Last evening a neighbor and I were talking on the phone about wildlife on and around the pond, some of the challenges I've had lately concerning such wildlife and that there was quite obviously a flip side to the work, that being the fun of hosting such wildlife. Ahem. I mentioned that one of my favorite displays this time of year is the Canada Geese parents giving water take-off / lift-off lessons to the goslings. They have SO MUCH FUN!! So do I. This morning, as usual, I took my first cup of coffee out on the deck to take stock of things and wake up. There they were, down by the 'beach', a place I really do try to discourage them from frequenting. It makes a mine field where I'd like to go barefoot if it ever gets above the 60's. Three adults were bathing, while the fourth stood on the raft doing lookout duty. This year there are 13 goslings amongst the two couples. That's a lot of herding. I am constantly amazed at the way animal young respond to their parents' commands. They mind without fuss, and quickly. Since last year, the lax set of parents have learned to keep their brood in line a bit more. The strict parents are still that and spend more time on sentry duty than the other two. Shows that things aren't equal , even amongst geese. While I watched, the goose in charge indicated that the goslings should get back into the water and get ready for a group lesson. On command, all take off flapping their wings, lifting themselves nearly out of the water as they head out into the pond. Honking and general noise making follow, along with wing flapping and splashing. Back to shore, a small wait, then repeat, over and over. Unfortunately, the coffee works slowly and when I finally get my camera, they have finished. In a day or so, they will have to prove themselves, individually. I can't wait. I know what's coming.
They've only begun to discover their wings. Flapping is fun.
I'm not the only one watching..
That must be so wonderful to watch. Thank you for telling us about it. I'd never thought about goslings have class before.
Posted by: Cookie | July 02, 2009 at 05:15 PM
13!
That is a good sized clutch :-)
Will they stay for the summer?
Posted by: cyndy | July 02, 2009 at 07:02 PM
that last shot is priceless!
Posted by: vanessa | July 02, 2009 at 08:53 PM
That sounds like so much fun to watch!
Posted by: Carole | July 03, 2009 at 08:02 AM
It looks like fun to watch, especially for the cat.
:)
Posted by: Sarah | July 03, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Loved it ! you are living a good life...Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Elaine Deegan | July 03, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Geese do make quite a minefield out of things. They are entertaining though.
Posted by: Dorothy | July 03, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Heh. I have a cat that looks like that, particularly when she sits. Let's just say she's a little broad in the back.
She usually keeps the Canada Geese from getting too close to the house but failed in her mission this year when a pair thought they should nest in my deck planter. I had to discourage them more than once.
Posted by: Diane | July 05, 2009 at 08:09 AM