I've had a pair of Canada Geese Summer over here for years. Don't know if it's the same pair every year, but like to think it is.

They arrived again this year and any time I saw one, I saw the other. Usually the female (I assume...the smaller of the two) dabbling in the grass and mudholes and the male standing guard.

The last week or so, I've just had the big one. No sign of his (again, I assume) mate anywhere. Initially I thought she might be nesting somewhere, but I'd think he'd stay close to the nest and the nest would be down by the water, not up in the middle of my field. Too open, I keep it mowed with a finish mower.

Then today, I saw him again, on his own and when a small flight of geese flew over, he flattened himself right out, neck fully extended, head right down on the ground. It seemed obvious to me that he was trying to minimize his profile...hide himself.

Only thing I can figure is that he lost his mate somehow. Would that account for the odd behavior? If an adult goose loses a mate, do they "remarry"?

He's Sicilian...witness protection program.

I've always heard that they mate for life, but no idea what the rest is all about.

quote:

Originally posted by Patriot:
He's Sicilian...witness protection program.

So...if they spot him, his goose is cooked?