Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Duck, Duck, Goose, Part Duex

I was worried that even though Trevor recognized at least Earl, that the geese might not recognize him. After all, they had been away for a season, wherever it is that Canadian geese go....Mexico I guess? I thought it might take a few days or weeks to get reacquainted.

When Trevor came across the bridge and gave out a call, the geese were at the other end of the island. Three of the four came right towards him, honking and bobbing their heads up and down.
Earl was the most stand-offish, but that was no surprise. He was the dad and last year was always rather mean. He would squawk at anyone approaching. Earl would even stand in the road, challenging cars that wanted to pass by, hissing & flaring his wings.
But after a few minutes, all four were at Trevor's feet. Trevor got mad because once Earl joined in, he started biting at the other three but I explained "pecking order".
It made Trevor's night when we read this passage about Canadian geese tonight:
Canada geese recognize particular people. We have often been surprised to be greeted by our geese when we're not in the usual park pond or nesting area, when we're among a lot of other people, and when we're not carrying any food. They fly or run up to us, honking their exuberant greetings, and extend their necks out to us, performing their bowing greeting ceremony, something they do toward fellow geese. There is no greater honor than to be accepted as their friend and to be treated as a fellow goose.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Return of the Geese

Last year, Trevor befriended the geese that nested on the pond island. He patiently waited, each day getting a little closer to them. By the end of the season, he could hand feed them and even touch the baby geese.

By the time they migrated back home, only two of the 5 babies survived. Reading about Canadian geese, Trevor was excited to find out that they will sometimes return to the same migration spot but I told him not to get his hopes up.

Today, as we drove past the island, I noticed that there were 1, 2, 3, yes, FOUR geese on the island. Trevor got his camera and we hurried down to the pond. After about 30 minutes, he was able to get within 15 feet of them.

He turned and "whisper/shouted" to me at the other end of the bridge, "That one is Earl! It IS them!"Shot of Earl taken by Trevor.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas 2008


Christmas is all but over at this point, so I thought I'd post a few pictures from the holiday. Jeff, we all missed you but understood why you couldn't make it this year.

Trevor and his cousin, Sydny, at work with us the week of Christmas.
Brett and Trevor opening gifts on Christmas Day.
Trevor with his big present, a 500 watt electric scooter. I'll have a video later in this post.
Brett and Abbey opening presents. I missed the one where he gave her a Tiffany ring that matches the necklace she already had from her family.
Trevor trying out his Sony PSP game thingy.
Wayah Bald was clouded over once again, so no scenic shots. The next few shots are of Trevor on the fire tower, showing his acting chops ala William Shatner, as he withstood the stiff winds cutting across the top of the mountain.



Serious.
Not serious.
Alexis, Trevor and I stopped by the ranger station on the way back down the mountain. Trevor was excited by the fact we drove 8.5 miles in neutral.
Where the &$*# is all the snow?
Richard modeling Alexis' reading glasses.
The dessert bar is now open!
Trevor goofing off once again.
Video clip of Trevor's scooter while I follow on my bicycle. I think this is going to keep me in shape, just chasing him around!