WATCH: Egyptian geese feel at home in Dalview garden

Dealing with uninvited house guests can be challenging, but these visitors are welcome to stay any time.

October 20, 2017

Stacy Slatter 1 minute read

A family of Egyptian geese have set up home in the backyard of Elaine Pretorius's property in Willey Street.

A large feathered family have made themselves right at home in Dalview.

The family of Egyptian geese – a mother and father and 10 goslings – have taken up residence at a property along Willey Street, much to the delight of homeowner Elaine Pretorius.

Elaine, who has lived in the house for 28 years, told the Herald that the goose and gander have been visitors to her home for the past four years.

“They nest in a hollow tree in my garden,” she explained.

“After the babies hatch, they stay for about two weeks and then they all leave.

“It is the sweetest thing to see; they walk up the street with mommy on one side, daddy on the other side and the babies in the middle.

“When they get to the top of the street, they turn left. I don’t know where they go, but it’s always left.”

The goslings hatched on Monday, last week, and the parents are fiercely protective of them – attempts by this reporter to get close to them resulted in a stern telling off from both parents, who made their disapproval known through hisses and cackles before leading the brood away.

Besides the occasional media intrusion, the family seems pleased with the amenities on offer at the property, where they have the run of the garden and a large pool all to themselves.

They showed no signs of distress around Elaine’s dogs and are content to forage in the grass.

While dealing with uninvited house guests can be challenging, Elaine is adamant these visitors are welcome to stay any time.