Thanks a lot for your prompt answer. She hasn't sat on the pine needles for around 3 weeks at least. They were dry, but still sharp. I don't know how she could sit in them.

I observed her last night again. The lump is the same size as before and on one side, posterior view, it has lost most feathers/dawn on it, allowing a rounded shape to be seen, as if some fluid has accumulated there.

I have found online two avian vets in the area, but it will be hard for a stranger like me to persuade them to treat an animal they are not allowed to.

The ohio wildlife hospital is, i believe, connected to the university. I have seen students there. Unfortunately they think they are a population control institution rather than a hospital to help animals in need. They euthanized two geese i brought in so far, and with mama goose limping and having a deformed bill, she probably doesn't stand a chance.

I also read that the law would require other vets to confiscate the wild, protected species from a citizen and turn it in. If something happens to her, her mate will be affected too...

In the meantime, I'm hoping she could benefit from tetracycline. I believe tractor supply sells it without a prescription (or another wide spectrum antibiotic), if only someone could suggest how much to give her. If my recollection is correct, it only comes with dosage instruction (for 100 gallons), but no mention if condition treated.

Mama goose is a true bottomless pit :-)). She eats (grabs with the speed of light) anything at the end of an extended hand (including fingers, occasionally :-)), so it would be easy to hide the antibiotic powder in some sweet bread. There is one other person at work who cares about them, and i'm sure he would cooperate.

Please let me know what you think of tetracycline.
Many thanks again.
Nelly