In early May, Jack was floating the Big Hole river with clients when he noticed this lone gosling had been following his boat for miles. At the end of the day he thought of it's fate if he didn't rescue it. He scooped it up in his net and brought it home. We put it under a light until it could survive being in the coop with out it. It stayed with us in our yard until mid August. One day I came home from work and he was gone. I have to believe he flew away with other geese as he should. Maybe one day Swisher will come back to our ponds with a mate and nest.
Here is a slide show of Swisher from May through mid-August. I hope you enjoy it.
If you click "View Album", then "Slide Show" it will show in full screen mode. If the photos don't quite focus, slow down the speed to 5 or 6 seconds per photo.
Note: I don't know if Swisher was male or female. I just found myself calling Swisher "he."Canada Goose - Montana Field Guide
I enjoyed your photos of Swisher. I am in Northeastern Oklahoma. At one time Canadian Honkers were scarce and the Oklahoma Wildlife Department decided to help out. They trapped and pinioned a flock of honkers and raised a large number of birds from the eggs. When they were large enough they were released in a game refuge on Lake Fort Gibson with the expectation that they woud join migratory birds as they passed through. Did they fly off? Hell no, they decided to stick around where they were born and raised. Canadian Honkers are now indigenous all over NE Oklahoma. I live close to the Arkansas river and they wander around the neighborhood like they own the place.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you enjoyed the blog entry. I knew Swisher needed to be a wild goose but I grew so fond of him! He was a great buddy and loved socializing with us. I am facinated by all birds but now am most fond of geese. They are amazingly powerful and smart. He really had personality. Thank you again for your comment. I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful slideshow. The goose that thought he was a chicken - funny stuff. I'll have to share this with some friends. Thanks Merle.
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