Monday, May 04, 2009

Getting Closer: Canada Geese


With the memory of the past hunting seasons fading and the presence of numerous non-threatening boats on the lake, the Canada Geese are allowing me to approach much closer than was possible just a few weeks ago.

After finishing fishing I slowly maneuvered the boat into the tiny cove where this pair of geese was feeding. Pausing to watch as I approached they resumed feeding after I quietly slid the anchor down.

I have not observed any goslings on the lake and do not believe that any geese have nested here this year. Upon my arrival before sunup I am unable to locate any geese.

Loud honking shortly after sunrise alerts me to their arrival as they fly in over the mountain from the adjoining valley to the east. Apparently these geese prefer the farmland for nesting and visit the lake for feeding.

10 comments:

Elaine said...

I came from Montanagirl's blog to see your Canada Geese and am very glad I did! What a gorgeous shot! While the migratory birds have mostly left your area, they are very active in mine here in Alaska. I have been getting lots of photos of Canada Geese and White-Fronted Geese, among other birds. The Sandhill Cranes are arriving, and they are so much fun to watch. I glanced back through some of your photos, and will be back later to look more thoroughly. Your photography is outstanding.

Anonymous said...

this is a beautiful shot. Nice and clear and sharp...and really just plain perfect!!...debbie

Michele said...

Oh this photo pleases me. What a wonderful pair indeed. A beautiful photo, it's as if they are covered in satin along the necks and feather detail here is amazing...

Kahshe Cottager said...

You got a lovely photo of these geese. (I am posting one tomorrow for Sepia Scenes - but it is not as nice a photo as this one!) I would like these geese so much better if they didn't leave so many droppings on lawns and beaches here.

The Canada Geese have just begun pairing and staking nesting territories here. I haven't seen any of them brooding yet. As summer comes, they will bring the goslings in to show them off if we promise to give them some bread in exchange. I don't do this because they can become annoying once you start doing this and besides, I don't think the bread is good for them.

We also get them honking by our windows twice a day. This morning it was at 5:30 and were they ever loud today!

Ken Conger Photography said...

Nice shot. Great that you got both heads in focus. Enjoyed the red head too. Blue Skies.

photowannabe said...

I love the detail. It makes me want to stroke the feathers. Beautiful majestic birds. I'm glad you were able to get that shot.

Montanagirl said...

This is exceptional! They are so beautiful and regal.

Leedra said...

Like the pair of Canadian Geese.

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This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: What a neat capture of the pair.

Meggie said...

During my morning walk, I've noticed one pair of Canada geese have 4 little ones. So cute!