For the Birds Radio Program: Canada Goose (For the Birds book/script)
Some geese have figured out how to elude hunters by moving into cities. (Date uncertain–taken from For the Birds: An Uncommon Guide while I was writing the book)
Transcript
Many geese have figured out how to beat the hunting season. Since cities and towns usually prohibit the discharging of firearms, geese that stay in parks, arboretums, golf courses, and zoos have a better chance of surviving autumn than wilder geese. Geese are gregarious—one crippled or tame bird in a park attracts migrants flying overhead, and as they discover that food is abundant and no one is shooting at them, they settle in, becoming an urban flock often learning to take handouts from people. Some geese wintering in a Madison, Wisconsin, zoo were banded in the Canadian wilderness, where they return every spring. Canada Geese learn their migratory routes from their parents and grandparents, and, being true conservatives, when they find a system that works, they continue with it for generations.
One crippled goose may stay in a park year-round. If it attracts a mate during winter, the mate won’t leave its side, and many of their babies will stay, too, attracting mates of their own during the next fall migration. From such small beginnings are urban goose problems born.
One fall, a crippled Canada Goose hobbled along a road north of Duluth, its mate walking beside it. Every now and then the mate flew up, seemingly encouraging the other to fly, but after circling once or twice, it always resumed walking. People watched the two make their way, mile after mile, for two days. Then the crippled goose was hit by a car. The mate stood by the body for a time, then flew off, alone.