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Thursday 30 May 2019

Goose family update

Six days after our last visit, my husband and I visited Cavendish Grove again to see if the goose family was still around. The little pond with the island was now empty. The nest was abandoned with no sign of the geese.





Meanwhile we’d had three days of heavy rain. Excess water flows from the little pond into the basin below. We decided to have our lunch in the Grove and as we set out our simple fare, we saw a goose family emerge from behind one of the several islands in the basin. This pair had six goslings, one more than we had seen originally.





After my last post about the geese, John from John’s Island suggested the goose going back on the nest meant there were more eggs to hatch. John was probably right. You can check out John’s blog 

here.


If these were the same birds, the male, the larger of the two adults, had no trouble swimming in spite of his injured foot which was visible as he stood on guard near the nest.





The adults left the water and the goslings followed. 





They had more than doubled in size in the last six days. They pecked at the grass and were more adventurous than they had been the previous week. If they strayed too far however, the nearest parent went their way. Both parents were equally vigilant, keeping watch for all intruders.





As we ate lunch, 





we watched the geese in the water again, in a row behind a parent. 





As the parents tipped bottoms up in the water to feed, the goslings did the same. We left them,





hoping to be back another time before they take to wing.



21 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

It's cool that you can follow a specific family.

Natalia said...

What a cute family☺

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Canada Geese are good parents!

DJan said...

Glad to know they are doing fine, and even increasing their brood. And I'm also glad to know that the injury to his foot doesn't seem to be hampering the male. Great shots! :-)

Celia said...

Great to see these geese and their goslings.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Pretty views of the pond and goose family. I love the little goslings, they are adorable. Wishing you a happy day and weekend!

William Kendall said...

A lovely family!

Elephant's Child said...

Fuzzy little heart melters. Huge thanks for the update on them and their parent(s).

Rhodesia said...

Great photos, sad about the male's foot but if it does not worry him....
Hope you are well, have a good weekend Diane

Joanne Noragon said...

I've seen a duck mother followed by fifteen or twenty ducklings. When I commented to another bystander, I was told it is not uncommon for female ducks to ten the babies of other ducks. I do not know if that is true, or not.

Ruth Hiebert said...

That kind of activity watch as you are enjoying a lunch is about perfect.

Laurel Wood said...

Such precious pictures. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Gosh they've come on well Kay, how lovely to see them all safe. Mum and dad are doing an excellent job. Beautiful captures here 💜

baili said...

such a delightful post dear Marie :)

how lovely to find lost friends again :)))
eating out while seeing such cheerful views must be a great pleasure !

i fell in love with this beautiful and how disciplined family

so glad you are enjoying each bit of glorious weather and natural beauty around you my friend!

Mage said...

That's such a nice gift to share with all of us. Thank you.

Debbie said...

i enjoy all of your outdoor antics!! it must be so nice to be getting back outdoors and to be following the goslings!! nice to picnic outdoors!!!

jenny_o said...

Wonderful update, Marie! Thank you. The little ones grow fast, don't they?

Bill said...

What a grand performance put on by the Goose family for your lunch time enjoyment. Wonderful photos, Marie.

Anonymous said...

They are so cute! Andrea

photowannabe said...

How exciting to see their growth and what good parents they are.
Lovely photos Marie.

Barbara said...

Isn't it amazing to watch animals in their natural habitat. Loved it.