The Daily Bucket is a place where we post and exchange our observations about what is happening in the natural world in our neighborhood. Bugs, buds, birds - each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
Seattle. March 19, 2012.
I make a habit of checking the places where I've seen nests in the past. Often my efforts are a bust, but today there was one Canada Goose working on a nest in the same spot where a nest was located in 2011.
She was quite intent on her work, smooshing her body down into a mound of long grass, then pulling the dry fronds up and arranging them around her. She had a companion, whether her mate or a nanny I couldn't tell. Her companion was as intent on protecting her as she was on her nest building. All of the Mallards and Gadwalls and Common Mergansers who wandered near were chased off with great hissing and neck bobbing.
Last year's nest was built sometime between April 2 and my initial sighting on April 6. I have only the one previous nest record for this location, so can't say much about the 14+ day difference between last year and this. However, I'll keep an eye on the nest and report back when sitting commences. The incubation period for Canada Geese is 28 days.
The 2011 goslings appeared on May 3. Any guesses as to this year's hatching date? "Nest failure" is an option.
Here's a picture of the nest from week three of last year:
April 26, 2011. Sitting Canada Goose, week three.
Other waterfowl were allowed to rest in the vicinity.
March 19, 2012. A Canada Goose has begun to build a nest at the marina.
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What's happening where you are and where might that be again?
I'll be back in the early afternoon and again in the early evening.
Completely off-topic addenda: I'll be in Los Angeles between Sat and Tuesday next and would enjoy hanging out for a couple of hours with someone who knows the natural history of the city. Monday or Tuesday would be best. Kosmail me if you're interested.