Friday, July 11, 2008

Canada Geese Families

I went out early yesterday morning around six to get ahead of the humidity and heat of the days we have been experiencing all week. I hadn't been to my favourite pond/lake area for a while and so I drove to that location. I found Cedar Waxwings and Canada Geese there. At first glance I saw a few Canada Geese very quietly swimming about in a patch of Pickerel Weed near the shore, then glancing further out I could see a flock of 15 or so. The group gradually rearranged itself and I could see that it was two families. One grouping with seven goslings and the other with seven. At first glance I did not notice a size difference but as each group lined up behind the taller Goose in the lead I realized I was watching two families of teen aged sized young ones. I thought the numbers were quite amazing too, as one family had seven survivors in there brood and the other had six.

11 comments:

Becky said...

This seems like a good year for the Canada geese. Everywhere around here there are so many, and it won't be long before the flight training begins for the Fall migration, although the ones here don't go too far south as long as the waters stay clear of ice. Nice post as usual Ann.

bobbie said...

Those are a couple of pretty BIG families! Also amazing to me is the fact that you say they were "quietly" swimming. Every time I see Canada geese, they are about as noisy as you can get.

me ann my camera said...

bobbie:
I didn't hear a sound from this bunch but probably if I had of gotten out of my truck they may have voiced their concerns. I was amazed at how they all lined up so obediently like.

me ann my camera said...

becky:
Their appearance in the sky flying in a V amid their loud honking is a sight that never fails to touch my soul.

kjpweb said...

Gotta love it! And the Waxwing is great, too! Another Lifer, that I want to get!
Cheers, Klaus

Mary said...

Lovely photo of the Waxwing, Ann! Such pretty color on it. I wish that they visited my house, but I don't have any tempting treats to offer them. Will have to plant something they like. The geese families are beautiful, too. I've seen quite a few large successful families at my wetlands, also. Obviously Canada Geese will survive, when others don't :-)

Rambling Woods said...

I learned that the geese are unable to fly for about 3-4 weeks as they molt their flight feathers. (Ducks too) Some of the family groups join other families (usually related). More eyes to danger during a vulnerable time. Love your photos and I have never seen a waxwing.

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

Gorgeous pictures here and below! I'm trying to catch up slowly here, but it's going to take a little time before I can get back into a routine. Thank you for visiting my blog while I was sick. It really was nice to read all the messages.

Tink *~*~* said...

When they are just recently hatched, Canadian geese are a sort of a greenish-yellow color; I guess that's good camouflage for them. Their mamas are pretty fierce if you get too close!

Tink *~*~*
My Mobile Adventures *~*~*

Anonymous said...

what fun !

Geraldine said...

Aren't they adorable! And so very intelligent too. I am a big fan of Canadian Geese!

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