Sunday, March 07, 2010

Canada Geese: Defending Nesting Territory

When a second pair of Canada geese swam too close to the original pair the attack was sudden and violent. The male suddenly launched himself at the intruder.


The intruder wasted no time getting out of the way of the irate defender


With trouble past the gander returned to wooing his mate



14 comments:

Les Barr said...

I have seen behavior in this manner a few times in the past, but never had my camera on hand to capture the action. Usually the confrontation does not last too long. I've never seen a fight to the death, but it does get a bit nasty.

imac said...

Great Coy, Ive captured a couple of drakes fighting it out.

Christy said...

Great shots. I've been close to one of these attacks before. Last June I thought I was being attacked but moved out of the way and realized I was just in the way. I didn't get it capture in photos though. http://myphotographymypassion.blogspot.com/2009/06/mother-goose.html

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

How do you manage to be at the right place every time?I guess this guy figured that what is mine is mine..:)
Blessings,Ruth

Kekiinani said...

Hi Coy, Great shots. Love the Eagle shots below as well. They are awesome.. Aloha, Renee :)

Anonymous said...

They don't mess around do they.

Peggy said...

These are great captures! You can almost hear them! Great action, as always!

Montanagirl said...

Fabulous shots. Timing is everything!

FAB said...

Good timing Coy. Interestingly we both watched the same event but so many miles apart. FAB.

Johnny Nutcase said...

wow! great shots, very dramatic. Canadas can get mean! When i was young, they would try to attack my little dog! Again, beautiful photos!

Chris said...

Hi Coy,
yeh they can be quite aggressive some of these hormonal males ;-) At least you got a superb sequence ;-)

photowannabe said...

How demure the mate looks to the wooing. She has got to be impressed with his protective powers. Great action photos Salty. Its always a pleasure seeing your pictures.

Kelly said...

WOW! Those first two photos are spectacular. Love the water-level view.

Elaine said...

Fantastic action shots!