Canada Geese - Alberta / Edmonton

[bcbird]

It is very possible to love geese when they obey the seasonable pull of migration and leave for awhile. 
We here in southern BC have thriving masses (and messes) of them all year long.
 
That said, this particular cam's Mama is a wonder to observe.

[allikat]

Just checked the cam.  Mama is on the nest doing what she does best, protecting her eggs from the rain! 

I just love Geese!!!  Guess that means I'm a prairie girl!   

[Kinderchick]

Looks like the webcam is down right now. Maybe due to nasty weather?

[Kinderchick]

If Mom takes care of all of that, surely that "husband" of hers could protect her a bit better than he has been doing!  

Hear, hear, Ellie!

[Ellie]

If Mom takes care of all of that surely that "husband" of hers could protect her a bit better than he has been doing!  That is a nasty bare patch at the base of her neck.  I wonder how long it will take for more feathers to grow in.

[Kinderchick]

Keep in mind that poor mother goose is a waterfowl species ... http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/lifehistory

Thanks for this link, TPC... A good read and good to remember!
"Female selects nest site, builds nest, and incubates eggs. She may brood goslings in cold, wet, or windy weather and while they’re sleeping for first week after hatching."

[The Peregrine Chick]

Keep in mind that poor mother goose is a waterfowl species ...

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Canada_Goose/lifehistory

[Elaine L]

Poor Mother Goose is just soaked!  I am sure that it does not help to have bald spots on her neck and back, either, from the disgruntled attack gander.  From what I have seen, she has not left the nest to go eat for hours, and I am sure she is getting very hungry. 

[moka]

Ahhrgh, I meant to say brood patch.  

Ah ha! You just answered my question, moka!

You're welcome, Kinderchick, as soon as I read that post, I realized I'd goofed.

She had her head down, her tail up and was pushing the eggs together when I saw it! Very strange, even when you know what it is.

[Kinderchick]

Ahhrgh, I meant to say brood patch.  

Ah ha! You just answered my question, moka!

[Kinderchick]

I saw her roost patch, clear as day...

We didn't see that here in the Kinderchicklets classroom, but it would have been interesting to see. Is that the same as what is called a "brood patch"?

Also, at about 11:00 AM, a few of the 'chicklets became alarmed to see another Goose pecking at Mama Goose's neck so they called me over to the computer to take a look. Sure enough, it must have been the intruder that has been named "neck picker".   It didn't last long, thank goodness and the 'chicklets decided that it must have been Pape Goose coming to wake Mother Goose up! That's their story and they're sticking to it!

[moka]

Ahhrgh, I meant to say brood patch. 

[moka]

I saw her roost patch, clear as day. I would have wondered what the heck it was if Tracey hadn't explained it earlier this month. It must make for a chilly sit down on the regular soil. Brrrrrrr!

[Kinderchick]

The Kinderchicklets have been watching Mama Goose this morning at school. So far, everything looks peaceful in the nest.  Let's hope it stays that way! She left the nest for a few minutes and we only counted 7 eggs. Sure do hope the 8th egg is buried under feathers!  At least, that's what I have told the 'chicklets!

[moka]

I've seen at least two different attacks on this poor bird. Last evening, the intruder managed to chase her off her eggs for a few minutes. She was very shaken when she came back. She slowly gathered the eggs around her body, shaking her head strangely every few minutes.

Where is her mate and why isn't he protecting her during these attacks???

Nature is sometimes very hard to watch.