One of the annual rituals of spring on the Downers Grove Campus is the nesting of our beloved flock of Canada geese. Every April, we see them in pairs marching off to find the ideal spot to make their nests. Around Mother's Day, the eggs began to crack open and soon fuzzy goslings are seen waddling around our campus.

This year, our favorite goose chose a very unlikely spot for her nest: right outside the south entrance of Haspel/Hambrick Hall. In previous years, they have made their nest on the west side of the building, which sees somewhat less foot traffic. This year, though, they selected one of the busiest spots on campus that is close to the parking area along the outside of the central campus. As you may know, Canada geese mate for life, and we have nicknamed the pair who tend to hang around the administration building "Sonny and Cher." Thus, as Cher was sitting snugly on her nest, Sonny squawked at, flew at, and did his best to fend off the people entering and exiting the building. Because Canada geese are federally protected wildlife, and because we didn't want to risk a goose attack, our facilities team have blocked off the entrance and placed signs around the area to make sure Cher could nest comfortably.


Photo: Cher peeks out over the curb from her nest near the side entrance of Haspel/Hambrick Hall.

Despite the geographic challenges, Cher has been diligently sitting on her nest through rain, sleet, and sunshine. Always nearby is Sonny, nervously pacing and ready to pounce if someone gets too close. They truly are great role models for new parents: they suffer and struggle for the sake of their eggs and sacrifice their own comfort and safety to protect their young. While sometimes the squawking males are an annoyance to our students, and our sidewalks are famous for their green droppings, the Canada geese are a member of the MWU campus family. Our campus is part of a wetlands environment near a forest preserve park, and the wildlife that call MWU home (deer, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, and birds) add an element of nature that reminds us that we are part of a bigger community of living creatures.

In just a few weeks, we hope that Sonny and Cher's eggs will hatch and a new generation of goslings will begin their new lives at MWU. The proud parents will lead them off to find water and teach them how to swim and fend for themselves. Just like our faculty welcoming a new class of students, so the Canada geese teach us about the dedication it requires to raise and nurture the young. Happy spring to all of you!