BUFFALO, New York - An unusual springtime friendship between a deer and a nesting goose appears to have blossomed inside a cemetery in Buffalo, New York.

For the past week or so, the deer has been standing near an urn where the goose has taken up residence, positioning itself between the urn and any passing car or foot traffic.

Craig Cygan noticed the unlikely pair during his regular patrols with his goose-chasing border collies. He says there is no mate around the goose and he believes the deer has taken over the job of protecting the nest.

Cornell University wildlife expert Paul Curtis says deer and geese usually don't pay any attention to each other.

Forest Lawn Cemetery officials are trying to arrange for a webcam so the curious can check in on the nest.