Greylag goose who is a familiar sight to visitors at Balderton Lake is on the mend after infection

A goose that has become a familiar sight to visitors at a lake is recovering after being struck down by an infection.

The Greylag goose was found unable to move one evening by a walker in a field close to Balderton Lake.

The RSPCA was unavailable so, instead, Balderton’s Companion Vets came to the rescue, with the walker guarding the area to ensure no dogs or foxes could attack the vulnerable bird.

“We collected the goose gently in a towel without resistance,” said the vets in a Facebook post. “It had damaged feathers on its right wing tip and was very lame on its left leg.

“There were no fractures so a strain was most likely and the left foot had an infected corn.

“The goose spent the night happily in a kennel at the surgery, with no other in-patients, and was stronger next morning but still unable to safely return to the lake.”

It was collected by the RSPCA and taken to Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital, where the goose was found to have infected sores on his feet, a common condition in birds called Bumblefoot.

After a course of antibiotics, he is outside with lots of friends to keep him company.

Though the goose may have to have the lumps removed to help him walk if they do not settle down, the wildlife centre said his progress was slow ­— but in the right direction.

The are only 46,000 breeding pairs of Greylag geese, all of which are precious, said Companion Vets.