This was me on Monday night, with Gertrude the Goose. (Photograph, courtesy of Jonathan.)
Tonight, I was talking to Jonathan, and we both realize that it had been a little while since we had checked on Gertrude…so after work, I headed over to her nesting area by the Chicago River.
And lo and behold…she was gone! And so were her eggs. And so was Stanley. All that was left was a pile of feathers and dirt and probably poop and egg fragments (It was hard to tell what was all in that pile—there were too many feathers strewn about).
I looked up and down the river forlornly, wishing that I’d been there to see the babies hatch. (At least I hope they hatched, and someone didn’t just mess with the nest.)
I have a hunch that it all worked out okay…especially when Iwanski confirmed after a quick internet search that goslings are mobile and can swim within a day of being hatched. (How ‘bout that?!)
Still, I feel cheated that I didn’t get to see Pippin and Dumplin’ and Pyrtle, swimming down the river with their proud Mom and Pops.
I expected goslings. I need to see goslings.
Thank God for Google images. (Aren’t they just the cutest?)
This weekend, Iwanski and I are going to take a long stroll on the riverwalk and see if we can see the real thing. There are not too many things cuter than little goslings swimming in a line behind their mama goose.
*Gosling photo credit: www.new-jersey-birds.com.
Well POOP! I hope you spot them this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI dont understand why your husband didnt camp out there and report daily.....he should think about our entertainment,
ReplyDeleteThis week's Julia Child recipe will be:
ReplyDeleteOie Braisee Aux Marrons
(Braised Goose with Chestnut and Sausage Stuffing)
Finger crossed you see them this weekend. And I like Anita's use of the word POOP. Very apropos!
ReplyDeletesomeone from teh zoo might have moved them too..
ReplyDeleteAwwww.... you should have built a blind like those nature cinematographers do, only out of concrete to blend in with the planter she was nesting in.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll see them again.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure they tend to hang out near their nest for awhile after they hatch.
I feel cheated too. I wanted to see the babies.
ReplyDelete