WAY back in 1980 I was talking to an old countryman in North Yorkshire about the Canada goose and the fact that it had been introduced from North America from the late 17th century onwards.

Gradually over the years this large goose has escaped from collections and now breeds in the wild in large numbers.

In some areas it is becoming a pest.

It was said that the Canada goose was now resident in Britain but would never become migratory, as it is in Canada and the United States.

The old countryman said: "All you have to do is to give Mother Nature a chance and she will work out what is best for every species."

Scientists are now starting to wonder if the Canada geese are not gathering in migratory flocks during the winter and then returning to traditional breeding grounds in the summer.

So far it seems that the flocks may be moving between England and Scotland, but with some birds remaining resident.

For this reason, I would be interested to hear from readers of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Over the next three or four months I would like to know where Canada geese have been seen and in what numbers.

It would also be interesting to know when the birds begin to pair up and when the first eggs are laid.

A couple of years ago I watched a female goose incubating her eggs while she was almost buried in snow.

Her mate was on guard and defended her so vigorously that he presented a considerable threat.

Geese have long been known for their fierce protection of the nest site.

The Romans thought that the goose was a better early warning system than any guard dog.