Portrait Of A Canada Goose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took this photo back in July of this year. I was out for a walk along the water front trail, and I came across some Canada Geese. This one got my attention and I was close enough that I could have touch him. I would never attempt to do that. I have a great admiration, and respect for these Beautiful Water Fowl.  There are those who don’t share my love for these birds and think they are a nuisance. I understand their reasons but I don’t share their view.  I wonder if sometimes Canada Geese think we are a nuisance and get in their way. :) Just a thought! I really think this planet is big enough for all of us to share, and show each other a little Grace.

 

 

 

 

I love watching and listening to the geese as they fly in formation this time of year, as they prepare to fly south for the winter. They haven’t left yet, but they are practicing and training their young ones for the journey ahead.

Yes, there is a change in the air as we also prepare for a new season that is on our doorstep. We have a few more days of summer so enjoy them, and for all those who are looking forward to the long weekend, Have a good one.

Happy September one and all.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

Learning From Nature

 

 

Canada Geese In Formation At Sunrise

 

 

 

In Autumn, geese instinctively fly in a V-shaped formation when they travel South for the winter. The flock all work together in unison. As each bird flaps its wings , it reduces the wind resistance of the  bird behind it. Thus , each goose cuts an easier path for the one following it. This allows the geese to cover a greater distance than if each bird flew on its own. Some fly as far north as the Arctic Circle in the spring time and some fly as far south as Mexico for the winter. It is said, that they can soar as high as twenty- nine thousand feet. Wow! That is amazing!

When the lead goose gets weary , it drops back in the formation and allows another goose to fly point. The geese at the back of the formation honk to encourage those in front of them to keep going. The geese stay in perfect V- shaped formation , and not one goose is left behind.

Just as God has prepared geese for their migration , He also takes care of us as we journey through life here on earth. He did not create us to go it alone. He planned for each of us to be in relationship with Him and each other. Through His Grace we find comfort and strength, and He uses other people to love and encourage us along lives journey. We as believers are His arms to give hugs to others. We are His hands and feet and I believe we can make a difference in this world. We can pray but we can also put love and compassion into action. Faith without works is dead but works alone will never get us to where God intended us to be.( James : Chapter 2, Verses 14-25 ).

God shines His Light through His Creation which includes us as we are made in His Image. We can come along side and honk, so to speak , to encourage someone who is feeling the force of turbulence in their life. And when you are feeling the harsh wind on your face and feeling weary, drop back in the formation for a while to receive encouragement from God and others you can rely on , so you can gain the strength  to keep going.

In Summary: God never intended for us to “go it alone” on our journey through life. He designed us to be carriers of His Grace to encourage one another.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you are all having a good week. Blessings and Peace.

xx’s Dianne :)

Update #4 On the Swans and Canada Geese

 

 

 

Being Neighbourly??? What’s Going On Here? (May 2/2010)

If you look closely you will notice the Male Swan and Male Canada Goose are both on the rock island with their mates. This is the first time I have seen all four of them coexisting on the rocks at the same time . Usually the swan doesn’t allow the male goose to be their as they are so territorial. Something is up.

I took these photos two days after the big fight on my last update, when the male goose was no longer going to be pushed around and kept from his mate.

 

 

 

I was there no longer than ten minutes when Mother Goose got up off the nest and headed towards the water and Father Goose is right behind her. If you look just below her you will see what appears to be baby chicks. It appears that Father Goose is checking to make sure no one is left behind in the nest. I noticed their is one out of the seven that tends to wonder on his own from time to time. There is one in every crowd. He is an adventurer. :)

 

 

 

 

They are checking to make sure it is safe before they enter the water.

 

 

The parents are always on the watch for danger to their young chicks.

I was in awe and quite thrilled to be there watching this beautiful family of geese. I am not sure how many days old they are. I do know they were well hidden in the camouflage of the nest and under mother goose herself.

 

 

 

The Swans Look On

For a time the Geese Family are allowed to show off their newborn family and be on center stage.

 

 

If you look behind Father Goose you will see the little adventurer. I call him Daddy’s Boy.

 

 

 

Here they are on shore . Father Goose and the other two were just out of my range. I couldn’t talk them into standing in a nice orderly fashion so I could get the perfect family portrait. They didn’t seem to mind me being within camera range though. :)

 

 

All these photos were taken with my 28- 300 lens, without my tripod. The lighting was tricky and challenging at times and I sure could have used my tripod. I had decided to ride my bike down to the Bay and check on the Nesting Moms. I was surprised to see these beautiful Baby Chicks. If I had of known I would have driven down in the van and taken my 170-500 lens.

 

 

Here we go again. Just as the family of geese were heading home to the nest the male swan had other plans. At this point I was really concerned about the geese and their safety, and so was Father Goose. Mother Goose headed back to the shore for safety.

 

 

 

They have arrived back on shore. Now what?

 

 

Father Goose followed his family back to shore and stood on guard. The swan came back and pushed them even further on shore. At that point both parents stood on guard as the baby chicks stood all huddled in a circle. Satisfied the swan swam back closer to his nesting mate. At this point I decided to make a mad dash home on my bike, grabbed my 170-500 lens and drove back to the Bay. By this time the male swan had gone way off for his nightly swim and the geese were back safely on the nest. I thought that was it for the night but waited a few minutes longer hoping for another look at the chicks through my lens. It appeared they were all back safe and sound in the nest with their mother keeping them warm and safe.

 

 

As I stood there all of a sudden this little one came up from the nest . Was it the little adventurer I do not know. I was so happy to get the opportunity to get one last shot and this was it. I believe that God decided to Bless me once again.

I went back the next morning as I didn’t have a morning client which is rare. What did I find when I got there? The family of geese had left the nest never to return. I think they moved for their safety. I looked high and low all along the Bay shore and they were no where to be found they were gone. I think they worked their way to the east side of the bay into the marshes. I do hope to see them again but will never know for sure that it is them. I hope and pray they are all safe. It was quite the adventure and I was so Blessed to be part of it and share it with all of you.

Every night after work I go down to the Bay to check on the swans and so far no sign of little baby swans. I am hoping to get the chance to photograph them also. The other night I came home from work and my dear sweet hubby had packed me my supper to take to the Bay with me. That is part of the reason I haven’t been around to visit many of you. I have been working , sleeping , eating , and a few other things plus keeping an eye and waiting for the rest of the story.

Have a Great Day!

Hugs and Smiles

Dianne (dsphotocats) :)

Nesting Update #3 on The Swans and Canada Geese

 

An Intimate Moment

No signs of Baby Swans yet and these photos were taken last Friday Night . This is the first time I saw her get off the nest. She got up and went to the edge to be near her mate. She then went for a short swim while he stood by the nest to watch over it.

 

 

Mean while Mother Goose just got up and is checking something in the nest. She seems preoccupied  with something.

 

 

Could it be possible that her chicks have hatched or in the process. Maybe it is my imagination but I think I see a couple of chicks heads in the camouflage of grass , sticks and feathers. What do you think? I never noticed that until tonight when I cropped this photo.

 

 

There is definitely something different as the Father Goose is not backing down and not leaving his mate or nest.

 

 

The fight is on and this Male Goose is not backing down like before. Talk about facing your giants.  The swan may be bigger but this goose has something worth fighting for. He is putting his family first with all his might. His family comes first and he will do whatever it takes to protect them.

 

 

The mother goose has left the nest to come to help her mate. The father goose stands in between her and the male swan.

 

 

The are now wing to wing and I think the male goose is trying to get the swan to follow him away from his mate and their nest. Look at the difference in size.

 

 

The female goose actually came out to help her mate and all three were in the air for a short time. I missed getting the shot of all three of them. Everything happened so fast. Here she is heading back towards the nest to stand guard.

 

 

 

This was something to watch. I couldn’t  believe what I was witnessing. I have never seen anything like this before.

 

 

The end of the fight and no one appears to be hurt. That is totally remarkable. I look at this photo and I think it is as if she is saying , “You are my Hero.” Mates for life. I think we can learn a lot from nature.

We all have giants to fight from time to time. Who is your hero? Who or what do you have that is worth fighting for?

 

It is really late and I have to get up for work in the morning. I am sorry I haven’t been around to visit some of you and will when I can.  I have another update but it will have to wait. I have been going down to the Bay almost every evening after my workday to follow what is happening with the Nesting Swans and Geese. This is to be continued another day.

I hope you enjoy following along. I there is anyone who reads this but has not read the updates before this one, please go back so you will be able to get the whole story. Upgrade 4 coming soon.

Have a wonderful day and God Bless You all.

Dianne :)  dsphotocats