Another shot from my walk past Rawcliffe Lake, Clifton Moor on Friday afternoon, and there was a large flock of Canada Geese along the western shore of the lake.
This is the largest number I've seen this year. The Canada Geese have been very much absent compared with previous years, but they were there in force on this walk.
A good question Judith. I've heard several names used for a group of geese, and you set me thinking, so I did an internet search and found the following "Geese have many different collective nouns, which change depending on where they are. For example, when on the ground or in the water, they are often referred to as a gaggle of geese. In flight, a group of geese is called a skein, team or wedge. On the water or flying close together, a wedge of geese. The most generic term that can apply to geese anywhere is a flock." The article went on to list around another 20 less commonly used names for a group of geese. Thank you for making me think about and investigate that. Every day is a school day!
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It wasn't until last night that I realised that one of the pairs of legs wasn't black - it seems a greylag goose is in there as well.
The rocky area where these geese are is normally under water, the lake has shrunk a little due to the drought. These geese, although attractive, can be a nuisance, leaving lots of their droppings around (and they do produce a lot!). Their presence in one of the parks to the south of York city centre has created an awful mess, and it certainly is no longer a place to take children to play. At the moment the mess around Rawcliffe Lake isn't too bad.
A good question Judith. I've heard several names used for a group of geese, and you set me thinking, so I did an internet search and found the following "Geese have many different collective nouns, which change depending on where they are. For example, when on the ground or in the water, they are often referred to as a gaggle of geese. In flight, a group of geese is called a skein, team or wedge. On the water or flying close together, a wedge of geese. The most generic term that can apply to geese anywhere is a flock." The article went on to list around another 20 less commonly used names for a group of geese. Thank you for making me think about and investigate that. Every day is a school day!
Ian
( Sometimes to many )
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It wasn't until last night that I realised that one of the pairs of legs wasn't black - it seems a greylag goose is in there as well.
The rocky area where these geese are is normally under water, the lake has shrunk a little due to the drought. These geese, although attractive, can be a nuisance, leaving lots of their droppings around (and they do produce a lot!). Their presence in one of the parks to the south of York city centre has created an awful mess, and it certainly is no longer a place to take children to play. At the moment the mess around Rawcliffe Lake isn't too bad.
Ian
Thank you Nina. I was really surprised to see so many, this is more than I've seen here all summer.
Ian
Thank you Nina. It's lovely to walk around the lake!
Ian