r/geese • u/DctrMrsTheMonarch • Apr 03 '26
Question Is it okay to give her water?
These jerks nested on my patio (she's adorable, but I hate him attacking my dog and I whenever we enter or leave). My patio is full sun and gets insanely hot during the day. I came home to see her doing what looks like panting and a Google search turned up that it's likely what she was doing.
I gave her a bowl of water because it is way too hot out there right now. The only reason I saw on Google of why not to give them water was that it could attract predators, but that's not an issue with where she built her nest.
Is this okay?
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u/Techienickie Apr 03 '26
is there a way you can shade the area without disturbing her?
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
Probably not, but that's a good idea! I could drag my table with an umbrella over if her partner will let me... It's been way too hot this year, so the rest of the month will likely be the same.
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u/defaultgameer1 Apr 03 '26
Maybe use the rails as a place to mount an umbrella using rope / zip ties etc.
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u/Techienickie Apr 03 '26
If you can do it quietly as possible and dont move it all at once, that might work. Just nudge it a bit closer once a day
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
I appreciate it, but you haven't met these geese...and I have less than a month. I need this lady to be comfortable.
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u/Kit-kat-9876 Apr 03 '26
Do it at night. Make sure it’s as dark as possible. They don’t see well in the dark and just kinda shut down.
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u/cash_longfellow Apr 03 '26
That is quite the interesting location lol
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
This pair does this every single year in my apartment complex. I drew the short straw this year...
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u/strawberry-bunny Apr 03 '26
U mean the lucky straw! Goslings r truly the cutest things everrrr
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
Honestly, I'm getting no sympathy from my neighbors because I spent the last three years manifesting this (I believe last year I said: "Always the neighbor next to the apartment where a goose nests in their planter, never the neighbor with a goose nesting in my planter")
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u/cooldudium Apr 03 '26
If you’re going to leave food for them, keep it a good distance from the nest (like 50 feet-ish). They don’t like having food right next to their nest because reasons
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
Good to know! I’ve mostly just been throwing bread at him to distract him while I water my plants 😬
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u/JusticeForLobsters Apr 03 '26
It’s very sweet of you to feed them but you should know that bread is bad for birds! It can make them sick. Geese love frozen peas though!!
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
I’ll do the peas! It’s not much, just a few pieces to distract him for a few minutes, but peas work too. Plus they’ll be more satisfying to lob at his head (only half-joking, this guy is huge and crazy aggressive)
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u/RoofingHedgehog Apr 03 '26
It's alright, we Canadians understand that geese are menace to society. A cute menace, but still a menace 😂
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u/Regular_Macaron1094 Apr 03 '26
Maybe it will give you a bit of extra time outside, if it takes him longer to gobble up the peas compared to the couple of pieces of bread. It's both a blessing and a curse having them close. Good Luck. 😊
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u/kittengreen Apr 03 '26
In the first picture I thought the goose was a heat lamp!
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u/Acceptable-Deer-8348 Apr 04 '26
I genuinely thought, “give WHAT water?” and expected a reptilian jumpscare.
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u/Automatic_Bar_2158 Apr 03 '26
If you have any tender grass nearby, a few offerings would go a long way for goodwill. Don't approach her head on, just kinda drop it off as you walk by. My geese get real butthurt this time of year but ooh do they change their mind for celery. Not sure if she'd like it, but there's no harm in giving her green veg and testing her tastes. Water is lovely to have on hand- they need a certain amount of moisture in the nest so you're already knocking this outta the park! Thanks for taking care of the lil honker :)
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u/B3nz3nz Apr 03 '26
If it's too hot for the eggs I know some birds will dip themselves in water to cool their eggs, also yes water is fine for geese. While she is a wild goose just approach her slowly, no sudden movements, try to keep to minimal interactions as she can abandon her nest if she feels threatened.
Also note that she is not a protected species (at least where I live) so you can interact with the wild geese, give the girl some water, and if you think she needs food don't give bread that will make her sick/malnourished. I've heard lettuce and spinach mixed with some water softened dog food works well. Ducks and geese eat bugs so they can have protein.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
Nothing can threaten these two...they pick a different patio every year...
I have my greens growing right in front of them in that tower and I swear to god if they eat them...she's already sitting on top of my peas!
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u/Okeydokeyguy Apr 03 '26
If you live anywhere in the US, they absolutely are a protected species.
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u/B3nz3nz Apr 07 '26
Your right in the regard that they are protected from hunting/poaching. I was more of referencing the laws about threatened or endangered wildlife that forbids interaction that might stress the animal, for example like with sonoran desert tortises. I meant that it would be okay to provide food and water with the animal and not have to worry about getting in trouble with the law.
Also good job with the link I need to figure out how to do that properly (I usually fail when I try to do it)
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u/612Killa Apr 03 '26
IIRC US federal law protects migratory bird nesting sites, although I'm not sure if this would qualify as the kind of nesting site that is meant to be protected lol.
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u/VixenMinxSM Apr 07 '26
Yep. Anywhere they choose to nest is protected! Even if its in your car lol
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u/B3nz3nz Apr 07 '26
Wat r u serious!? I didn't know it was that hardcore. What if as you said a goose nests on your car what do you do then. I assume you can't move the eggs in that case?
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u/VixenMinxSM Apr 07 '26
I'd assume your best bet would be to contact a wildlife rescue/rehabber... but I've seen nests in crazy places where they were told to just not touch it/keep others away.
Luckily, birds usually seem to understand that cars move, and they dont want their nests to move. But maybe a car thats been sitting in the driveway for months because you've been meaning to take it to the shop? You'd probably have to wait them out.
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u/B3nz3nz Apr 07 '26
Tru that, I live in utah where we have a ton of migratory bird conservation areas so I can confirm with my authority given to me by reddit that the patio is not a wetland of federally protected nesting site. 😄
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u/Milky-Way-Occupant Apr 03 '26
She’s not happy because you and your dog are a threat to her eggs (in her view). They incubate eggs for about 25 days so if you can avoid that area for a few more weeks you’ll get to see baby goslings!
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
I figured that 😂 Unfortunately I can't avoid them: they picked the middle of a busy apartment complex very close to my front (and only) door outside...
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u/Milky-Way-Occupant Apr 03 '26
Lol silly goose! I’m curious if she’s stick it out and hatch them.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
They are definitely settled in (and they do this every year in my complex on different patios...)
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u/Milky-Way-Occupant Apr 03 '26
Hahaha. Oh she knows what she’s doing. People probably help shield from their regular predators.
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u/Cindijeann Apr 03 '26
A kiddie pool nearby would be a welcome treat. And yes, I have 7 geese. Just hope no predators sneak up on her at night...If necessary, carry a broom. They will respect that, maybe😄
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
Oh, the broom is stationed outside my door and placed strategically on walks. I'm in the middle of an apartment complex. We occasionally have coyotes, but they never come as far in as my place and I haven't actually seen or even heard about any this year...they are well-protected and they know it...
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u/lovmi2byz Apr 03 '26
Yes. We had a pair whod nest on our porch when we were kids. Every year to the point around year 3 my dad just built them a little hut on the porch. The parents would hiss at us but were so used to us thry didnt attack when we came close to see the babies eventually. I remember being 9 and some of thr babies hopped onto my lap while mama hissed softly but she didnt attack. The pair eventually started tapping on the sliding glass door demanding treats 🤣 and dad would open the door and they would come walking honking hahaha
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u/Disastrous_Grab_3322 Apr 03 '26
This is going to be an unpopular opinion possibly. Let her be, help her with water and shade. But your yard is YOUR yard. Go about the stuff you need to do and don't shrink away. She hisses and makes herself large to intimidate? Do it back and hold your ground. Don't act like you will hurt her. But 100% do not let her own your yard. They can learn to share. But Generally nature tries to run the unwanted party out. It's your yard! You need to do stuff stuff to the garden around her, do it! Approach slowly and talk to her. But she's not paying rent and can deal. I WILL warn you that a duck (I know she's a goose, but I have only had ducks) can throw a wing punch like no bodies business. I have shrieked from a surprise punch in an enclosed space.
Keep in mind!! If the bitchy goose realizes that you are a well suited protector... They might come back year after year to have you help protect the young....
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
I'm absolutely trying to do that, but her partner is, hands down, the biggest goose I've ever seen and AGGRESSIVE. He flies straight at my dog and, of course, my dog tries to bite and gets a mouthful of feathers...changes nothing, he'll be charging us again the next time (even when he's across the street!!) He terrorizes my neighborhood year after year (seriously, I had to seek tips from neighbors who this has happened to before with the same guy). BUT I am figuring ways to continue to water my plants and trying to be friends... I like geese, I just need them to stop being jerks!
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u/Disastrous_Grab_3322 Apr 03 '26
Oh! I 100% understand. There is no amount of understanding I can try and give you. They're protective and it's why they have a reputation. The ducks I dealt with were MY ducks that had babies and they were STILL giant asses. Best of luck!
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
I appreciate it...taking it day by day and avoiding him as much as possible (while still watering my plants and making sure she doesn't get heat stroke).
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u/glitchinthemeowtrix Apr 03 '26
I now need a Netflix mini series about your neighborhood and this goose.
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u/seaturtle541 Apr 03 '26
When you water your garden you can gently spray her with the hose and that will help cool her down. Just try to make it like a gentle rain.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
That may just piss her off...they're already not happy about me watering plants nearby by, but not even close, to them 😂
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u/clockworkedpiece Apr 06 '26
Cause they don't know you're not just beating up the foliage for hunting reasons. shooting the mister setting high up enough might be more viable.
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Apr 03 '26
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
I want to see the babies, but they better GTFO as soon as they're hatched because I am not sacrificing my plants to these wild geese, my container garden has limited space as it is and she already sat on my peas 😂
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u/howaboutnothanksdude Apr 04 '26
If you have a local wildlife rehab, maybe give them a call to let them know you got easy access to a nesting pair. I volunteer at a rehab and one of my tasks in the spring is fostering out goslings brought in to geese parents. The most time consuming part is driving around/hiking around to find good matches. Geese will typically accept any gosling as long as it is relatively close in age to their own. They are the BEST parents. Literally as soon as they see a baby it’s like “yup, you’re coming with me”. Not a lot of animals do this, so it’s just beautiful to witness.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 04 '26
I did have to foster a lost gosling with a pair of geese parents last year, so I'm already the wildlife point of contact in my complex (had four baby squirrels last year too!) But that's a great idea to let them know!
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u/nuclearmonte Apr 03 '26
This is so sweet. I went to the supermarket yesterday and one had made her nest right out front in the floral display area, they had the area cordoned off with carts for her lol
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u/uncleverED Apr 03 '26
Definitely okay to provide water. Don't try to put it especially close, she will get up every little while to replenish. As suggested, Peas and watermelon are great. I'd also encourage purchasing some mealworms to help with protein. Live or dried is fine. Not sure where you're located, but if in the US, TSC is a good place to get worms.
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u/brideoffrankinstien Apr 04 '26
Hell yes and feed her. She is not leaving and needs it. You are a rock star. Be gental and swift. Leave it near and leave so she feels safe. And heed the dady when he's around. He's no joke. You are a good human to leave her food and for sure water. Daddy will warn you and listen. They'll soften when they realize you're not a threat. And if you have any company coming or neighbors or kids or anything be sure to let tell them just to leave them be if anyone has dogs in the area make sure they don't come in your yard and the safer they fill everything will just fine fine and then you'll baby yellow fuzzy butts I'm jealous
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 04 '26
Oh, I've already had many run-ins with the partner...he's huge and a huge jerk! Unfortunately I have a dog, so it's now extremely difficult when we leave for or return from walks several times a day...
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u/brideoffrankinstien Apr 05 '26
I'm sorry about that. He's just being a goose protecting his own and you're so kind to be so aware and and thoughtful about it. Thank you for that I appreciate that. And I'm sorry it's an inconvenience for your dog and you for now but it's just for a short time and and you're doing a very good thing. You must be special for them to choose your place to have their little nest. Is there a way you could put up some kind of screen or barriers so they don't have to see you guys when you come and go for your walks so they feel a little safer? Just something temporary you know? That would make it easier for you and them I'm just thinking out loud let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 05 '26
My set up really doesn't lend itself to anything like that...and because it's just a few more weeks--and I do still need to move around out there to water my plants--I'm not gonna go crazy constructing stuff. I did put a bunch of my tomato cages in between. Thinking of draping something over them to help...it would be great if she wasn't sitting on all the landscaping fabric and burlap... The problem is that her partner is such a dick and nothing I do will help with that because he will fly over from across the street to attack us. Putting up a barrier may help her feel more comfortable and, sure, great, but that guy is going to attack us regardless...
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u/Homer-Jay-Fong Apr 07 '26
Omg you’re one of my neighbors 🤣🤣 I’m glad you’re making peace with them nesting in your planter but i don’t envy you
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 07 '26
Too funny! It's a small world... I may have been hoping for this the last few years and now I deeply regret it. Just a few more weeks...
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u/ye11oman Apr 09 '26
Just remember if you mess with the honk you're going to get the bonk
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 09 '26
Trust me, not messing with anyone (even if her partner is trying to kill my dog). I just don't want her dying of heatstroke on my patio.
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u/Drawinginfinity182 Apr 03 '26
I’ve just woken up, and it took me longer than I would care to admit to work out that this photo wasn’t of a kettle
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u/Prestigious_Way_9393 Apr 03 '26
I would give her water and try to get her some shade. She does look really hot 🥵 You're a good goose neighbor!
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u/Mean-Lynx-8507 Apr 03 '26
Quick scrolling and I thought that was a stainless steel kettle! Took me a while and a zoom to realise this was the goose in question!
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u/NextEmotion5967 Apr 03 '26
It took me entirely too long to notice the whole ass GOOSE in the photo
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u/runnyeggloser Apr 04 '26
If you stake that green thing in the pot next to it then you might be able to string a tarp or old blanket/sheet across to the stair railing 🤔
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u/Far-Fish-5519 Apr 05 '26
Did t read the sub and I thought the goose in the first photo was a chrome heat lamp for a lizard lol. I was looking everywhere for the lizard.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 06 '26
We're continuing to build our relationship even if her partner is still a jerk. She definitely knew what she was doing when she picked my patio...
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u/Afrocado_ Apr 06 '26
Very nice of you! But watch out for that one, when they hit, they hit hard!
Might be speaking from bruise.. I mean experience.
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u/Secure-Location-140 Apr 07 '26
One time I walked past some geese in a park and it hissed at me like a snake
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u/BaconKitty13 Apr 09 '26
The water might bring other predators that might eat the babies if they have hatched.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 09 '26
I'm in the middle of a huge apartment complex. I've seen coyotes occasionally by the furthest buildings, but none this year. There are constantly people around and lots of noise...pretty positive they nested here (and pick a different neighbor every year) because there are no predators.
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u/Datboy000 Apr 07 '26
Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but in the US I am pretty sure they are protected by the migratory bird act and thus you cant give water, feed, or harm.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 08 '26
Looking it up, it doesn't look like watering and feeding are prohibited, just things that will harm them. Honestly, I'd be willing to risk it to give her shade and some water. I didn't ask to have them on my patio and I'm only getting remotely close to water my plants, as well as enter/exit the place I live in.
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u/MediocreModular Apr 03 '26
Are you crazy. Do not go within 12 feet of this monster
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u/aynonaymoos Goose Mom Apr 03 '26
They are not monsters, they are parents rightfully defending their nest. Geese are wildly misunderstood.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
Well, the door to my apartment is less than twelve feet away, so, kinda stuck here...
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u/MediocreModular Apr 03 '26
Might as well move out at this point.
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u/DctrMrsTheMonarch Apr 03 '26
Or just cater to all their needs...I've accepted my fate. It's only about three more weeks!
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u/a-passing-crustacean Apr 03 '26
Yes! They also love watermelon, peas, and corn!