This week, I ventured to a nearby park on a mission: to find the elusive white-fronted goose reportedly hanging out with a flock of Canadian geese. Armed with my camera and 600mm lens, I was ready to capture something unique. But, as often happens in wildlife photography, things didn’t go as planned.
The white-fronted goose was nowhere to be seen. Standing there, staring at a cluster of familiar Canadian geese, I felt a wave of disappointment. I'd been so excited for the rare find, and instead, I was left with what I thought were "ordinary" birds. Then a little voice in my head reminded me: These are magnificent creatures, too. Focus on one, observe, and see what unfolds.
So I did. Meet Gus the Goose.
I picked one goose out of the flock and watched. From a respectful distance, I stood still, camera in hand, and let the bird’s daily life unfold before me. It waddled confidently among the others, stretched its wings, wiggled its fluffy tail feathers, and pecked at the grass in search of a snack. Occasionally, it squawked at a neighbor or paused to look around—sometimes directly at me. It was socializing in its own way, much like people at a dinner party.
Did you know?
Canadian geese are known for their strong family bonds and will often mate for life. If one mate is injured or unable to migrate, the other will stay behind to care for them. In addition, goslings remain with their parents for up to a year, learning essential survival skills before venturing off on their own. Their loyalty and devotion make them some of the most family-oriented birds out there!
Big stretch. Gotta get those feathers lookin nice before I approach the ladies.
Alright, looking sharp. Time to strut my stuff and see if anyone notices this irresistible beak, Gus thought to himself.
As I observed, I began to notice the intricate dynamics of the flock. These birds weren’t just a backdrop to a failed mission; they were individuals with their own stories. Big, strong, and fluffy, they were undeniably beautiful. And fiercely loyal—if one goose is threatened, the others rush to its defense. It’s fascinating and heartwarming to witness such camaraderie. I’d never test their protectiveness myself, but it’s impossible not to admire their dedication to one another.
It got me thinking: why shouldn’t they defend their own? Isn’t that what we, as humans, would do for our families? I’ll admit, I’ve never thought kindly of geese before. Their reputation for hissing and feisty behavior often overshadowed their better qualities. But as I stood there, my perspective shifted. These geese weren’t being aggressive or territorial out of malice—they were simply protecting their young, their home, their flock. If their behavior seems bold, it’s because survival demands it.
In that moment, I saw them differently. These weren’t just “common” geese. They were resilient creatures trying to live their lives in a world dominated by humans, navigating countless challenges—weather, predators, environmental changes, and urban sprawl. They migrate thousands of miles, year after year, raising their young against the odds. That takes incredible strength and determination.
By the time I left the park, I no longer felt disappointment. I felt gratitude. The white-fronted goose might have been the reason I came out that day, but it wasn’t the lesson I needed to learn. Canadian geese deserve credit, respect, and maybe even a little admiration.
Sometimes, the most powerful wildlife portraits don’t come from rare finds or exotic creatures. They come from the moment we decide to slow down, observe, and truly see the life around us.
It goes to show that there are no ordinary birds--you show us that they all have a story to tell!
Throwing a spotlight on an everyday ubiquitous bird showing how it deserves just as much appreciation as a rare one.