My father, John Grieve is always on the look-out for the ‘nature happenings’ on the farm. He was delighted to come across this family of Spur-winged geese (Plectropterus gambensis) at the water’s edge of one of dams. The Spur-winged goose is the largest of the indigenous geese and ducks of Southern Africa, and is common throughout its range, occurring on rivers, lakes and other wetlands. It takes its name from the sharp spurs that grow on the bend of their wings. They can be aggressive towards other waterfowl; and adult males will use these spurs in battles with each other over mates and nesting territory. Pairs of Spur-winged geese generally nest on or close to the ground, often choosing a nest site that is protected by overhanging vegetation.
