As mentioned before, we have a gander called Godfrey who is like the Godfather and looks after the rest of the gaggle. He is so overprotective of the younger geese that he often bites me, but I adore him. I love the way he has such a proud stance.
He first starting getting bitey with me when we got our first Sebastopol gosling, Pearl, and, not long after, our two Pilgrims, Ola and Seli, and then two more Sebastopols, Diamond and little Woodroffe. When it came time to let these little ones out of their brooder near the Aga, and introduce them to Godfrey, it was fascinating to see him bend his substantial neck down and almost kiss them, making a soft, keening noise. He didn’t respond to the baby ducks or turkeys like this at all – just to the goslings – and from that day onward, they became his property. Except for the fact that he doesn’t like me coming near them, it’s rather lovely. Also, if my nieces or nephews visit, I have to watch him carefully as you can see from this picture taken when they were little.
The gaggle are almost his size now but he is still just as protective and sometimes becomes ferocious. The following is one of my favourite pictures of him. However, it is also the reason I am putting off going out to feed the gang – I am getting sick of him biting me and me having to kick out to defend myself. It ruins the late afternoon ambience somehow and it’s tricky because the rest of the gang surround me lovingly (well, greedily because I have food) while Godfrey tries to amputate both my legs at once.
I am going to try something new in a minute and just focus on him. Wish me luck!
jmgoyder 
Oh, we do wish you luck! Sad it’s so painful for you as, as you say, it is rather a lovely trait for him to be so protective. Mind you, what’s he protecting them from? Overeating?!
I have no idea!!
Good luck…
Son already put them in their yards so I never got my opportunity – tomorrow!
He is just adorable! Great shots! 🙂
*hugs*
These photographs are so beautiful and so lovely too. Seems that he gives a pose to you and also he talks to you… Good Luck with him, dear Julie… 🙂 and these little ladies are so nice too. Blessing and Happiness for you all, with my love, nia
Thanks for your generosity of spirit nia!
Great shots I love the last one can almost hear him from here.
Yeah – he sounds exactly like a foghorn!
Love/hate relationship – I totally can appreciate this! You have written about it perfectly and I wish you success with your daily plans to avoid Godfrey’s bites or possibly redirecting his hostilities! 🙂 Happy Geese to you!
Thanks – I am really determined to get Godfrey on my side again – somehow!!
I concur with Tammy. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
mmmmm! no luck so far!
Ohhhh good luck tomorrow!
I might need to wrestle Godfrey!
There’s a little public pond/bayou near me with a gaggle of geese that hang out. They can be intimidating, for sure – especially if you show up with bread in your hand! I’d hate for one to put me in his sights – but the protective urge is marvelous to behold!
Yes – here Godfrey is God!
Sort of!
Julie, Hope all is well with you and the Foghorn today! BTW, my husband can empathize with you… And that is why I have new baby Pilgrim boys arriving this week. I want them to imprint on him so they will all get along!!! 😦
~ Lynda
PS: Beautiful shots!
I feel like I know Godfrey from your posts Julie and god I love him!
So come over for a visit – he would love to bite you!
Good luck!
beautiful photos..
Thank you very much!
Awesome picture! Hope your new strategy worked!
It didn’t – hehe!
I love your varity of birds! It must be so fun to take a walk around your house. You never know what bird you might encouter. 😉
Very fun!
Can geese be trained not to bite? I’m not sure. They have a reputation for being …well… a silly goose.
I need a goose whisperer!
He’s handsome. Although, he looks like he can make a loud sound. *covering ears with paws*
Bella and DiDi
VERY LOUD!
Boy, they are fierce, aren’t they?
Frighteningly so!
He is so noble looking! I hope your experiment worked!
It didn’t – oh well, back to the drawing board!
Such an arrogant bird, and he knows he’s beautiful! 🙂
He sure does!
Wouldn’t like a peck from that beak – he looks quite ferocious!
He is scary!
Ok, I’m wishing you good luck!
It didn’t work out.
i m sorry it didn’t work out
All those little ones are sooooooooooooooo cute.
I hear that Geese make brilliant guards for your property…. they are said to have even been better than guard dogs in some cases!
I think Godfrey is lovely… !
Thank you! I am not sure if he would be a match for our fox problem. Yes I love him too – well it’s a bit of a love/hate thing!
Godfrey sounds so sweet!! I mean, in a Godfather kind of way 🙂 And I agree he’s got a great proud stance.
They don’t have teeth (do they?) but I bet they shock when they nip. That’s a problem!