Mark Goosie (I am with-holding his real name since people might think that I named him after some-one real) was one (of a pair) of geese that we first introduced into our farm back in the good old days.
Unbeknown to us, at the time, we were ruthlessly sold two boys. So, we had asked for a breeding pair but did not get what we asked for! Anyway, the two of them paired up (as geese do) and seemed quite happy together. We tried to introduce female geese later on in the game but the two remained inseparable. One female goose was found un-expectantly dead (there’s been a murder!!) under the house and we decided to put it down to a crime of passion. The two original geese would not let anything get in the way of their relationship.
After a while, Mark’s partner went to Great Goosie Heaven and we observed Mark Goosie mourning for a long time. At that time we couldn’t find a new companion goosie so we introduced a white duck in the hope that he would accept him as a friend. And he did; for a long time they walked through the farm together side by side like old buddies. White duck died a few years later and again, Mark was left all by himself. Five more years went by and he wondered around the farm alone occasionally honking in unison with passing honking trucks.
Last year, we managed to procure some female geese and finally Mark accepted a “she” goose companion into his life. They were really lovely together and it was as if Mark had found a new lease of life. During breeding season, he located a nice nesting spot for his companion and filled it with his own feather down. He stood guard by her side, day and night, whilst she was setting. They always walked proudly together and did not appear to mingle with the other goosie groups.
Well, a few weeks ago, we found his female companion dead in amongst a pile of rocks behind the duck coop. We weren’t sure what had happened (a snake perhaps??). He was so distraught…honking madly and flapping his wings. He was in such an emotional state that we had to place him in the confinement of the duck coop; he wouldn’t leave the spot where he lost his girl. Whilst in the coop, he continued to place feather down on the ground to make a nesting spot. When we saw this, we felt such sadness for his loss. Awwwhhhh!!!
Anyway, what to do with Mark Goosie??
Well I never!! We thought that he would not recover from this last bereavement. But, he has re-emerged like a phoenix from the ashes- and has become head bossie (sensei) for the young’uns (the five brand new geese from last year). He acts as their sentinel, guard and teaches them “the way of the goosie.” Every morning, we see him proudly leading his troop to the pond in an orderly straight line. What a Champion…we love a happy ending, don’t you!! Go Goosie Go!!
Here’s a picture of Mark Goosie leading his team of youngsters:
