Grumpy goose on Great Meadow Stream

Seems that wonderful Canada goose on Great Meadow Stream in Smithfield is a little grumpy these days.

Or at least she's guarding something pretty precious.

Since I wrote about paddling a canoe down the stream running between North Pond and Great Pond, I've gotten all kinds of feedback from people in the area. Mostly, people wanted to know where to launch their own canoes there.

Well, Scott Davis -- the person I accompanied on the trip that day -- has also gotten a few phone calls. Seems the goose that was lying on her nest that day has gotten a little agitated from all the traffic.

Scott told me today that she's let a few recent visitors know that they weren't welcome.

"I'm thinking maybe she's got some chicks under there now," Davis said.

Just a quick word of caution: if you're making that trip, steer wide of the goose and let her have her space. Don't dawdle, don't stick around for an extra photo or two. And, in the absence of a zoom lens, don't lean in for a better shot with the camera.

Sounds like she's stressed enough.