Polymnia here! For some years in our current home, the same pair of Canada Geese nested at the base of a very large tree on the edge of the stormwater pond behind our home. Friends that had owned the home prior to our purchase confirmed this goose behavior. I (perhaps unwisely) began an experiment on how we might interact up close. Using Dave’s Killer Bread - full of seeds & nuts and organic - I’d pull away small bits then toss in their direction. Apprehensive at first I soon had the geese coming closer and closer. The male shortly decided taking pieces from my hand was not a risk so he did just that.
Over time the parents would bring their goslings for me to see up close. I felt acceptance and trust from the geese which reflects my sense of Great Spirit and manifests in all creation.
Did you know? The hiss of a worried mother Canada Goose sounds very similar to that of a cat. 🪿 🙀
Good morning LoveLetterist! And Muses and Henny of course. Here’s an odd possibility for the goose egg: the ones I’ve observed near our home don’t begin the hatching (sitting atop the eggs) until all eggs have been laid. Second, their nests are barely nests! A crude accumulation of dried organic material placed directly on the ground. If that applies to your picture of the egg, there could be more eggs on a subsequent walk. The vulnerability of both eggs and parents to raccoons, foxes, coyotes and the like can’t be overstated. But as a species they survive. John Muir could hardly have made his observation one whisker clearer.
Henny found the egg. She sniffed it and walked away when I asked her to.
4/15-7/31 yearly, Dogs are required to be leashed at the marsh for nesting season. Things seem to be ahead of schedule this year.
Most of the geese build mounds in marsh, surrounded by water, to nest on. This egg was on the dike leaving it quite vulnerable to predators as you point out.
Nature is fascinating and full of wonder.
I did really enjoy the story of Fly Away Home. :) I believe it’s a true story.
The theme of this movie reminds me of the efforts that were expended to prevent Whooping Cranes from going extinct. Amazing efforts were taken to prevent hatchlings from seeing any humans. Staff wore disguises. An ultra-light aircraft was similarly camouflaged to resemble an adult crane’s colorations. The pilot guided the new crop to points north, Canada & Wisconsin, (identified by past records showing these were their migrational flyways) so the young would “know” the way for future trips. Normal breeding cycles occur at the terminus, allowing “trained” adults to guide the next young ones back to Texas.
Stories like “I’ll Fly Away Home” and of the Whooping Cranes speak to my heart. Thanks for sharing it with us!
A note from LoveLetterist:
4th Muses -- Where do you trust your wings to carry you?
Polymnia here! For some years in our current home, the same pair of Canada Geese nested at the base of a very large tree on the edge of the stormwater pond behind our home. Friends that had owned the home prior to our purchase confirmed this goose behavior. I (perhaps unwisely) began an experiment on how we might interact up close. Using Dave’s Killer Bread - full of seeds & nuts and organic - I’d pull away small bits then toss in their direction. Apprehensive at first I soon had the geese coming closer and closer. The male shortly decided taking pieces from my hand was not a risk so he did just that.
Over time the parents would bring their goslings for me to see up close. I felt acceptance and trust from the geese which reflects my sense of Great Spirit and manifests in all creation.
Did you know? The hiss of a worried mother Canada Goose sounds very similar to that of a cat. 🪿 🙀
I think I once sent you a picture… my grocery sells Dave’s Kilker Bread and even has it listed by name on the aisle marker. :)
I love images from photographers who through patience and trust building are able to insert themselves into a wild animal’s environment. ❤️
It’s an untangling for sure and the balance between faith and surrender can be quite perplexing…
“Infinite patience produces immediate results.” ~Wayne Dyer
OR
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ~Emerson
The serenity prayer is a twice daily occurrence for me. First when I arise, and just before I close my eyes…
Acceptance, Courage, and Discernment…
BTW, Serenity LOVES the Serenity Prayer…
Go figure… 😉
I once had a conversation with a grocery checker about the tattoo on her arm. It was The Serenity Prayer.
I thought if you when I included it in today’s LoveLetter. 😊
Good morning LoveLetterist! And Muses and Henny of course. Here’s an odd possibility for the goose egg: the ones I’ve observed near our home don’t begin the hatching (sitting atop the eggs) until all eggs have been laid. Second, their nests are barely nests! A crude accumulation of dried organic material placed directly on the ground. If that applies to your picture of the egg, there could be more eggs on a subsequent walk. The vulnerability of both eggs and parents to raccoons, foxes, coyotes and the like can’t be overstated. But as a species they survive. John Muir could hardly have made his observation one whisker clearer.
Happy day. Happy week end. 😊
Henny found the egg. She sniffed it and walked away when I asked her to.
4/15-7/31 yearly, Dogs are required to be leashed at the marsh for nesting season. Things seem to be ahead of schedule this year.
Most of the geese build mounds in marsh, surrounded by water, to nest on. This egg was on the dike leaving it quite vulnerable to predators as you point out.
Nature is fascinating and full of wonder.
I did really enjoy the story of Fly Away Home. :) I believe it’s a true story.
https://youtu.be/Ui9th4nhvoY?si=fwPLAIcONvPLnILJ
Yes! I believe you're correct! Great movie.
The theme of this movie reminds me of the efforts that were expended to prevent Whooping Cranes from going extinct. Amazing efforts were taken to prevent hatchlings from seeing any humans. Staff wore disguises. An ultra-light aircraft was similarly camouflaged to resemble an adult crane’s colorations. The pilot guided the new crop to points north, Canada & Wisconsin, (identified by past records showing these were their migrational flyways) so the young would “know” the way for future trips. Normal breeding cycles occur at the terminus, allowing “trained” adults to guide the next young ones back to Texas.
Stories like “I’ll Fly Away Home” and of the Whooping Cranes speak to my heart. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Terpsi - Faith carries me to wherever I need to go.
Thank you Terpsi.
Me too.