(Photo -- 1--Mama and Papa together again after failed attempt at reproduction. 2-- Warding off other geese)
Mama and Papa goose attempted to nest again. This time at the Boat Lake in Central Park.
Although the nest was well hidden (in a rock crevice) and protected from possible predation, it appears that Mama goose has abandoned it over past week and returned to simply staying close and re-bonding with her mate, Papa goose.
Personally, I have mixed feelings over this course of event.
When first discovering that Mama was nesting again, I selfishly delighted in the prospect of she and Papa raising another set of adorable goslings as they successfully did at Turtle Pond in 2010.
(What is, after all, more ascetically pleasing than watching a devoted goose pair hatch and lovingly bring up a beguiling clutch of new babies?)
But, another part of me worried.
Concerns about Mama's age and general strength and energy, as well as the city's new commitment to "goose roundups" over the summer dimmed the otherwise, optimism and sense of renewal. .
I worried, that if publicly writing about the new attempt to nest or posting photos, it might result in Mama's eggs being oiled or possible harassment of the vulnerable goose pair.
But, as matters turned out, most of these concerns are mute points now.
I don't believe that Mama's eggs were addled or that predation occurred.
Though very hard to see from distance (without binoculars) one can barely make out a seemingly small nest with only one obvious egg. The presumption is that the egg was weak or cracked and simply unviable. Mama apparently figured that out quickly and like last year, was compelled to abandon the nest and return to normal activities.
It was nevertheless, fascinating for the couple of weeks that Mama was sitting on the nest, to witness her gander's never tiring efforts to protect her and the nest and to keep constant vigil on the lake.
Papa continually warded off and chased other, younger geese away.
Its interesting that in geese, while their mates may be occupied, the male ganders don't take advantage of any opportunities to "mess" with young, attractive, female geese (unlike other species, including some humans.)
"Monogamy" seems to be a very set pattern in geese -- even when given ample opportunity to "stray" -- at least a little.
I loved watching Papa over the past few weeks.
His "pride" over the prospect of becoming a daddy again and his steadfastness in watching over and protecting his nesting mate was beautiful to behold.
But, this week that all changed when one morning, I was surprised to discover both geese grazing on the banks of the lake.
When recognizing me standing on a rock on the other side of the water, both Mama and Papa honked and swam over to greet me, Mama trailing significantly behind Papa.
Mama gratefully swooped sunflower seeds from my hand, while her devoted mate stood watch making sure she was able to properly nourish herself after two weeks of nesting and little nourishment.
When the four other young geese on the lake curiously wandered over to investigate, Papa let them know in no short order, they were not welcomed to interlope on his mate's breakfast treat.
Papa loudly honked, lowered his head and went into full combat mode, chasing the four youngsters (limp and all) off the rock and even across the water.
Papa did the same exact thing yesterday morning.
I don't know that geese officially "morn" the loss of their potential offspring.
While I am sure the loss of the seemingly one egg is a disappointing event for Mama and Papa, animals have to live in the moment and be able to quickly adapt and move on from nature's setbacks. There is no time or opportunity for grief or reflecting on, "what might have been."
The main lesson seemingly learned over the past two years of watching these two amazing and resilient geese fail twice to produce young, is that in geese, mating and monogamy are not just dependent upon the ability to procreate.
The bonds between male and female geese apparently go far, far deeper than mere reproduction..
It would be so easy for Papa goose to leave Mama and simply go off with a younger, robust more "fertile" female goose.
But, there is no more chance of that occurring than "hell freezing over" regardless of how many times Mama and Papa fail to produce offspring.
When finally leaving the Boat Lake yesterday, Mama and Papa were once again, atop their favorite rock together, quietly and gently preening themselves.
Romance, devotion, steadfastness and protection reign supreme and seemingly "till death do them part" in Canada geese.
Nothing -- even failed reproduction attempts -- puts dent or drives wedge into these truly "forever" goose parings. -- PCA
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1 comment:
This is absolutely true. I have a gaggle of domestic geese and have seen all kinds of relationships form, and they are long-term or until death. I have lots of stories I could tell. Related to this article, though, are my Azalea and her mate, Curly. She is 11. When she was younger, she made a couple attempts to nest. She hasn't tried in years, and she and Curly are as happy as can be. They spend all their time together. Similarly Clover and her mate, Bud, had a couple failed nesting attempts. Shortly after she gave up nesting one year, a gosling from another goose wandered off and was taken in or adopted by Clover and Bud. Clover has never nested since. Interestingly, Six, the gosling they adopted, has never left Clover and Bud. They are inseparable. I believe that Six is in love with Clover, and that isn't "incest" since he is adopted.
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