Lonely goose... (update with ending)

[Camelot Farms]

I think you'll like this story, although the ending hasnt been determined....read. You'll see what I mean.

Nearly every day we drive by an enormous private pond which when we first moved here 3 years ago was inhabited by Canadian Geese and one pair of Toulouse Geese. I always liked to watch the domesticated geese visiting with the touristy Canadian geese. Then, 2 years ago the male was killed by a car leaving Mrs. Toulouse all alone on the pond except for the tourists who come and go through the spring and summer. I felt so bad for her in the winter as she was all alone when the Canadians left to finish their migration. She would be walking around all alone or just floating on the pond.

Then this Spring I nearly wrecked the truck when I saw her and 5 babies! I pulled the truck over and sure enough she had two identical to her, 2 Canadian and 1 that looks like a blend.

Who knew that this could happen?

So now I back to being worried because the migration will begin again very soon and I dont know what will happen? Will the tourist's migration instincts be stronger than his mating instincts? Will he stay or will he go? And what about the babies? Can any of them fly? What if all the babies and Mr. Canada leave? Mrs. Toulouse will be devastated.

I realize that I have other things to worry about but this bugs me...

What do you think will happen?


Woohoo! They stayed

I worried a few days ago when mama was there by herself for 2 days. I was sure that papa goose had absconded with the young'uns. But, then they were back. I wonder if they did fly off but realized that mama was not up for the road trip and came back?

Now I am wondering what the property owner will do when they realize that while they have 7 permanent resident geese today, next Spring, they may have 50+!

This just cannot be good...

 

[thebritt]

Maybe the ones that look like Mom won't be able to fly...? That sure makes for an interesting experiment! You could call Fish and Game and ask to speak with a biologist, and ask if he/she has had any experience or read any studies on this type of situation. I'm sure it's happened and been documented sometime before.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree. That's what I'd have to do or else I'd worry all winter!

 

[thebritt]

"The Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary" site says that the hybrid offspring of domestic and wild goose matings cannot fly to migrate, hence the potential for overpopulation of these hybrids in parks, etc. People release their unwanted Easter purchases, when they realize how big and messy they become, into parks. When interbreeding happens with the wild populations, you get the situation you're seeing now. The mom and babies will most likely stay nad breed, according to what I've read so far.

 

[English Chick]

can't comment.. but want to know the outcome!

 

[adrian]

Those birds, the crosses and the domestic, should be taken into a farm. They might not be able to find food in the winter and die. It's a dangerous situation. It's a sweet story but you do have to worry...

 

[Camelot Farms]

They appear to have no shortage of food. The domestic ones have been there for years and the tourists raise hundreds of babies on this pond every year.

The pond is a private pond, in someones front yard. Its at least an acre or maybe more.

So while they arent on a farm, the domestic ones do belong to someones.

I just always feel sad for her on days when the Canadians are not around and she is wandering around alone.

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Awwww Kim, you're such a softy! I'm the same way. LOL I'd be worried as well.

Laurie

 

[Camelot Farms]

A 'happy ending' added to post 1

 

[Chickies-duckies-etc]

Talk to the people that own the pond and see what they are thinking.....

They may be thrilled like you are that the goose now has a family. If they want help at any time to find homes for the extras, then if you can, help with that. Perhaps some members here would like a pet goose or two, or many....

Oh yes, the crosses make wonderful pets, but they have NO respect for fences. Just something to go over while they are going wherever they want to go.