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The Birds Shoed Flightless Geese are a rare and exotic breed which, until recently, were unknown in the United Kingdom. These creatures are intelligent and curious but, sadly, mute. They make up for their silence by having the brightest of eyes and the friendliest of manners. Our pair arrived on the Green during the summer of 2002 and proceeded to settle in and quickly found their bearings. It was local raconteur and pony fancier, Maragold Fancy, who christened the geese Desmond & Molly Jones. The geese did not object and the locals have accepted the pair into their lives with remarkable enthusiasm. Here (picture left) we see Pear Tree resident, Oliver Fybal, giving the pair outdoor cartographical instruction. Curious Once settled the geese set about establishing themselves as ex officio park rangers by furiously chasing off naughty kids on unlicensed motorcycles and nipping the knees of anyone in green wellies carrying a magnifying glass. Shoed Geese, and our pair in particular, are renowned for their affinity with all things natural. Here we see them using their beaks to set off an otherwise dull shot of some dandelions. ( By the way, you can enlarge any picture on this page by clicking on it.) This spring has been pure joy for Desmond & Molly, the winter was mild and the spring warm if rather dry but the combination has been perfect for the flora on the Green. Pictured left we see the pair surprising some bluebells under bramble scrub. The wild area where these pictures were taken was once railway sidings now reclaimed after years of neglect. In some areas chalk was added to what must have been pretty poor soil with the aim of mimicking aspects of chalk downland. Although the Green is generally respected, there is occasional vandalism in the more hidden parts. Here, right, we see our gallant geese inspecting fire damage and the demise of a bramble patch. It is obvious that neither Desmond or Molly are too happy about this kind of thing but what can two geese do? Disadvantaged Being a flightless goose can be a disadvantage but one that Molly, in particular, overcomes with an almost disgusting cheerfulness. For instance, she has developed ways of scrabbling up small trees and Molly uses it to great effect in order to pose amongst the May. It is worth noting here that everything that you have heard about geese being showy creatures is absolutely true but in the case of the Shoed their very muteness becomes their saving grace. We intend to make full use of this couple's ability to tread quietly where others clump like elephants in a cornflake factory, indeed they will be our roving reporters vis a vis the natural goings on of the flora and fauna on Pear Tree Green. What fun, matey! Both Desmond & Molly are on friendly terms with most of the creatures that have made Pear Tree Green their home, although Molly is not over keen on the lizards. They both have a soft spot for Patrick ( right ) who is often to be seen, pulling a two wheeled buggy, or gig, up and down Pear Tree Avenue at a great rate of knots with a grand high step that says, "What fun, matey!" One Sunday a few weeks ago Patrick bit through his halter and decided to strike out on his own and it took three very tentative policemen to hold him until Patrick's owner arrived. Further Adventures of Desmond and Molly will appear in the menu, left Pictures & text © Charles Ivermee, 2003, unless otherwise stated.