Love is Positively in the Air!

Canadian Geese have been celebrated and promoted as peaceful caring birds which look after each other and remain totally loyal to each other once they have found a mate.  Alberta Safe and Caring Schools organization created a program with a manual promoting them as being safe and caring birds and people should be more like them.  On the front of the big yellow binder is a logo of a friendly Canadian Goose in hopes of  encouraging children to think like Canadian Geese.  They want children to think twice about bullying others, so I am naturally surprised to see the spring antics of these birds.

Now that love is in the air, the ugly is coming out of these birds.  Notice how they are sticking their tongues out at each other (honk honk).  Now is that safe and caring towards each other?  Is that behaviour we want to encourage in our children?

Now not being an expert at all in these birds, I don't know if this is one male telling off another male for getting to close to his woman, or if it is one male trying to convince a female that he is the right male for her.  All I know it is a very noisy and emotional time for them!

I can just imagine what they are saying...

Male:  "Come on baby, please won't you just listen to me..."

Female:  "Not interested!"

Female (turns to him after giving him a long silent treatment):  "Well, you are kinda cute!"

One of my grade one students commented that their necks together look like a heart. 

Love match successful!

Meanwhile around the island...

Joe comes in for a hook-up...

Fred sticks out his tongue and honks,"Beat it, Mister.  She's taken!"

In this photo below, I am assuming, a female is resting patiently to the side, while these two fight over her.  A third goose wading in the water below the hill (look to the bottom right)  keeps popping his head up and responding back to them.  It is quite a comedy act!

After some reflection, this gaggle has figured out the pairings and have reached a peace agreement in symmetry.

Barney swims off looking for a mate!

This rocks surprisingly floats in the water observing the absurdities.

Nearby trees lean in to listen to the acts!

This couple sneaks off into the trees for some honeymoon time!  No more tongues sticking out!  No more honking!  No more flapping wings and head shaking! The odd dart behind the tree!

Brilliant green moss grows peacefully on the surrounding woods.

The last remaining snow lingers in the cool shade.

The wise old man sways, encouraging all to find peace and understanding.

Love is in the air.  Is your tongue dangling out like these geese?