Saturday, May 16, 2009

Nesting Goose Update 3 - Soaked

We had a huge rainstorm last night. I knew there would be considerable flooding at any of the nature parks. I've seen how it can get when it's been raining hard, and whole stretches of these places become inaccessible.

One of the first things I thought of was that I had to go over to see how the nesting goose got through this. I was sure she and the other animals would be fine, but I still had to find out for myself. Besides, those eggs should be hatching very soon now. Maybe even today!

When I got there I could see that the whole place was flooded. The water level was up above the lake viewing area by the dam. As I got close, I could see the nesting goose looking out at the water. I was relieved to see that she was alert and well.

When I walked up and looked at her through the bars though, she looked completely soaked. At least she made it through the storm in one piece. I wondered why she hadn't gotten up to shake herself off. Maybe she didn't want to get any water on the eggs.

Here's a closer look at her. The poor thing looks like a plucked turkey. Her feathers are matted down, but she does look alert and healthy still. That's a really good sign. Maybe an afternoon in the sun will fluff her back up to her old self.

Take a look at this picture and the last one. You would think that because her feathers are wet and matted down, she would look smaller. She actually looks more spread out over the nest than she usually does. She must be doing it on purpose.

Maybe she's protecting the eggs from all of the water. Still, she looks really strange sitting there like that. I examined her as close and for as long as I could. I didn't see any movement under her. I don't know if I would see any if they were hatched anyway. She should be getting very close to hatching these babies. It should be any day now.

As predicted, there's her mate back there on the dam. He's sticking very close to her, as he always does. He looks really wet too. A few seconds ago he was shaking himself off. I don't know if it's because of the storm or it's because of the swim he just took. Usually they don't get this wet from swimming.

I've been watching her every day, and I will continue to do so. It should all happen any day now, unless she's hiding them from me already. I'll probably be back tomorrow with a post showing the flooding around this dam. It's very cool. We'll also get another look at the geese too. See you then!

10 comments:

  1. I'm glad to know the goose made it through the storm! She seems to spread herself out big enough to protect the nest..

    Love the pictures!

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  2. Oh, I can't wait to see her babies!!

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  3. this is very touching and inspiring, to see how a mother goose will stay wet, spread herself more to protect her eggs from water. I hope her babies will be alright.

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  4. Poor Mama...being so vigilant to keep her eggs protected. I hope she gets warm sunshine to warm herself up in the next few days!

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  5. If the mother goose happens to know you have been watching her for some times, how she will think?
    A busy body you? A nonsensical you? or a caring you?

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  6. how nice of you to really care about the goose.i'm glad she made it through the storm.what an unwavering mother, she's a good example to humans.

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  7. That is pure mom! I cant say that I blame her or would not do the same thing for my kids. :)

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  8. Oh poor goose, but I am sure she we survive, and too bad that the nest is on the side of the sidewalk. BTW I like the first photo. Anna :)

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  9. So happy to read that the goose made it through the storm. GREAT pictures of her as well.

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  10. Important update about the goose coming tomorrow! It won't be the story we all might have expected.

    Icy BC - The poor thing looked soaked, but she really did a good job keeping the nest dry.
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    Lin - We'll definitely be seeing goose babies.
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    Betchai - I think she was doing an excellent job protecting the babies. I think they're all okay.
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    The Retired One - I hope so too. She looks like she needs it.
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    Rainfield - I would guess that the mother probably thinks I'm a busy body. I doubt that she likes when I point my camera at her.
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    Femmepower - Yes, she's an excellent example, and maybe an even smarter goose than anybody suspected.
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    Julia - She did a great job of protecting her kids, and I think she has done better than I thought she would.
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    Anna - She is definitely fine. It does look like a sidewalk at first, but it's actually the side of a dam behind the fence.
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    Kallen - I was happy about it too, I was kind of worried. Your mother falcon watch has been at least as compelling.

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