Good evening, Tweets:

Can anyone give me any information regarding the behavior of Canada Geese?
Specifically, if a Goose should somehow get separated from its flock, or lose
its mate, do they simply join another one? Do other flocks welcome a stray,
or send them packing? Also, how does one tell the age of a goose, and whether
it is a male or female?

We seem to have a stray on Pine Lake. Normally, there are about 20-25 Canada
Geese that visit each day, arriving early in the morning, leaving and then
returning in the very late afternoon. One day about a month ago, I noticed
that when they all flew off in unison, one stayed behind. He stayed all by
himself the entire day, (which earned him the name "The Lone Gooseman" or
"LG" for short.) He now seems to be around almost every day, and frankly, I
can't say I've ever seen him fly. I wonder if he can?

Anyway, two days ago, "LG" came into our yard, and he was clearly injured. He
has a little bald spot on the back of his neck, and his feathers in various
places look more than just a little ruffled. But the worst of his injuries is
his left leg. It has been badly injured, almost ripped, in fact, just above
the point where his skinny black "leg" begins. He limps, and when he goes
down a step, he falls flat on his face. Clearly, it hurts him to walk on it,
but he does anyway, very carefully.

Is it possible another goose did this to him? Do they "turn" on each other? I
realize there are many other possibilities, but LG used to at least join the
others when they flew in, but not tonight. A flock numbering 22 was nibbling
away, and I was kind of happy to see that at least LG had some company. Then
I noticed a single goose sitting on an abandoned dock just across from my
house, and I just knew it was LG, because as soon as he saw me, he came over
to me. I believe he is a wild goose, but he does seem much "friendlier" than
any other goose I have ever seen. In fact, he has grown quite comfortable
around us, and will come right onto our deck just outside the kitchen door!
Usually, I am loathe to feed Geese, but about a week ago, I made an
exception. Now, LG prefers to eat seed right out of my hand.

I would appreciate any information or insights you might be able to provide.

Linda Davey
Sammamish, WA
LDavey at aol.com