As soon as the nest site is occupied the male goose uses "Bird
Language" to defend the surrounding area
from any intruders. The "Bird Language" is not just vocal but includes
some very obvious gestures.
When another goose or a predator approaches the nesting territory,
the male goose exhibits an "upright -neck" display, with its neck held
straight and vertical and its head horizontal. The unwelcome guest is
then warned with loud bursts of typical goose honks. If the intruder
continues to enter the territory the male goose performs a
"bent-necked" display with his neck coiled
back. its head lowered and pointed towards the trespasser. Then with
hissing sounds it charges its aggressor. If the intruder still
persists the goose arcs its head back and forth and drives its
opponent off with snapping beak and beating wings.
Once you become familiar with
these different displays they are easily recognized and make goose
watching an interesting past time.
