In the context of looking at something, is "gander" a verb or a noun? Or both?

I once mentioned that although it was always used in the context of an action (looking) gander was actually a noun because you take it…as in take a gander. But my friend countered by saying that you could also use it as a verb…as in you can just gander at something.

Now I can’t for the life of me remember whether I’ve ever (or never) heard this before. Have you (or can you recall anyone you know who has) ever used gander as a verb?
Bonus Question: Isn’t a gander a bird? How did “bird” come to be (essentially) equated to “look”?