Water Wars

The nesting season is fast upon us. Water birds are paired up and searching for sites. Canada Geese were first to scout our pond, which is uninviting, inasmuch as all but one resident has fencing up to both safeguard children and keep the geese at bay. 

Many people think the fence keeps the geese off the lawn by being a barrier to getting on it. They are wrong, as they can easily fly in and out for much of the year. It actually keeps them off the lawn because they know that when they are flightless in the molting season and when there may be young ones to shepherd who cannot fly, they will be unable to escape a predator on the lawn by running into the water. They often seem quite dumb, but they are smart enough to foresee a problem that is weeks away.

A greater deterrent can be swans. If they choose a spot like our small pond to nest, they will keep all geese and other interlopers away. A gorgeous pair showed up two days ago and today were treated by our neighbor to a luxurious direct handout of feed at the waterside. The pair later drifted off the sleep, a sign they may feel comfortable enough to consider nesting. A few hours later, the two Canada Geese which have been scouting recently arrived. In minutes were driven off by the male swan.

It will be interesting to see if nesting occurs since the swans have the same issues as the geese, but might be accommodated by building a platform nest on a downed tree over the water -- not something the geese are likely to do. We shall see.

Meanwhile, the dozen or so mallards that have appeared in recent weeks are scuffling. If past action holds, they will work their way down to a single pair in the next month or two. It will nest nearby. One year I exited the back door to find a nest with a female on it just a foot from the doorway, in plain sight but nestled against the foundation and unobtrusive in the surrounding colors. 

A lone Hooded Merganser joined the gulls fishing this morning. I watched a herring gull land and snatch 4-5 inch fish yesterday. Hard to tell if the fish are just lethargic in cold water or what -- gulls seem to have pretty good success on top water or just a few inches down. In any case, there is plenty of fish attraction happening; two Great Blue Herons eyed each other across the pond on Friday afternoon.