Did You Know This Amazing Secret About Geese in New York?

Canada geese in New York State have a certain reputation. These no-nonsense birds that vigilantly protect themselves and their young are often thought of as dangerous, but they're hiding an amazing secret.

While their species name contains the word "Canada", they might as well be called "New York Geese". The birds are a staple of the state, and they're even a school mascot in the Hudson Valley (looking at you, Rondout Valley Ganders). So why isn't this special fact about our legendary geese talked about more often?

Little-Known Fact About Geese in New York

In a Facebook post that has been viewed nearly 700,000 times, the Wildlife Center of Long Island shared a video that showed a different side of New York's most-recognizable bird... and it all has to do with their parental instincts.

The Special Instinct of the Canada Goose

Despite their tough exterior, the wildlife center shared that nearly any Canada Goose parent will accepted outside goslings into their family as long as they are a similar age and size to their current babies. This heartwarming fact means that orphaned goslings can have a much higher chance of survival (and take less human resources) when they lose their parents. Check out the amazing video below.

Impressive New York Birds

Of course, Canada geese aren't the only impressive bird in New York State. Residents may be surprised to learn about the local birds that get drunk every spring as well as the world's fastest predator that lives on nearly every Hudson Valley bridge as well.

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To recap, New York's birds are motherly, fast, and love to get intoxicated... and they're patriotic, too. Check out the United States' national bird, the bald eagle, as they fight for food on the Hudson River below.