Join Nature Notes-What are you or have you seen and enjoyed in nature? It can be from your own backyard, the local park, out on a hike or anywhere. What plants and animals catch your interest? Do you garden? Have you read a good book on nature?

 

 

It has been a very hot June which doesn’t agree with my MS, but we got to spend time with our grandson which was wonderful. Blake is six now and brought his favorite insect books with him so we could discuss. Below he found a lady beetle on the lavender he wanted to show me.

 

In between, there were two canada geese that were rescued. One gosling was left by its parents and we netted it, but the SPCA said it was left because it was having seizures and had to be euthanized.

Sadly the pair that nested in my yard the past 4 years did not do well. Out of 8 eggs of which only 3 hatched there is only one gosling. Then I found the male or gander injured in the yard and he too was euthanized.

Below last year when they raised 6 goslings….

The goose and the one gosling this year…She will probably choose another mate after she mourns her mate. She will bring him to our yard to nest as it is the female who is loyal to her natal grounds. I really got to watch this pair and was very sad to lose the male. 

 

I have rescued other Canada geese who were injured or sick. In the case of pairs, the other mate stayed with that goose and in that area long after the injured goose was removed. I think of the 4 adults we have rescued only one was able to be rehabbed and released. That was a leg caught in fishing line.

Once you really open your eyes to nature and wildlife, you can’t go back. I can’t let an animal suffer if I can do something about it. It is the joy and heartbreak like most things in life…

 

Six AMAZING THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW About Canada Geese:

Canada Geese Mate for Life: Canada Geese, like swans, are monogamous and most couples stay together throughout their lifetime. The average lifespan is 10-25 years. They raise and protect their young together and also protect each other throughout their lives. It is possible that when a goose dies, the survivor may find a new partner.

Canada Geese Mourn: Canadian Geese are very emotional creatures. When a Canada Goose loses its mate or eggs, they have been observed to mourn. They may remove themselves from the flock and stay by themselves and swim around in despair honking mournfully.

Canada Geese are Loyal: Canada Geese are extremely devoted and look out for each other. When a mate is injured or dying, its partner will stay with them, even if the flock is moving on.

Canada Geese Share the Lead: Following the same route year after year, the larger, stronger birds lead their flock to the wintering grounds. The lead position consumes the most energy, and different geese take turns in lead.

Canada Geese Move Quickly: Scientists using radio transmitters have tracked geese that have flown 1000 km in one day.

Canada Geese Communicate: Researchers have discovered Canada Geese have around 13 different calls, ranging from warnings, greetings, contentment calls and honks indicating gathering times. Adults begin communicating with their young while they are still in the egg. When migrating they honk encouragement to each other, and indicate directions.

 

Have a wonderful nature-filled week! Please be safe.