According to the outstanding ethological research carried out by Konrad Lorenz, wild geese were once plentiful in various areas of Italy. But following the massive land drainage and reclamation undertaken at the beginning of the century their numbers gradually decreased until they almost disappeared. In recent years, an intelligent policy of environment management has resulted in several colonies of wild geese returning to nest in certain significant areas of the country, for instance the Oasis of Marano to the East of Venice. In a small, marshy lagoon the presence of different groups allows us to examine the social behaviour of this species closely, and to compare it with that of other aquatic birds. In contrast with the faithfulness of the wild geese, we observe the noisy and aggressive courting rituals of the mallard. Or in the nesting season we can compare the different strategies and behaviour of the couples of future parents. Finally, as a tribute to Konrad Lorenz, we visit his research centre in Austria, where we can admire an exhibition of the great ethologist at the outset of his research.