Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Harbinger of Spring


For some its the arrival of the swallow and for some its the cuckoo. For us at Cil Farm, its the day that Mrs Canada Goose settles down on her nest. Canadas can be a problem because they multiply so quickly and damage crops. But our pool is only big enough for one nesting pair. As soon as she's laid, no other goose is allowed on the pool. Last year's youngsters just stand around on the surrounding fields, occasionally venturing onto the water, only to be attacked by their last year's doting father. I don't know how close another nest would be allowed, but its at least 50 meters, which is roughly the distance from the central mini island to the edge of our pool. They will hatch during the first week of May - probably the 2nd, just in time to catch the local election results.

5 comments:

Benny said...

It's Spring? It was snowing yesterday! Here's hoping to a nice, hot summer!

Anonymous said...

It's what life really is about, the simple things.
Lovely photo.

Glyn Davies said...

benny - bit of bad weather runs off a goose's back.

anon - lots of birdlovers don't like Canadas. They are the best parents of any creature I have ever watched. I really like them - but I do accept that it because our pool only allows for one nest. The only year another couple nested on the poolside, a fox came by and took the googe away by the neck. Mrs D actually saw it.

Deleted said...

My housemartins are usually here in time for the May elections. I always comment on that fact.

I'm wondering now if birds are secretly interested in elections? (Nurse the screens....)

Glyn Davies said...

Left field - I'm not sure whether the martins arrive before the swallows, but we expect to see the first of the latter soon after the 20th April. Things are quiet over the summer, but then they start gathering in meetings, and chattering endlessly, to no obvious effect in September - bit like...