Water, Geese, People, Brush Creek

Gosling 2011 Crop-Five

The North Terrace Lake goose population increased by five a couple of weeks ago. Mother Goose and Father Goose are now parading them around the lake to there accustomed eating places.

All shots take with the Nikon D3 and 200-400mm zoom... at 400. F11 at 1/500th.. ASA 500.
While I was watching the geese two deer came out of the woods to watch me. The circle of life.

Annual Lake Census Complete

The goslings are afloat for 2010 at North Terrace Lake. This year's flotilla is 7 plus mom and dad... dad's generally in front. Mom nested on the island as is their custom... I'll get some closer shots as they get used to me being around... and yes the water is green.... we called it "Green Lake" when I was growing up.

Dee Geese, Dee Geese... Island Return

A gaggle not quite but goosey none the less. Two mated pairs (same from last year, probably but I'm not sure) have arrived at North Terrace Lake in time for the Island Open House. Both will set up nesting away from meddlesome humans on the island that, some say, still holds Coronado's personal treasure.
They look almost identical but the male is slightly larger. I promise no excessive goose posting.... it's not like they're rare.

Yours Mine and Ours...

To my surprise we found two families of geese at the lake today. I have no idea where the other group was on my previous trips... Here are the two resting and eating side by side. The original family that I've been following had 5 goslings. The new pair had six. They eat, rest and swim close to each other.Here's the original family below, resting under a tree. And yes... the water is really green... we called North Terrace Lake "Green Lake" when I was growing up.

Mother Goose

I guess she's Quinqua Mom in keeping with popular culture... only Mrs. Goose did it the old fashioned way. This flotilla inhabits North Terrace Lake (Green Lake for those of us who grew up over here in Northeast). I think they must have hatched about 10 days ago... just saw them today. Cute little fuzzy goslings who stick right with Mom and Dad.... and vice- versa. Generally swim from one end of the lake to the other, get out and eat, get back in. Sleep on the island at night.

Maternity Island

The geese at North Terrace Lake along Cliff Drive settled on a nest spot this week. Roughly 30 days from now we should see fuzzy little goslings.

Wanting Lakefront Property

I know.... thank goodness someone finally took a picture of geese. This pair, they mate for life, returns each year ( at least I think it's the same couple ) to North Terrace Lake along Cliff Drive. They select a spot on the island in the middle of the east end of the lake and nest build. She lays her eggs... one per day... 5 to 7 total and they take turns sitting on the nest... although the female does it the majority of the time. 25 or so days later the goslings hatch and a flotilla is created. It is amusing to watch the little ones the first time or two they try to leave the water and head up the bank. The feathered duo was circling the island Tuesday.