one place we lived in, the geese were in a yard that was right off the back of the house. the bedroom window was really low to the ground on that side. I quickly realized that the geese would stand just outside the window and watch us for any movement... as soon as either one of us would roll over too start waking up in the morning, they'd start honking and keep at it, while staring at us, until we went out to feed.
I was out working on our new duck run yesterday and turning the garden beds include therein. The whole time I was turning the beds and incorporating ducky compost the six ducks were standing there watching very intently. When I got done with a bed they hurriedly would run over and start noodling the dirt. They would just stand there until I got done, then dig in. Literally. My favorite drake looked up after one such event, looked straight at me,with his beak covered in dirt, and quacked as if to say 'thank you'! Then went back to noodling in the dirt. At least I choose to think he said thank you.