1) I watch the geese "take-off" from the pond - one group (probably a family unit) starts off crowded all together with the other geese in one corner of the pond. They then all start swimming towards the center, spreading out as they go. I notice one goose near the back will start to flap its wings, the "lead" goose starts honking, then the entire flock (including the geese still back in the corner)start honking, then the group in the center of the pond all take off at once. I've yet to see the signal that starts them, although, it's probably something too subtle for me to notice (or it is goosey language). Anyone else see this behavior?

2) When all the geese have left the pond, it seems like one goose is left behind. He (or she) attempts to keep the area clear of other waterfowl (ducks, herons), but usually just wanders around the ground around the pond. It doesn't seem to be the same goose every time (one time, there was a goose with a yellow tag on its neck, other times, geese without the tag). Any insights?