The Journey of Mama Goose

Discussion in 'Wildlife in the Garden' started by TheBip, Apr 12, 2010.

  1. TheBip

    TheBip Young Pine

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    At Home Depot (Im sure Ive mentioned quite a few times I work there lol) we have a pair of geese who (well, I assume its the same pair) come every year and build a nest right beside the building in our landscape stone area. Last year the store manager attempted to relocate the pair, but they came back. So the SM put up a fence barrier so no one would disturb them. I simply call them Mama and Papa Goose. Bob and I like to check on em every day we go to work. Yesterday we pulled the car up next to the nest and didnt see them. So we started to pull away, and as I looked back, I saw the pair come diving in to save their nest honking up a storm! *lol* I think Im going to start bringing "peace offerings". Geese eat bread, right?
    I read somewhere (Wikipedia?) that geese lose their flight feathers when they lay eggs, but this gal can still fly ok *lol*

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    Mama behind the safety fence ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden )

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    She watches me like a hawk ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden )

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    ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden )

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    ( photo / image / picture from TheBip's Garden )
     
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  3. Droopy

    Droopy Slug Slaughterer Plants Contributor

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    I wonder why they insist on nesting there? Maybe they feel secure among all the stones, what do I know. :D I hope they move out once the eggs are hatched.
     
  4. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    Silly geese :)
     
  5. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    What a great foto opportunity, Bip. I hopew that you are able to get some of the goslings when they emerge.
     



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  6. daisybeans

    daisybeans Hardy Maple

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    I like hearing that the SM put up the fence so they wouldn't be disturbed. H/She should be commended for that, I think.

    There is a pair of ducks that come back and nest in a large planter at the County Dept of Education. It's right in the middle of the sidewalk where people walk by all day... Who knows what drives them to nest where they do... (Does anyone know, btw? Maybe Kildale does?)
     
  7. kaseylib

    kaseylib Young Pine

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    I don't understand it either. Is there water somewhere??? We have quite a few pairs that nest here on our lake, and in summertime all boaters give them a wide berth when they're with their young.
     
  8. glendann

    glendann Official Garden Angel

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    That is some great photos.I commend the SM for protecting them.
     
  9. Kay

    Kay Girl with Green Thumbs

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    Love your Geese story! It is curious that they want to be there (no offense to Home Depot :p )
    We have Geese nesting at our lake, and they are quite territorial!
    I hope your pair do have water nearby, it is so fun to see the babies learning to swim, following behind their parents.
     
  10. TheBip

    TheBip Young Pine

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    We have small ponds in the area, but none right near us...it is curious, hehe. We do have a somewhat large field in front of us and one to the side of us where they like to eat. And they like to relax right in the middle of the parking lot, especially at night! Dangerous stuff...
     
  11. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    What a strange place to choose for a nest. The mother goose must have her reasons though and feel safe where she is. Great shots Jen. :-D Do let us know how many eggs hatch out won't you?
     
  12. daisybeans

    daisybeans Hardy Maple

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    Mama Goose is sweet Bip's, Eileen... They are great shots, and a neat story, I agree.
     
  13. TheBip

    TheBip Young Pine

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    I cant wait till the eggs hatch...more Home Depot babies (A few of our former employees wives are preggers too hehe)! Today when I go in Im going to see if I can get her off the nest with food so I can get a pic of the eggs. I remember reading about one Home Depot store (dont remember where though) that had an (endangered?) owl nesting in their garden center, and they would go to great lengths to keep it from being disturbed :)
     

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