Thanks for caring. We really can't tell about the extent of the injury without seeing it as the two photos show somewhat different angles of how the wing is being carried.

If the ponds are building code directed, do they have a bubbler or aerator? If so, then they will not freeze. Without these water moving devices, the ponds could freeze which would be extremely detrimental to the geese, especially if one is severely injured. Freezing will significantly diminish food resources which an injured bird or animal needs to heal. Freezing also allows predators to access the birds and if they can't fly, the birds are easy targets not to mention that the birds could fall through the ice and not be able to exit the ice, thus drowning.

We would strongly suggest trying to capture both of the birds. The reasoning for this is that they will stay together in whatever, new safe home that they are relocated. Secondly, an injured bird can get depressed without its mate and will do much better if they can stay together. However, if the mate cannot be captured, the uninjured mate will obviously go about its business.

We would suggest getting very friendly with the geese. Have a couple of individuals go with you to feed them so that the birds get used to a couple of people with you. In fact, see if a couple of volunteers with the NO-Kill facility will work with you to feed the geese. Lure the geese further onto land with each feeding until you can get them a significant length from the water. On the day that the capture is to be affected, have two individuals standing several feet from the feeding geese with nets but somewhat out of sight until the geese move towards you and the other feeders. In other words, have the individuals with nets staged so that they are between the water and the geese. Feed the birds as if normal and then once the geese begin feeding, have the individuals with the nets quickly, but quietly move toward the feeding geese. Make sure that the uninjured goose is captured simultaneously if not first as the injured goose will only be able to run, not fly. If you can capture both, it will be good for the injured goose to have her mate.

However, there is another consideration that must be addressed. Some wildlife facilities will not take healthy wildlife, so you may have to check to see if they will allow the mate to be housed with the injured goose. Good luck and please let us know how this works out. The Regal Swan