Geese and Ducks

[yourlibrarian]

We don't see geese around much anymore, but I was entertained by this photo, partly because one goose looks like he's levitating.



When most of the lake froze over, the ducks gathered around their jacuzzi, which were the only openings in the ice. I liked this close-up where one could see the ice melting beneath them.



I thought the clarity of their reflections was eye catching.

Comments

[cmcmck]

These really have worked rather well!

[yourlibrarian]

Thanks!

[thenewbuzwuzz]

Pretty! And I like your commentary. Thanks for sharing!

[yourlibrarian]

Glad you liked them!

[cassildra]

Oooh, you've really got a good eye!

[yourlibrarian]

That's very kind, thanks!

[shirebound]

Those are lovely shots. They do seem to be having a peaceful gathering.

[yourlibrarian]

They were certainly far enough away that we couldn't hear any mutterings 😉

[julian]

"...We don't see geese around much anymore..."

Like, in this season, or do they not show up at all?

I like that second picture; his wing is gorgeous.

[yourlibrarian]

That was a lucky shot alright 🙂

Many geese are still around the city and even in the general district. We once had many of them around this lake all year round, but the apartment management tried to get them to leave and not nest. They could be very aggressive and there are all ages who live here and go for walks around the lake, so aside from complaints I daresay they were concerned about possible liability. So they got a dog who now lives here and is regularly taken for runs around the buildings. It has not deterred the ducks, interestingly enough, who are still around through the year. But the geese have indeed vacated this spot and don't nest here now. Kind of surprising given that geese will face down elephants and there were many of them but only the one dog. I guess it was the consistency that made a difference.

So anyway, every once in a while we'll see some geese stopping in but they tend to come and go, and in smaller numbers.

[recently_folded]

We have nearby a small pond—well, really a deep bit in a marsh—that attracts ducks, some geese, and the occasional other water bird as well as hungry eagles in the spring looking for babies. I've spent hours hanging out there with my camera in all sorts of weather because, yeah, they're such fun to photograph. Sadly, it's much too crowded a trail for me to feel comfortable there any more (enclosed by woods, calm cold air: it's like being in a hallway in viral terms), so it was nice to see your ducks and geese. Thanks!

[yourlibrarian]

Your comment about eagles reminds me that I was speculating we might see a hawk this weekend. We've gotten very little snow and even less that stuck around, but this week it finally happened. It seemed perfect conditions to spot one hunting since they should be able to detect prey very well on that background. Nothing yet though.

[earthspirits]

Lovely photos!

[yourlibrarian]

Thanks, and that's a very nice icon!