The Chase and the Stand

/ Photography / By
Dog wearing a red harness running on grass with a Canada goose spreading its wings and showing its tongue in a defensive posture at Fremont Central Park.
Image 1: The chase begins.




The Chase and the Stand / 追与反击 / La persecución y el contraataque

Date: November 8, 2025

Caption

A morning stroll at Fremont Central Park turned into an unexpected wildlife drama. A dog suddenly bolted toward a goose, sending it running and flapping in alarm. But then, in a twist, the goose turned around and launched a counter-charge—wings wide, tongue out, fearless.

Just then, a fellow walker passed by and asked, “Did you get the shot?”
“Yes,” I replied.
They smiled and said, “Like National Geographic!”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.

清晨在弗里蒙特中央公园，一场突如其来的“追逐战”上演。狗狗突然冲向一只大雁，大雁慌忙起飞，却在下一刻转身反击——张开双翅、伸出舌头、毫不退缩。

Un paseo matutino en el Parque Central de Fremont se convirtió en un drama inesperado. Un perro corrió hacia un ganso, que levantó vuelo en pánico, pero en un giro sorprendente, el ganso se dio la vuelta y contraatacó con las alas extendidas y una valentía feroz.

Images

Canada goose spreading its wings and showing its tongue in a defensive posture as a dog approaches at Fremont Central Park.
Image 2: The goose stands its ground.
Canada goose standing defiantly with wings spread and tongue out, facing a dog on the grass at Fremont Central Park.
Image 3: The Goose Fight Back.

Reflection

It was a brief but vivid reminder: even the seemingly gentle know how to defend themselves. Nature’s balance often lies between curiosity and courage.

Technical Details

  • Location: Fremont Central Park, California
  • Camera / Lens Canon R5 Mark II + EF 70–200mm f/2.8L + 1.4x Extender
  • Settings: 1/400s, f/5.6, ISO 125, 228mm
  • Theme: Action / Wildlife / Humor
  • Light Notes: Morning light from the east, clear and crisp. Slight side illumination helped separate the subjects from the green background, with natural highlights on the wings and fur.
  • Mood / Intention: Playful yet symbolic — the image captures both instinct and personality, showing that not all confrontations end as expected.
  • Post-Processing Notes: Brightened/sharpened the goose’s head slightly; Added medium contrast using lightroom; Cropped to center the interaction; Added slight vignetting.
  • What I Like / What I’d Improve: Like: The decisive moment when the goose lifts off, mouth open, and the dog mid-run. Improve: Slightly more depth of field to keep both subjects sharp at full motion.
  • Inspiration / Reference: Reminds me of wildlife photographers who emphasize behavior over perfection — action that tells a story, not just a pose.
  • Tags: wildlife, humor, Fremont Central Park, goose, dog, Canon R5 Mark II, EF 70–200mm, extender, nature photography, morning light