In the spirit of Halloween and everything pumpkin spice season, here is a column about the scary side of birds.

I’m not going to sensationalize or fear monger, and I’ll try not to be too corny either, but there are times when birds can be a little unnerving. This being a column based in New England, I’ll also try to keep it to the birds of this region, so there will be no horror stories of shoebills or cassowaries. (Those two species invariably come up when you do an Internet search for “scary birds.”)

One of the more unnerving experiences a birder in New England can experience is being hissed at and chased by a Canada goose. From a distance Canada geese look peaceful enough and even quite beautiful and regal depending on the habitat. Get too close to one, however, and they are large, formidable birds that can be quite fearless and intimidating.