Those geese were cooked

Raise your hand if you're surprised that the bird remains found in the engines of US Airways Flight 1549 were -- ta da! -- Canada geese.

The National Transportation Safety Board released those findings in a statement today in Washington.

The majestic migratory waterfowl have become a nuisance in urban and suburban areas all over the country, including parks, golf courses and even small, grassy islands in parking lots. Their poop coats sidewalks and grass, and they can be aggressive in protecting their nests. In some instances they no longer even bother to migrate.

The birds are -- for now -- federally protected, and a variety of not-always-successful techniques for running them off are tried, such as oiling their eggs or using dogs to chase them away.

No word on whether anyone in D.C. is pondering allowing goose-hunting season. Maybe in time for Christmas dinner?

- Posted by Mary Newsom