Yes, these two Canadian geese were standing guard over the cul-de-sac one day.  They were very vocal in announcing their arrival as to say, "okay, we'll take this watch."

In the early 1900s the Canada goose was near extinction due to over-hunting and loss of natural habitat.  But, in the 1950s a small flock was found to be wintering in Minnesota.  Since that time, preservation programs that have been put into place, along with improved gaming laws, this goose has made a remarkable comeback.  Some might say too remarkable!  They can be seen on many golf courses, public parks and in planned communities where there are nice man-made bodies of water, much to the chagrin of the public.

They are usually seen in large flocks, so the amount of droppings left behind is less than appealing, not to mention the possible bacteria they carry.  They can become somewhat confrontational when it comes to someone invading their space, and their size along with the squawks, make them a little formidable to most of us.  

These guys, however, have been frequenting our neighborhood off and on because of the creek that flows behind the houses.  They have not become a nuisance yet, rather an interesting pair to observe.  They will usually announce their arrival and yes, there are quite a few of us that will acknowledge their presence.  They seem to enjoy that.  I think they are only a problem when in large numbers