One evening this week I was sitting at my easy chair reading a book when I glanced out of my living room window. On the lawn between my apartment and Tantra Lake were two Canada Geese and their three goslings who had just been born that day.

This was a great surprise, because the nest was so exposed, right at the edge of the lake. Three years ago Canada Geese had established a nest in exactly the same location, but tragedy struck, and none of those goslings hatched.

I called my friend and neighbor Nancy to tell her the goods news, and the next morning we walked around the lake to look at the goslings close up. We saw them and more.

The Goose Family

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As we walked over the bridge, I made a point to check out the rocks where turtles often sunbathe. In fact, three of them were enjoying the warm spring weather. Here’s one of them.

A Western Painted Turtle with a Flower on its Face

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Returning to the lawn in front of our apartments, Nancy and I saw the mama goose back on the nest with the goslings probably resting under her. Close by was a group of Mallards together with another bird that has a big mouth.

A Female Red-breasted Merganser

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As I wrote this photo essay at my office desk I looked out at the lawn and Tantra Lake. The goslings were back out of the nest.

Later in the day the Goose Family was near my living room window, and I took advantage of it. Last year I removed the window screen, so I that I could make pictures from my easy chair. I was also able to throw out some cracked corn for the parents and some thistle seed for the children.

The World is Full of Wonder

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