[trefnantbach]

In addition to our tolouse x ebdens there are a pair of greylags nesting nearby on an island on our lake. They turned up about a month ago. She is now sitting nearly constantly on the nest whilst he is being very terratorial and harassing our geese. Are the greylags protected in any way. Would it be unlawful - unethical for me to take a few goslings when they hatch out and rear them in pen for the table? What do they taste like? has anyone any experience?

[HappyHippy]

I'm not sure whether or not they're protected - the RSPB would be able to tell you for certain.
As for whether it's ethical to take the goslings ? I'd be considering how easy it's actually gong to be to get your hands on them - you think they're being defensive and territorial now ?
I wouldn't even consider trying take them, they're not yours to take  Instead just enjoy them being there and feel happy that they chose your pond to nest in. This is only my slightly sentimental view - others may disagree.

[Hermit]

They shoot them up here and we get given a couple by friends, they are the best goose ever.

[shetlandpaul]

apart from the breeding season. i think you would be best to leave alone.
shooting seasons
Duck & Goose - inland
 Sept 1 - Jan 31
 
Duck & Goose - below HWM of ordinary spring tides
 Sept 1 - Feb 20

 All wild birds with certain exceptions have Legislation that protects them,

[Hermit]

Still the best meat I have ever eaten, you will have to ask your neighbour up the road for one. He told me that he tests for tenderness by how tough the web of the foot is, then chooses method of cooking accordingly. A bloke at Weisdale also shoots them and has given us one. Ask around if you want  to try one. They are like comparing wild duck to domestic duck, a totally different meat texture.I only know one bloke that shoots wild duck though, he has promised us one as he knows I love them.We dont shoot anymore, last of our gundogs has gone to the big shoot in the sky and why bother we dont get greylag on our land anyway as they dont land near domesic geese and we get them given.

[shetlandpaul]

can you cadge one for us the next time. they look very plump and tasty. have you tried any of the little waders. thats in the northen wives cookbook. thou im not sure of starling.

[Hermit]

Never liked small birds, we used to breed partridge for our shoot, also pheasant and duck but only ate duck, OH loves pheasant and his mate who has a massive game bird hatchery in York is going to send him some eggs up. Our land has grouse  and snipe on but we dont like them. There are some good recipies in the NW cookbook, very resourceful,there are some disgusting ones as well but times were hard then and no conservation issues. A friend of ours was round yesterday and was telling us how they used to take Black Back eggs and some old timers still do!

[shetlandpaul]

bet they taste fishy. or up here roadkilly. i am seein a lot more rouse than before. we were at the doctors and one walked past i never knew how white there feet were. the dauhter said they looked as if they had been dipped in white paint.