Gerhard and Gunda have, as of late, become semi-permanent fixtures in the neighbourhood. When they first started frequenting the premises, they would waddle hurriedly across the yard throwing angry honks in my direction if I showed up unexpectedly. They have since become more accustomed to my comings and goings at odd hours. They mainly sit upon the berm, Gerhard puffing up his chest surveying his realm, Gunda more interested in what yummy morsels she can find to fill her tummy. She casts a glance in my direction, proudly displaying her morning find dangling from her mouth before slurping it down. I was once told that the Canada Goose mates for life. Gerhard and Gunda do seem mighty fond of each other. Where there is one, the other is never far behind.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Kootenay Kritters
Gerhard and Gunda have, as of late, become semi-permanent fixtures in the neighbourhood. When they first started frequenting the premises, they would waddle hurriedly across the yard throwing angry honks in my direction if I showed up unexpectedly. They have since become more accustomed to my comings and goings at odd hours. They mainly sit upon the berm, Gerhard puffing up his chest surveying his realm, Gunda more interested in what yummy morsels she can find to fill her tummy. She casts a glance in my direction, proudly displaying her morning find dangling from her mouth before slurping it down. I was once told that the Canada Goose mates for life. Gerhard and Gunda do seem mighty fond of each other. Where there is one, the other is never far behind.
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20 comments:
We get swans in my litle corner of the world. They are stunningly beautiful but also quite noisy.
I must get out and try to capture them on film..on card, um, photograph them.
I look forward to the return of the geese (among other birds). Good to hear their in your hood...they can't be too far off. They make great watchdog replacements...as they're quite vocal, and will let you know of anything happening.
Anything behind the names of Gerhund & Gunda?
A happy marriage for your two guests? How rare! Perhaps we could all learn a thing or two from Gerhund and Gunda.
NYD, On the rare occasion there have been swans around here, and there are lots in Victoria. They are lovely. Grab your camera and start clicking.
Fool, They definitely are good watch dogs and can be quite aggressive given the right circumstances. As for the names, Gunda was the name of my grandmother's favourite cousin. I have many pictures of them together. As for Gerhard, I simply thought it was a name that went well with Gunda and was appropriate for a goose ;-). Hope the geese make it to your neck of the woods soon. Yesterday it was feeling a lot like spring.
We're Doomed, I'm sure there are a number of things that we can learn from these two. It's good to stick together and to have someone to watch your back. Simple lessons, but worthy nonetheless.
In Hawaii, they have the Nene (nay-nay) geese which I've read is an evolutionary descendent from the canadian goose [NG article]. If temperament is any indication on how closely they're related then I'd say the Hawaii nene is a very distant cousin....or maybe they just got accustomed to the tourists. I've never heard/seen them honk or behave agressively, but they behave like they own the world because they know that messing with them will land you a hefty fine!
Beautiful! It must be such an honor to have them accept you.
For the first time ever I recently read The Trumpet Of The Swan. And it gave me a new appretition for large birds.
I saw a documentary last year too about that couple who loved with wolves. And that opened my eyes to how wolves are just as loving and family-oriented as we are. Did you see that documentary?
How lovely. Yous eem to have some great company that also teaches you great life lessons.
Great photo and I find the names funny Gerhard and Gunda!Nice post,Carla!
I love hearing them fly overhead...
Rowena, Canada geese act like they own the world too...so perhaps they're not such distant cousins.
Jannie, I haven't seen that documentary, but I've heard amazing things about wolves. I have a very strong appreciations and fascination with them.
Pandave, The company around these parts is fantastic. I am very much blessed.
Steffi, Yes, I suppose the names are rather funny for geese, but somehow they seemed to fit.
Pamela, It is a nice sound.
We can learn so much from nature and if only humans adopted the same traits of Gerhund & Gunda
Delightful photo
Peter, Glad you like the photo and yes, we have so much to learn.
Fool, Coming back to those names...I explained Gunda, but up until today was not quite sure how the name Gerhard popped into my head. Some friends were over this afternoon. We were having a nice little chat and then I looked across the room to see very clearly "Gerhard Heintzman" across the front of my piano. I must have seen that about a million times and somehow it didn't consciously register when I named the geese.
I first made the acquaintance of Canada Geese back in Ontario, when I heard a noise as if an army of 1000 school kids just invaded our area – I run out the door and down to the lake and saw… an army of chatting geese making a stop on our lake on their way south. Obviously, not all Canada Geese leave…
Fida, Those geese certainly can make a raucous gathering. Luckily it only seems to be a small crowd that gathers here.
That's a great photo; I like the idea that they stick close together.
Tara, They're pretty loyal creatures. I suppose there are a few things we could learn from them.
I have the same experience with two friendly turkeys that come to visit. Like these swans, they are always together. They even get a little cocky and show up around Thanksgiving.
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