I never know whether to call it a flock or a gaggle. But I do know that whether they are flying in a classic V or coasting onto the water’s surface, I love to see a group of geese.

 

In the former scenario, they are a lesson in teamwork and energy conservation. National Geographic’s explanation of their migration V-pattern is this:

 

“As a bird flaps, a rotating vortex of air rolls off each of its wingtips. These vortices mean that the air immediately behind the bird gets constantly pushed downwards (downwash), and the air behind it and off to the sides gets pushed upwards (upwash). If another bird flies in either of these upwash zones, it gets free lift. It can save energy by mooching off the air flow created by its flock-mate.”

 

So if they’re so smart, why can’t they clean up after themselves? Is that what you’re thinking?

 

I know they are messy birds and I sympathize with those who have to put up with the poop. Because of the volume of the area’s feathered friends, this has become a "fowl" subject and therefore a citywide concern. The solution to this problem recently reached new heights when City Council decided to seek a plan to rid the area of geese. The avenue is not to harm the birds in any way, but rather to make the local environment less appealing by harassing them to the point that they will simply move on.

 

But you know what? I really don’t want them to move on. It is this time of year when I begin spending a significant amount of time in the Hinkle/Deegan Lakes area that I realize how much I appreciate the geese. Each spring, I observe the miracle of new life as several little new goslings arrive. As the weeks go on, I love watching them grow and mature. It’s a thrill to watch several waddle into the waters - and with a parent on each end of the line - take a swim with a built-in fishing lesson. My granddaughter delights in watching the parents plunge beneath the surface – head first and tails raised high. It’s cool to notice the different sizes of the families; a family of six that stays close to the shelter; a family of four that meanders the dock area and so on. Though the mamas are obviously proud of their offspring, they are also quite protective and will not hesitate to hiss if you get a little too close for their comfort. By summer’s end, all the babies’ fluffy down has transformed into long, majestic feathers and soon it’s hard to tell them from their folks. By autumn, they all look the same and totally fill the walking trail; making an obligatory honk from the bicycle necessary to get through the traffic.

 

And on a quiet day, when anglers are scattered across the lakes in their prime spots, it’s nice to plop down on a bench or on the ground and take it all in. Often, from the distance, you can hear the faint sound of a flock of geese flying in. Eventually, the sound gets louder and eventually they come in for a landing. I love the “koosh” sound they make when they hit the water.

 

This is all cool enough when one is by oneself, but when a little one is along – like, say a granddaughter – it is prime opportunity to teach about nature and instill smiles – sometimes even laughter - all at the same time.

 

According to Merriam-Webster, gaggle can refer to a flock of geese when they are not in flight. Flock does sound more natural. I guess ridding the lakes and therefore the area of geese is probably the correct thing to do – and a way to solve the problem – but I believe leaving them in their local habitat and dealing with the results is the natural thing to do.

 

Again, I sympathize with those who have to wade through the droppings and clean them up – whether on city or personal property. And since I opened this can of worms and possibly ruffled some feathers, I better follow my words with action and volunteer, should the city decide to leave the geese alone, to take a turn on the clean-up committee. 

 

Julie Perine can be reached at 304-848-7200, at julie@connect-bridgeport.com or follow @JuliePerine on Twitter!

 

These bottom three photos of Canada geese were taken throughout the spring and summer months of 2014 in the area of Hinkle and Deegan Lakes.

 

More It's Happening HERE.