Battle Stations

All photos taken during our 4.6 km (3 mile) walk to Four Seasons Park and back on April 5, 2022.

The forecast had been calling for rain and a rain/snow mix, starting at 4:00 PM yesterday, but not much of that appeared. However, the promised NW winds gusting to 50 k/h (31 m/h) did appear and had been howling since a quarter past “why can’t I get to sleep” last night.

To say it was windy was an understatement. It blew the caws right off the crows (I smile here as I detest these black miscreants). Our route took us South first and the walking was wind assisted. We knew we would be in for it when we headed North to go home, but kept on anyway. Part way there, we stopped to look at the catkins forming on a poplar tree. Yup, spring was on the way.

not pussy willows, but close

I forgot to mention that it was not a blue sky day

Along the way, flocks of honking Canada Geese were on the wing, on the water (still mostly ice) and staking out their claim to a nesting area on the island in Don Sparrow Lake. Things were tame when we arrived, as the geese walked around sheepishly wondering where the good weather had gone. I know, right??

I kind of like this spot….it has a great water view

Help, I’m frozen to the ice and I can’t get up, call the life goose

Leave early and we will get a good spot, you said, the lake will be melted off and the air will be warm, you said. I’m not moving another step.

I was told our arrival would make quite the splash…yeah, right!

Geese trying to puzzle out why the ice was still on the lake

But as we neared the small island, the action heated up considerably. Canada Geese getting ready to nest are very territorial. It was “first come, first served” and woe betide any gander and goose showing up late and looking for a vacancy.

The goose would stay put on the island and the gander would fly at the interlopers, driving them away with much hissing, flapping and honking. Yikes, and humans think the housing market is tough these days.

I’m just gonna tidy up the place a bit. You make sure the neighbours don’t drop in unannounced.

And….STAY OUT!

What do mean, What’s the password? Nobody told me about a password.

and another one leaves

How many times do I have to tell you, we don’t need a vacuum cleaner. Don’t come back.

There are competing bids on this nest.

I don’t know what they were so angry about. I heard it was an Open House.

Sneak attack. I’m just gonna stand here, maybe he won’t see me.

Gary Gander’s housing loan is declined.

We’ll just have to settle for the suburbs, dear.

Ooooh, this place has a really nice pool.

Yup, I could really get to like it here.

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