We saw an unusual sight this past Saturday afternoon at Ouabache State Park. The few times we'd been there before, we had not seen even one Canada goose. That's unusual enough because they are very numerous around here.
On Saturday, though, there were at least a couple of dozen of them on the small lake at the park; and they had turned the lake into a sort of gigantic communal birdbath. They were slapping their wings against the water, diving, rolling, splashing, and flapping. The noise of it could be heard all the way around the lake. We don't know how long the activity had been underway before we arrived, but we watched it for about a half hour.
Then, as if by some signal, the geese all moved to the shore, where they spent another half hour or so pruning themselves. By the time they had finished that and moved onto the grassy area, where they rested or fed for the rest of the time that we were there, feathers were covering the surface of the lake.
Must you point that camera at a fella when he's bathing?
Then this pair of ducks showed up.
They seemed an unlikely pair, but they WERE a pair. Can you see the little white string that is dragging behind the white duck? It was stuck to him some way and seemed to be troubling him. But he wouldn't let me close enough to try to help him.
You did a magnificent job of capturing these beautiful creatures, but I wouldn't want to be the one cleaning up after them.
ReplyDeletethe wing spread photo is gorgeous! that would be quite the 'flap' to witness! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, great photos today! I really enjoyed these; it takes a lot of patience, I know! I've sat for long periods of time just waiting and watching for good shots. Your efforts were rewarded with these!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun series! The second photo of the wingspan is awesome. Am I seeing correctly that the white duck was able to get rid of whatever was dangling from his backside?
ReplyDeleteIt made me wonder if the geese were a family, youngsters matured with parents still. I like the duck, but wasn't sure where the string was attached.It could have been a fishing line, leash, or something eaten.A cute couple with curly tails.Great pictures Linda.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures Linda.
ReplyDeleteI love watching our geese here, as they splash around. They always look as though they have so much fun.
What a treat to happen upon Goosie bath time. You've captured some lovely images, Linda. That poor duck looks like it's dragging some fishing line, perhaps. Hopefully there wasn't a hook involved but I suppose it's likely that there was. I hope he managed to free himself before too long.
ReplyDeleteIndeed the location and sandy beaches have made this spot popular with locals and tourists alike. It offers beautiful views of the Lasqueti Islands as well as Texada and the Straight of Georgia. The Coast Mountain Range can also be spotted in the distance.
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