News, Videos & Other Webcams > Waterfowl, Seabirds & Penguins
Canada Geese - Alberta / Edmonton
Kinderchick:
Mother Goose has been off her eggs for about 6 hours now. I think that she left around 12:00 noon, Winnipeg time. What is the weather like in Edmonton? ??? Is that a reasonable amount of time for her to leave, so close to hatching? :-\
Jo:
I tuned in when Ms. Goose had left the nest and I counted 6 eggs. From the posts on the site it doesn't sound like neck pecker has returned. . . that must be a relief for Ms. Goose.
She posted a picture on Twitter from last year when they had snow: http://twitter.com/JournalGooseCam
The Peregrine Chick:
The eggs are probably okay for short periods of time, even in this weather - particularly since its snow, not rain. It takes a long time to freeze them. And if Mom had to get off, you know it wasn't a frivoulous choice, she had to get off. Better she stays alive than lose her and all her eggs/chicks.
Kinderchick:
Thanks Elaine. Yes, that is helpful. Hopefully a few will hatch. :-\
Elaine L:
Kinderchick, I checked your questions on the replay of the online chat, and although I did not see an answer to all your questions, the wildlife person did say that "the mother is usually able to tell if the goslings are alive within the shell. Once they reach a certain developmental stage the goslings will peep within the shell." She also said that the Mother knows instinctively how things are going with the eggs, and she also knows how long she can leave them uncovered.
The photographer, Bruce Edwards, pointed out that the gander is usually sitting near the goose, just off-camera, and that he is never far from her. So even though we wondered if he was off galavanting someplace while his mate was being attacked, Bruce Edwards says that that he keeps watch at all times, but we just can't see this. The gander's first instinct is to protect the eggs and the goose, no matter what, and he will lead predators away from the nest to pursue him.
They said that (similar to falcons), half of all geese either die in the shell or die in their first year.
This is all I was able to glean from the online chat. Hope this helps.
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