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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Canada (01/29/09)
In the past, whenever I thought of Canada I envisioned boreal forests, a maple leaf, and moose. These days it’s Canada geese. That’s because these feathered villains brought down U.S. Air flight #1549 over New York, forcing it to crash land on the Hudson River. The scientific name for this bird is "branta canadensis" (goose of Canada). But maybe they should consider a name change. After all, I doubt many Canada geese still live in Canada. Most seem to have left their frozen homelands for the more agreeable climates of the lower 48. No longer heeding their migratory instincts, these illegal immigrants are taking up year-round residence on the shores of our streams, ponds, golf courses…and airports.

I have always loathed Canada geese, even before learning the danger they posed to American aviation. I find them noisy and filthy. They befoul our shorelines and fairways with their bacteria-laden droppings. You can’t push a carriage or a golf cart without caking its wheels with green guano. What’s more—they’re bullies. Canadian geese chase off the ducks at our local lake, bite fingers and steal food from young picnickers. Their incessant honking and cackling make my fingers twitch for a Beretta 20 gauge shotgun. Then I remember they’re God’s creation. They must be good for something.

Canada geese aren’t the only Canadian creatures to flock across the border and stay. There’s Pamela Anderson, Donald Sutherland and Keanu Reeves just to name a few. I live in Southern California and our beaches and pools teem with Canadian actors. There are times I think I prefer Canada geese. At least when they make noise, it’s not about politics. They also have one redeeming quality that few Canadians or even Americans can claim—they’re monogamous. Canada geese mate for life (or until widowed by a jet engine). Most marriages should be so fortunate, especially in Hollywood where marriages can be measured in minutes. Is there a lesson here? Perhaps Canada geese are good for something after all.
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This article has been read 982 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sandra DeHoogh
02/06/09
Learnt something new. Always justifies the energy spent when reading. I liked that you ended on a grateful tone.
Bryan Ridenour
02/07/09
Very good lesson taught.
Karlene Jacobsen 
02/07/09
There is good in everyone. Yep even in a goose--lol.
Lynda Schultz 
02/09/09
It helps me to remember that they were probably here first, so maybe I should be grateful they let me build my golf course (or whatever) on their land! Short, but you packed this with lots of information.