11/2015- 12/2015 (about 30 days total elapsed time)

Here's the story...

Egyptian Geese (not really a Goose but, it is a cross between a Goose and a Duck called a "Shelduck". For now, we use it's common name, the Egyptian Goose. We now have this "invasive species", originally from Africa, in Ballantrae and... it is multiplying rapidly. Yes, they are pretty, and fun to watch, but they do take over the territory. For example, the Opsrey nest right outside of Ballantrae is now a Goose nest.

I was alerted to this fact by a Ballantrae Resident who sent me a photo of the nesting Goose. Interested, I decided to observe the nesting sequence and a story developed.

I also took a photo or two of the nesting goose, and every day, as I left Ballantrae, I observed the nest activity. Mostly, the Goose was just sitting there but after a time, there seemed to be some activity. On December 27th I saw one of the Geese standing in the nest...Perhaps the eggs have hatched?

On December 30th, I was leaving Ballantrae and saw a disturbing sight... A Red-Tailed hawk was standing in the nest! Where are the Geese?... What happened to the Goslings?... The Hawk appeared to be eating something and I sadly assumed that it was the eggs, or the Goslingss or, who knows what. It didn't look good for the Geese!

On the same day, I was returning to Ballantrae and saw a pickup truck belonging to the City of PSL blocking the small entrance road directly below the nest. I stopped, and there was a big, burly, city worker gently herding the Momma and Poppa Goose and two newly hatched Goslings off of the roadway. They survived! I proceeded to take way too many photos of the cute little babies and the proud parents, who were very protective of the new offspring. Some photos below!

Note: Normally, Egyptian Geese lay 5-8 eggs and most, if not all, do hatch. So, sadly, I assume that the Hawk got some of the new ones. But, as Mother Nature would have it... we have a couple of newly hatched Goslings to enjoy, and hopefully watch their maturing progress.

Ron