By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Goose (plural geese) is a bird of any of several waterfowl species in the family Anatidae. This group comprises the genera Anser (the grey geese and white geese) and Branta (the black geese).
The Goose typically migrates in the fall and in order to prepare for this travel they start in the summer by igniting a process called molting. A process where the birds shed their old feathers and grow new ones to prepare for the journey ahead.
Studies say, during the process of molting, geese are unable to fly and tend to reside in the water for protection. Baby geese that are born in the spring are typically ready for travel by the time fall comes around. Unlike animals who hibernate, geese eat more during the time they prepare for migration.
Also,.Migratory geese, unlike other migratory birds, wait until their environment is no longer supplementing them with resources before they decide to travel. In order to travel, geese remember landmarks as well as use the Sun and the Moon, and past experience to navigate their journey. For orientation, geese use Earth’s magnetic field.
Different flocks in the same area typically travel along the same path. They do not travel nonstop, they take breaks at common landmarks for other flocks to gain fat that was lost during flying. Geese have to adjust and accommodate their migration habits for changes in the environment, and must remain flexible. In just 24 hours the migratory goose can travel about 1,500 miles.
Geese fly in a V formation. During flight, communication between each bird is important and the V formation can make that easier. They use this technique for two reasons, to slow down energy loss and to keep track of every bird in the formation.
Well-known sayings about geese
“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander” means that what is an appropriate treatment for one person is equally appropriate for someone else.
Saying that someone’s “goose is cooked” means that they are about to be punished.
The common phrase “silly goose” is used when referring to someone who is acting particularly silly.
Scientists say the average lifespan of the goose ranges between 20—25 years. Goose reaches sexual maturity at two to three years of age, after which they form life-long monogamous mating pairs.
The annual life cycle of a goose begins in late winter, when adult pairs return to nest areas in late February or March, or as soon as ice melts. Five to 6 eggs are laid during 1 to 2 weeks and are incubated for 4 weeks in March or April. Eggs hatch in late April or early May, depending on location.
At appropriate densities, Canada geese provide many ecological benefits. Geese disperse seeds by consuming fruits and berries and then depositing the seeds in feces in another location. They also enrich ecosystems through nutrient inputs (feces) and as prey items for several predatory species, including raptors, foxes, coyotes, and snakes. However, an overabundant Canada goose population can negatively impact ecosystems.
The Goose & the Golden Egg
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Once upon a time, in a small farm on the outskirts of the city lived a hardworking farmer. With him lived eight cows and four geese on the farm.
Every morning had the same routine. First the farmer went into the cow shed to milk the cows. After placing the large milking bucket under the first cow, he gently began to milk.
After a few practiced moves, the bucket was already well filled and the cows thanked their farmer with a loud “mooo”.
The farmer then went to the goose house to collect the eggs from his geese. Carefully, he placed one by one in a small basket and patted the geese lovingly.
Every Wednesday and Saturday, the farmer took the milk and eggs to the small marketplace in the center of town. There all the farmers of the town offered their goods for sale.
The farmer led a happy and contented life. On his farm he had everything he needed.
One morning he came once again with his little basket to the goose house to collect the eggs. One by one he put them into the basket, until suddenly he was startled.
Out of the nest of the largest and most magnificent goose flashed a golden egg. It was not white and dull like the other eggs, but shone in brilliant gold.
The farmer euphorically grabbed the golden egg and ran into his parlor, where he examined the egg extensively. And indeed: the entire egg was made of pure gold.
Out of his mind with happiness, the farmer took the egg to the marketplace and presented it to the local jewelry merchant. “You’ve found a particularly valuable treasure,” said the jewelry merchant. “I’ll pay you a good price if you sell me the egg!” The farmer chimed in and returned to his farm with his pockets full of money.
The next morning he could hardly believe his luck when another golden egg lay in the nest of the largest and most magnificent goose. Again, he sold this one for a small fortune in the town’s marketplace.
Day after day this miracle repeated itself from now on and the farmer quickly became a wealthy man. But a short time later the farmer became impatient and thought: “Why can’t the goose lay two or three golden eggs a day? That would make me rich much faster!”
Finally, one morning, he had an idea: “If the big, magnificent goose lays a golden egg every morning, surely it is itself made entirely of pure gold. So why should I wait every day for a small golden egg when I can have a big goose of pure gold right away?”
Without further ado, the farmer hurried to the goose house and slaughtered the large, magnificent goose. But what he saw shocked him deeply. The goose was not made of pure gold, but of ordinary goose meat, just like any other goose.
So in no time at all, the farmer had lost both: his big, magnificent goose and a golden egg every new morning.
The story of the goose that laid golden eggs illustrates the negative consequences of greed. Although the farmer was able to take a golden egg from the nest each morning, he became greedy over time. Instead of being satisfied with what was already a very happy situation, he demands ever greater and faster wealth. As a result, he becomes so blind in his actions that he eventually destroys the source of his own happiness.
