I went down to the dock this evening to check on Mother Goose. I’m starting to get concerned about these very diligent parents. Their babies have yet to hatch out of their big egg capsules. On my way down, the first thing that caught my eye was this female mallard snuggled in the grass.
Father Goose was standing near his mate. Keeping ever diligent. He’s gotten used to me now and knows my goosey goosey call. I’m not a threat as I used to be as I usually bring down corn for them to eat.
Mother Goose was keeping her eggs warm. Last week she got fresh grass and redecorated her nest.
Looking up my first post on this goose couple, I’m guessing she laid her eggs the week of April 20th. With a 24-28 day incubation period, my suspicion that her eggs are bad is perhaps becoming a reality. I wonder how long she will stay loyal to her nest before finally abandoning the eggs. Although a few weeks ago, she had tossed out the one brown egg that I knew was bad.
I talked to her for a while and she cocked her head, appearing to be listening. While on the dock I decided to stay a while to see what other feathered friends would fly by. There were three Osprey flying over the river, two Great Blue Herons, a Belted Kingfisher, two Orchard Orioles that sang away but kept hidden.
Of course, the barn swallows were waiting for me to leave so that they could enjoy their favorite perches.
Then a small group of grackles landed on an old cherry tree. Reminding me of a Hitchcock movie.
How I would like to share you the little babies of our goose family, but so far there have been no star appearances. Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way we would like it to.
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I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Birds, Nature
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
What an amazing record of a truly lovely day.
Thanks Charlie. Somehow I think you’d really enjoy the Chesapeake Bay.
Oh dear, if all are bad, will they mate again for the second batch?
Canadian Geese do mate for life (had to look it up.) I’d imagine they would try again next year.
A golden egg for you: http://theseeker57.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/thank-you-julianne-victoria/
You are truly amazing Perpetua ! Thank you so very much and congratulations on your award as well.
Nothing in comparing to your FBs you have been hiding. 😆
There may still be one or two of the eggs that hatch, but it’s looking doubtful. How did you get all the grackles to pose in positions that showed their colorful heads at one time?
I am the grackle whisperer.
Beautiful birds, excellent captured… 🙂
You are so kind Drake. Thank you!
Stunning shots!
Thank you so much. Appreciate your kind comment.
JUST THE TRUTH! 🙂
Hope at least one or two survive. Fab shots as always Emily.
I hope so too Madhu, but not looking promising. She got up when I got too close and I saw at least one had turned more brown. 😦
MJs quote that you use
is life
if you do not try
all you are left with is failure
That is so magical Will. Also like the saying – the answer is always no if you don’t ask.
It sounds like a wonderful day, and your photographs are beautiful.
Sure hope “Mama’s” eggs are okay.
Thank you so much Lisa. Because of this project 365, it’s causing me to enjoy my yard more which is a very good thing.
Wonderful photography! The Mallards that stay at the pond behind out house, surprised us on Monday with 8 babies walking as quick as their little bodies could go behind their mamma, about as cute as they get. They all came into the yard for a few seconds and then off on their way to continue exploring. So sad to hear about the goose, I suspect you’re right about the bad eggs.
That is absolutely darling Mary ! I hope you have a forever picture in your mind so that you can include the duck family in one of your paintings.
These pictures are so sharp and clear. Stunning! Can’t wait to see the babies.
You are more than kind. On this series I was using the Canon 60D with the 100-400mm lens. The 60D doesn’t do well with capturing light, so I had a higher ISO. Thankfully Lightroom smoothed out the noise. Is this all Greek to you? LOL !
Stunning photos, Emily. How lovely to be good friends with these lovely geese. 🙂
It takes time for them to trust you. I was chasing one guy this afternoon from another family. He decided to pick on a parent of different family ran over one of their kids, then promptly got mad at overturned kid for getting in his way. I had something to say about that. LOL !
Crazy woman in the garden with the geese.
Wonderful photographs, just the sort of day I’d love! 🙂
Oh I hope you get to enjoy nature in your crazy busy life. It’s so restorative.
Yes it is and so vital! Trust me, I grab the moments that I can!
What a sweet post… Poor girl. But I love how the mates stand such vigilant guard over them — and I love that quote, always have. Such a great reminder.
I caught her last night swimming and I had a quick glance at her nest. She had really covered the eggs with grass. She’s still trying though.