Rose Cottage Ltd

I have to keep my distance a bit from the goslings. They are getting used to seeing me and know that I will throw food for them so they come running – which does NOT make the parents very happy.

I took this first picture from around the corner of the house before they saw me…

Then I was spied…

…and off and running they came. This is making for some tough strategic planning around the house and yard when it is time for Cato to head outside. And a belated happy first birthday to him this past weekend. He’s being very good with the goslings – Lord, thank you for the assistance!

The good news for the lake, 1.25″ of rain last Sunday – but what a dreary week that has followed. One flash of sun per day is about all I’m getting which is not great for taking pictures but here is a little update on the goose nest/hatching…

Out of 5 nests on the lake this year, 3 nests are now vacant and the new “residents” can be seen around the property – two groups of 6 goslings and one group of 5. Hard to tell how many will survive to adulthood. One out of 6 was the average for last season.

And here they are on their very first birthday!

I think one or two hatched yesterday and although you can’t see them all in this picture, 6 goslings are now out and about, but “Daisy” is not allowing them off the nest just yet.

It was a bit chilly this morning in Central North Carolina so Daisy will continue to keep her nest intact and will make sure her children have a safe place to sleep.

I noticed she seemed to wait this morning until that little spot of sunlight came through the trees before she stood up and “revealed” her nest and goslings. They seem to like the warmth of the sun and for the moment, continue to huddle together outside the eggs much as they did before they hatched!

More pictures later this week!