The traveler's guide to useful goose sign language in Florida

[Victor Schneider]

One of the Florida universities or extension services needs to observe
flocks of geese long enough to figure out their basic head-and-neck sign
language so that Florida drivers can communicate with geese trying to
cross the road. Let me tell you that geese appreciate humans who
occasionally help them cross the street.

I don't have the resources to verify my observations in detail. I do
know that I have helped a flock of geese cross the street by _first_
making sure nothing is coming, then moving my head forward twice in a
"let's go" sign.

When driving down a street and approaching geese, you can stretch your
neck forward and face your head down in an "I'm going this way" sign.
Believe me, they notice, and are anxious to determine what you are doing
so they can move.

Other goose language involves turning your head away so as not to say "I
am a threat" to a flock of geese settled down to rest. And, I think the
goose sign for "I do" is the goose putting a piece of nesting material
on the back of the gander.

All subject to experimental and non-invasive verification.