Goose Watching

I did mention in a previous post that its at this time of year on the Parkland Lakes that both the resident Greylag and Canada Geese flock together in their respective species and spend their time flying from the lakes to the nearby farmland fields to feed and then back to the water for a drink and clean up and repeating the process throughout the day.

On a nice sunny day I was able to shoot some scenes of the Greylag gang, which on this occasion was accompanied by a visiting Barnacle Goose.

Geese will always take off into the wind and it was quite windy on this occasion. However, I was not in the best position in relation to both the geese location on the water and the prevailing wind. On these occasions one has to make the best of what is presented. As they took off they were heading straight towards me and through a gap in the trees. I couldn't get a better position due to trees obstructing the view.

They don't all take off together normally and this was one of the first waves below.

Prior to take off there is much washing and bathing and then flapping of wings to get the water off the flight feathers.

I mentioned the visiting Barnacle Goose. 

This is probably some escapee or just a lost soul, as they would not normally be in this area at this or any other time for that matter.

It is not unusual for the Barnacle to be flocked together with the resident Canada flock but he/she has chosen the light greys this time. We have also been fortunate to have a visiting White-fronted Goose in the past.

That said, this is the first time I have been able to include the Barnacle in 'Take off' shots.