Last Preparations

As soon as I returned home from Canada, the picture taking began again. Well, the next day, anyway as I was pretty jet-lagged. These shots begin on July 25, when the Goslings were about two and a half months old.

I have to admit that my relief that the family was still here was palpable. Having paid such close attention to them in the first few months of their lives, to have missed their flight would have been a sore letdown. Here they were, however, all eleven of them, still feeding and grooming with every moment of the day.

Always nearby were the Hooded Crows and Ravens. Clearly, they were on more friendly terms with the family since the family had outgrown them so completely.

Two against ….

How many?

The Goslings had grown now to the point that it was difficult to tell them apart from the adults. Their down feathers no longer stuck out at odds with their adult feathers as they had. Instead, they were sleek and beautiful; fully juvenile instead of babies.

I think the two on the right are Goslings, possibly the Geminis.

The way this one moves, I think he’s Dad’s Lieutenant.

From her size and the slightly tired look around her eyes, I would say this is Shy One, trying to get the hang of this adult wing thing.

I believe this is also one of the Goslings. The chest feathers are a bit fluffier than adult chest feathers.

It was definitely much easier to see which were the juveniles when the group was all together.

After their morning swim, it was time to feed again. What I didn’t know was that their feeding ground had expanded while I was away. They were now walking around to the front of the house!

Must stretch and ease those wings even if it is feeding time.

They’re headed in a somewhat different direction.

This photo was taken through the window on the other side of the lounge.

There’s good stuff here, too!

Nothing had changed with regard to White Wing. He was still trying to get the adult to feed him, even though he was well over the age that he could feed himself. This particular behaviour, however, I haven’t been able to identify.

Adult isn’t paying attention.

Better get her attention.

The adult Crow seems to be wondering, ‘What the …?’

‘You have got to be kidding me,’ she seems to say.

She backs off as White Wing prostrates himself further.

White Wing flattens himself as the adult backs off further. I don’t think his ploy is working.

Later in the afternoon, I was at the window again.

These are the goslings with Alice.

I’m pretty sure it’s Alice from the way she stands.

I thought they were going to the other side of the house, but they abruptly changed direction and came over to the area by my window, instead.

Not sure who, but the wings really did need to be tried.

They change direction utterly and come closer to me, Alice leading the way.

I believe this is Shy One. Note the difference in her chest feathers as compared to the adult in behind. They are much more downy looking.

As usual, one of the adults lets me know I’ve been seen and am being watched.

Eager for a treat.

What is it?

One of the Goslings makes a move to a new area.

The morning of July 26 dawned and there was a great deal of stretching going on.

Norton shows near perfect form, but Trixie isn’t paying attention.

A few moments later, Dad’s Lieutenant gave it a go. He’s getting better at it!

I’ll end this post with another from July 26.

We’re nearly at the end of the tale of this year’s family. There were only a few more days, so I’d returned home just in time!