Handbook of Nature-Study · Lesson XXXIII · Topic 2: Bird study: birds to know
33. Geese
Goal: Your child can compare a goose with a duck (beak, neck, feet, walk) and describe how geese guard and lead their goslings.
You'll need
- A place with geese: a farm with domestic geese, or a park pond with Canada geese
- Nature notebook and pencil
What's in the book
The leading thought, the method (only where geese can be observed; a few questions at a time) and fourteen questions in two parts: the goose's beak, neck, plumage, wings, legs and feet and the domestic breeds; then habits of geese: food, mating for life, nest and goslings, fighting, preening, goose language, intelligence, and a theme on the Canada goose.
The lesson, step by step
When and where
Any season. Comstock says not to give this lesson unless there are geese the child can watch. Canada geese live on park ponds across the country, with goslings in spring. A farm or fair with domestic geese works too.
Safety: geese, especially parents with goslings, hiss and bite. Stay well back, never get between a goose and its young, and don't feed them bread.
Keep the big idea in mind
Read this to yourself:
Geese are the most intelligent of the domesticated birds, and they have many interesting habits.
Goose and duck
What is the chief difference between the appearance of a goose and a duck? How does the beak of the goose differ from that of the duck in shape and in texture?
What is the difference in shape between the neck of the goose and that of the duck?
Feet and walk
Does the goose waddle when walking or running as a duck does? Why? Does a goose toe-in when walking? Why?
When the goose is swimming forward where are her feet?
Look for goose tracks in the mud and compare them with the duck tracks from Lesson VI.
Family life
What care do the parents give to their goslings? Describe how the parents take their family afield.
At what time of year do geese mate? Does a pair usually remain mated for life?
Goose language
How much of goose language do you understand? What is the note of alarm? How is defiance and distrust expressed? How does a goose look when hissing?
If a goose lowers its head and hisses, that is a warning: back away.
Put it into words
Ask your child how a goose family stays safe. Then share the leading thought.
Nature notebook
Draw a goose and a duck side by side, showing the different necks, beaks and feet. Add goslings if you saw them.
Afterwards
For an older child, Comstock suggests a theme: "The Canada Goose, its appearance, nesting habits, and migrations." Listen in fall and spring for V-shaped flocks honking overhead.
Tip
Safety: poultry can carry germs even when they look clean and healthy. Wash hands with soap and water after touching a bird or anything in its pen.