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 so far, all 6 still present and accounted for!

The family had just returned from a “little” walk around the 15 acre pasture next door. I wonder how the little ones keep up on those tiny little legs!

There was a nasty looking raccoon here last weekend. I hope it is long gone or it could spell trouble for the geese…

This lone tree – hiding in the woods, is one of the most elusive bloomers to catch each year. The blooms come out quickly and unfortunately disappear just as fast. My more difficult problem is to find it each year since I only have one or two on the entire 7-acre property.

So here it is for 2013…

On the other hand is the Persian Lilac which has copious blooms and an incredible scent. That should be just about ready for photo-ops this coming weekend! Or you can get a peek at last year’s Persian Lilac show!

I don’t think the lake is large enough for the “6 Geese A-Laying” mentioned in the Christmas carol – but there seems to be room for three!

There was a successful nest in this first location last year so I’m not surprised they’re back this season.

The only problem is that this spot is just to the left of the path leading around the lake. The male goose (gander) is very protective of his mate on the nest so if I don’t want to be chased – I’ll need to swing a wider path away from the nest – most particularly when I am walking the dog, Cato. This is his first year here during “nesting” season and I’ll need to work hard to make sure there are no incidents.

The second nest is “Daisy’s” at the back of the house. She’s an expert at that thing realtors say is most important, “location, location, location.”

She picked this spot off the lake which is maybe less convenient for her needs, but keeps her – and the nest – further away from the other dozen or so geese frequenting the lake.

This spot is being used for the 3rd year so “Mother” really must know best!

The third nest is my biggest problem. As you can see from the image, the nest is just to the right of the path. The male protecting this nest has decided that most of this side of the lake is HIS property!

I tried to have a conversation with him yesterday to inform him that his name is NOT on the property’s mortgage and that I can walk where I want to walk but I’m not sure he got my meaning!

I did get a bit of jump on this one though…while noticing about 45 days ago that these two geese were hanging around this area, I cut back and then raked a path about 10 feet higher up and away from the lake. So although he will hiss at me as Cato and I pass through – I don’t think he feels too threatened by our presence.

After checking my calendar from last year, it looks like the geese went on their nests full-time about 2 weeks later than in 2012. This should mean goslings will hatch on or just before 1 May 2013.

“Daisy” has been on her nest nearly 24/7 for the past week. I got a quick glimpse yesterday and there are 3 eggs in her nest. Last year she ended up with 6 goslings so it looks like she’s about half-way through her “processing” for this season.

She seems to have appreciated my “home-building” assistance by my giving her ready access to some straw for her nest. She’s made good use of it!

A REAL “bear hug”!

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Birds are in fast-food mode this time of year – trying to get ready to survive winter months means eating as much as they can – while they can get it. My bird feeders are actually less busy at the moment while there are alternatives such as bugs and worms still available – but that won’t last much longer.

Here are some ideas for backyard feeders and other feed solutions that will help your smallest feathered friends survive the coming winter. The last few days of cool temperatures in some areas may mean Hummingbirds have headed south for the winter so think about bringing those feeders in soon.

Sunflower Seed Wreath

Contains Sunflower Hearts and Black Oil Sunflower Seed.

3 pounds.

Cardinal Delight Wreath

Hearty bird-edible wreaths -each made with the freshest seeds and Duncraft’s exclusive blends.

Each is trimmed with a red raffia bow and hangs from a jute hanger.

7 x 2 inches thick.

Eco-Strong Seed Block Feeder

Protect whole peanuts, suet, and seed blocks from weather! Fill with bird seed blocks or suet blocks.

Small birds can cling anywhere on the mesh sides. The overhanging roof discourages starlings and house sparrows that find clinging to the mesh a difficult position to manage.

Constructed of recycled plastic with a wood-grain finish.

10″ wire cable hanger. Feeder measures 5-1/2 x 9-1/4 x 10-1/2″ tall.

Duncraft Wild Bird Superstore has hundreds of products – all for the birds!

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Or should I say “Goose Spa.”

With water levels so low in Central North Carolina, I believe these geese enjoy the refreshing spray from the fountain.

You can also notice at the top of this image, that the beginning of “leaf peeping” season must be upon us – leaves here are beginning to change color. I was in Asheville, North Carolina last week and noticed quite a few spots of “Fall Color” while there.

It won’t be long now before the slogan for the days will be “Let the Raking Begin!”