The males defend the territory, nest, and eggs from intruders, such as other geese. The female has to leave the nest to eat, rest, swim and preen. Unguarded nests and eggs are targets for predators such as gulls, ravens, crows, skunks, dogs, and many others. The male sends out an alarm by flying into the air and honking as a predator approaches. This alerts not only his mate but others nesting nearby.
Females lower their bodies onto the nest and stretches out their necks to camouflage the nest.
These birds love to swim and bathe in the water, especially on warm days. The Geese swim and flap around and sometimes completely submerge themselves. When females pick a nesting site, they look for a place that has good visibility but is still isolated so they have a warning of danger and protection if danger approaches. The area also must have open water with low banks so they can have access to aquatic plants. Places such as swamps marshes, meadows, lakes, and other such places are among some of the favorite nesting areas.