Every year, Castlefield experiences a natural phenomenon as geese give birth to countless goslings, covering the area and causing controversy.
Apartment residents near the River Irwell, where the geese and goslings nest, face detours around gosling excrement and endure being chased, hissed at, and belittled by protective geese.
Locals report lateness, interrupted driving lessons, and pet attacks.
Jack Johnson, a Pomona Wharf resident, carries a harmonica to deter geese from biting his Jack Russell, Leo.
“They’ve done it before and they’ll do it again,” he said.
This situation has sparked a conundrum: some residents are angry at the geese’s aggression, whilst others are unfazed, considering the river and habitat predating the apartments.
Nurse Hayley Jones, 27, who lives in an apartment on the river, said: “I work nights so my sleep is important.
“It is however hard to sleep when I have a gaggle of geese honking down my eardrums all day and night.
“The buildings around here really ought to invest in some double-glazed windows.”
Georga Southern, 24, acknowledges the geese’s annoyance and unpleasant droppings but defends their home since they were there first.
The Wildlife Trusts have said: “Many goslings die early on due to defects and environmental factors.
“If you see a distressed goose, do not hesitate to contact us.”
