The Canada Geese of Greensboro seemed to have forgotten that their ancestors used to migrate to and from Canada. This generation is content to live in the Wal-Mart parking lot, along Battleground Avenue, and in Country Park. The neck bands are useful in gathering data on a given goose's travels and migratory patterns. The Bird Banding Laboratory has a 1-800 number to report the whereabouts of a banded bird (1-800-327-BAND). We have to chuckle because we're pretty sure K5H7 is content to spend the remainder of her life in Country Park. We doubt she migrates back to Canada. However, if you ever see K5H7 in your neck of the woods, please report the whereabouts of the sighting here, on Greensboro Daily Photo, (as well as calling the 1-800 number).
Canada geese, on average live 10-15 years. They can live up to 40 years. If you want to hear what one sounds like, listen here. Many people complain, especially owners of golf courses, as each goose can generate up to a pound of "poop" a day (times 20-30 birds times 365 days, wow!). If your yard has been selected for their waste dumping, you may can enlist the help of the poop patrol. Unfortunately, that particular franchise has not yet arrived in Greensboro.
We're sharing this with Camera Critters and Monochrome Maniacs. K5H7 is saying to me, "We're not going anywhere!" She was so tame, I got as close to her are you are to your computer screen. Ever notice how in a flock, at least ONE goose always has her head up to be on guard for the flock?
Nice capture! and it'll probably never come over here but if by any chance I spot her I'll let you know :)
Posted by: Ewa | Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 07:33 AM
What happens when her neck itches under this collar?
Posted by: Irina | Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 09:50 AM
She has such an amused expression!
Posted by: Dragonstar | Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 11:11 AM
What a great pic! But sorry to hear they don't migrate as they should...
Posted by: Lady Fi | Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 11:47 AM
Great entry this week! Nice shot as well! :)
Posted by: Eds | Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 12:24 PM
I think they're beautiful birds, but boy can they be honkin' maniacs! I hope they didn't try to run you off!
Posted by: PJ | Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Great neckwear they are sporting. Our parks are full of Canada Geese and yes they make a lot of poop that is sometimes hard to avoid in the park.
Posted by: Valerie | Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 04:00 PM
I aodre geese
there is something so regal about them yet always comical
great photo
Posted by: dianne | Saturday, September 04, 2010 at 05:00 PM
This goose has a rather bemused look on her face! Loved your information attached too!
Posted by: Gemma@Greyscale | Sunday, September 05, 2010 at 04:08 AM
keeping my eyes peeled for K5H7... wonder if she's like a holiday Down Under ;)
Posted by: Manz | Thursday, September 09, 2010 at 03:29 AM
What a great photograph. The Canadian love to visit down on the Maury River at our friend’s home. We will keep an eye out for K5H7. Of all the ones that have come through and stopped for a visit, we have never seen one with a neckband. Very interesting.
Genie
Posted by: Eugenia Robinson | Monday, September 27, 2010 at 08:12 PM
Lots of geese don't migrate anymore; for a couple of reasons including much of their wetlands have been destroyed by humans and the second is when they were almost extinct they were introduced to places like Gainsboro to build up their population. But no matter - blame it on the geese simply not migrating.
This is not a female goose - this is a gander and yes the gander is constantly on the alert to protect for his mate and/or goslings.
I don't know how this goose moves his neck to preen or tuck his head into his wings without this asinine thing pressing into his neck; I imagine when he eats and her crop gets full he must feel like he is choking. When geese fight each other they grab each other by the neck. Whowever dreamed up this abominable thing can't know a lot about geese, their physiology, or how they move their necks. Actually if I saw this goose I would take that inhumane band off.
Please remember, humans have destroyed much of their natural habitat so it is not like the geese has that much choice and yes they have to live anyplace there is water and grass.
Posted by: Marion Ambler | Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Thank you Marion Ambler for educating us on geese and ganders. We are learning so much from our own blog thanks to visitors like you.
Posted by: Greensboro Daily Photo | Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 08:26 PM