Sweet, bonnet-wearing, story-telling, rhyme-reading kind bird? THINK AGAIN!
The day started out perfectly. Chloe and I needed some fresh air. Yesterday it was a bit hot, but today it was partly sunny with a delightful breeze.
Perfect weather: Check.
Then we went to the perfect place for a walk, Jensen Nature Park, right by our house.
Perfect place: Check.
Chloe was jibber-jabbering in the stroller and I was enjoying my iPod playlists (I put together a mean playlist, lemme tell ya!) and we were both thoroughly enjoying ourselves. We were minding our own business strolling along the designated path, when out of nowhere.....
a goose started honking at us! I barely had time to think, 'What the.....' when.....
she took off after us. I don't know if you've ever seen a goose running and honking, but it's surprisingly very threatening and scary! I have never ran so hard and fast in all of my life (well, while wearing flip-flops and pushing a stroller, that is).... I booked it around a corner and took refuge behind some tall weeds. When it seemed we were in the clear, I took my breath. Chloe was giggling hysterically! (She didn't know that we were just about killed and/or mamed by a wild animal - ignorance certainly is bliss).
I couldn't help but think, 'What is that bird's problem? I support the nature park. I RECYCLE! For heaven sakes. What did I do to her?'
I briskly scurried over to the other side of the park, only to see a few people gathered, talking, and pointing over to where the 'situation' had just occurred.
They asked if we were okay.
"Ummm.... Did you guys see that?" To my dismay and utter embarassment, these perfect strangers HAD watched me running in flip flops away from the wild beast! I was mortified. There are many times in my life when I have to make the ultimate decision: laugh or cry.
I laughed. They laughed. It was a good time.
They explained that I wasn't the goose's first victim, and the city had been called to address the issue. They believed the goose was protecting....
Her babies.
Suddenly, that mother goose's actions made perfect sense to me. I have been in her situation before, where the only thing I can do is act like a maniac to make sure my baby gets taken care of.
Sure, I understand Mother Goose a little better, but I will never think of her the same!
17 comments:
Great Story and it's nesting season for the birds so that's makes so much sense. I envision you as a Mama Bear too sometimes.
Geese are very protective, make attentive watchdogs on the farm.
I can totally relate. Since there are lakes at my condo complex we have geese. Lately every time I walk past one they flap their wings, hiss and chase after me. Little did I know (until two days ago) the nest with the eggs was right by my door (in a cute little bonai trimmed bush). Those animals can be SCARY!!!
Awesome. :)
Ha Ha! I wish I could've seen it. I would've peed my pants if I were you!! Glad you got away!
LOL at this story!!! glad you escaped safely!
At least you got away!! Jac got bit on the butt and he says it hurts!! Stinkin mother goose! Glad Chloe had fun! LOL
Geese are pretty scary when they are chasing after you that way.
I guess we really can't blame her if she thinks her eggs or babies are in danger.
At least Chloe got a good laugh out of it!
I have been in that exact same situation before, however, sans flip flops and stroller. I used to live right by a pond and a lot of geese liked to hang out there. They are so mean, even if they're not protecting babies. Let me tell you I've been chased down the road several times by honking hissing geese with wings wide spread and snapping! They totally freak me out!
Those geese can be mean on regular days...but a mama watching her nest! Oh no you di'nt! Lol!
I would have paid money to see that.
Ha, sorry...I had to giggle! My mother was attacked by a goose when she was younger and actually has a scar on her leg. So for mothers day I made her a funny magnet of a vintage little girl being chased by a goose. Shhh, she doesn't know yet of course, hehe. Glad you are okay and love the way you wrote this.
Jamie :-)
We live near the Erie Canal and there are completely vicious geese there. Thanks for the new perspective!
Too hilarious! We've had some close goose encounters too, so I can totally picture this whole scene going down. I would have loved to have seen it- especially Chloe laughing it up after the fact! LOL!
How scary. I've heard they can be mean buggers. At least Chloe laughed about it.
Man Tara that is stickin funny!! Glad you could laugh after the fact!! I have been in that position just not pushing a stroller. I picked up Tucker and started running! They aren't very nice when they are protective!! Glad you got away!! Wish I could have seen it!!
That goose was scary, especially the close up! What a funny story- even though it wasn't probably very funny as you were experiencing it. I'm glad that you were able to laugh at it with the onlookers. And God always throws in a blessing- he cracked Chloe up!!
Take Care!
Jen
That's pretty funny! My grandfather was bitten by a goose once. And I always tell my kids to give the geese respectful distance! But you know, if I were a Mama goose I'd probably have done the same thing.
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