Gerhard Hildebrand sent this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed it on the Letaba River in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Geese going at it
Joining the action in Gerhard’s video, we see a battle underway. Two Egyptian geese, presumably males fight, while a third goose looks on.
As they fight, we hear one of Gerhard’s companions comment that one has the other by the head. He adds that blood is visible.
Egyptian geese are highly territorial during breeding season, so what we’re seeing is most likely a related dispute. Broadly speaking, these geese are considered aggressive, even chasing drones, humans, and pets in urban environments.
Battle rages on
As the battle rages on, the birds attempt to beat each other with their wings. Through it all, the one goose keeps its grip on the other’s head.
Meanwhile, the third goose keeps a close eye on proceedings, following the fighting pair along the bank. It is safe to assume that the third goose is the mate of the “winning” goose.
Incidentally, Egyptian geese mate for life. Consequently, both males and females help raise their young.
Free at last
As the “losing” goose takes a beating, we hear the honking of another goose incoming. Has air support finally arrived?
Whatever the case, the distraction seems to lead to the “losing” goose managing to free its head. As a result, it loses no time in fleeing its aggressor.
Frantic flight for freedom
Turning sharply, the freed goose launches into the air, determined to escape. As it does, a fourth goose swoops into view.
We can assume this is its mate, come to save the day. By the looks of it, it was just in time.
Aerial battle
Meanwhile, the original attacker sets off after his foe. At this time, it looks like we’re about to see one of the “aerial dogfights” for which these geese are renowned.
The pair fly over the river, with the pursuing goose attempting to bite the other in mid-air. We also notice that the fleeing goose is struggling to fly, likely weakened by the preceding fight.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise when it suddenly loses speed. The resulting loss of lift sees both birds stall, sending them crashing into the water below.
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Second chance
Still desperate to get away, the pursued goose is first to recover. Once again, he wastes no time in fleeing. Flapping furiously, he sets off for the far bank and, hopefully, a respite from the incessant battering.
Meanwhile, the other goose seems to struggle as it heads to the other bank. It’s not hard to imagine that both could use a rest at this stage of the game.
A brief respite
Subsequently, we see one goose taking a breather on one bank…
While the other does the same on the opposite side of the river.
Then, while it is still catching its breath, one of the other two geese comes swooping over it, honking frantically.
After a brief argument, it flies over the river, similarly honking at the bird on the far bank before flying off.
The video comes to an end shortly afterwards. While it all got a bit confusing towards the end, we hope the neighbours managed to settle their differences.