyed.
Duck and Goose seemed to be heading in different directions at one point.
And then I got 'the look'.
Mr. Goose stared at me, then started swimming back to shore. As he waddled onto the bank a few yards from where I was standing, still with that laser-focused look, I said to myself I think I am moving.
I am not sure if he was looking to me with the hopes of some food.
But I decided it prudent to head in the other direction.
Very wise said Companion Duck who followed close behind.
A couple of beauties they may have been, but I had visions (memory told before) of a six year old girl with sandwich in hand, being chased down by a white goose many, many years ago, pecking at her legs, screaming (me) as I ran. Yes, screaming all the way back to my aunty who calmly said, "You should have dropped the sandwich!". Oh well, lesson learned!
I had no food but I was taking no chances. We left the two companions eyeing another couple sitting down at the picnic table nearby, and continued our walk.
Lovely that their cross species friendship is so strong.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, my wimpy self would have been leaving the river bank to them.
I think so too and I think they deserved their own space :)
DeleteLOL. Geese can get mean, so it is wise to be cautious.
ReplyDeleteAgree totally Linda :)
DeleteLovely story. We have a local goose who protects a duck and her ducklings. Very similar too your pals.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane, how interesting about your goose :)
DeleteThey are absolutely adorable best friends!! So very sweet. I would not have thought to drop the sandwich either.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ginny, I guess this 6 year old was too busy fleeing :)
DeleteQuite an experience for a six year old, but it explains why you are so interested in wild life. Of course it could have gone the other way and made you terrified for ever. It struck me today how majestic geese and swans are with their gracefully long necks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerie, I have always had a fascination and love for wildlife, passed on by my father and his mother I think, who used to feed strays in her neighborhood. Two very loving people I have great memories of. I think that helped not being too fearful of animals. I remember my dog being attacked by another dog when I was taking him a walk. It was a horrible experience and I was around ten, but even that didn't stop my love of wildlife. We always were surrounded by animals, dogs and police dogs because of my dad's work colleagues, cats, rabbits. I agree how graceful those birds are.
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful couple, Mr. Kaczor and Mrs. Kaczuszka. Cool photos, bravo!
How lovely Lucyna, and thank you :)
DeleteMagnificas estas fotografias e aproveito para desejar uma boa semana.
ReplyDeleteAndarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
Obrigado e gostaria de desejar o mesmo :)
DeleteI like the story in words and pictures about the two companions and their interesting behaviour. I would have enjoyed watching them, but also would have been wary of the goose's steely look and walked on as you did.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda, I have learned a great deal about body behavior over the years :)
DeleteI once had a goose charge me and I remembered what a man had told me to do - raise your arms up like they are wings and it will stop them in their tracks, apparently that is a threatening posture that geese and other like fowl recognize and pay heed to. It worked and the goose stopped it's charge.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's quite a story and I will have to remember that tip. Thanks Linda :)
DeleteHi Denise. I enjoyed the story and photos. The ducks and geese are cute! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen. Happy you enjoyed. Enjoy your day too :)
DeleteHaha … you had a wise aunty! However, I also admire your inclination to hang onto what was rightfully yours. :) In hindsight tossing that goose just a small piece of the sandwich might have made both you and the goose happy.
ReplyDeleteShe was very wise Penelope ;) Hard to know what was in that six year old's mind but she was too busy screaming and running - lol! And yes, shuddah, cuddah, didnah, lol!
DeleteSpectacular shots!
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine :)
DeleteYou're right . Some of the big birds can be very aggressive and deliver powerful blows.
ReplyDeleteI know there are guard dog geese in some places. I guess that says a lot :) Thanks Red!
DeleteI LOVE THIS STORY... now I am wondering why they are together.. I bet there is a great story there... excellent photo story of this goose/duck relationship... I would have left to. I don't do geese or turkeys or roosters, for the same reason. not fond memories from the distant past
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra, it would have been interesting to be at the beginning of that friendship and yes, probably would make a great story. Old experiences can change us. Thanks Sandra :)
DeleteThanks for this delightful post!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome Cloudia :)
DeleteHi Denise,
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly lovely thing to watch, they we obviously very fond of each other, but the Goose was not over fond of you.
I have been chased by geese and its not something I would want to repeat, and I didn't have a sandwich to drop either.
All the best,
John
Thank you John, it really was. No not fond of me but I was very fond of them by the time we left :) We have both been chased by geese then? All the best to you too.
DeleteQuite a mix of birds!
ReplyDeleteThank you William :)
DeleteI have never been chased by a goose or duck, but any time I am near them, I tend to be on the careful side.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, me too but maybe they didn’t like me pointing the camera at them. I keep my distance but it is hard when they head your way :)
DeleteEnjoyed seeing you feathered friends, Denise, and wondering if that pair are still together too.
ReplyDeleteHi Dorothy, so glad and I hope so :) I have a feeling they are.
DeleteSuch a darling post, Denise! You wisely did the right thing that day. It sounds like the Goose was hoping for a handout. I've been chased by a goose and it's frightening. I was an adult, I can't imagine how a child would feel.
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha Ellen :) it was scary. I am learning quite a few have had their own geese chasing experiences.
DeleteA lovely pairing and you got some great shots of them Denise. I am just about to go to Australia for 6 weeks but have all my post scheduled in (bit of a marathon that was!) Unfortunately I will not be commenting while I am away but as often as I can will look at bloggers posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret and how wonderful you are off to Australia. Happy travels! I look forward to seeing your photos when you get back.
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