Monday, May 6, 2013

Geese

We have two ponds on our land.  From where I am sitting right now at our kitchen table, I can look out the east doors, past the upper deck, and right on to the pond.
We have wildlife that take advantage of our ponds, it's not unusual to see deer, muskrats, raccoon, or any number of birds.  I've never really been a bird person, but in the last couple years, I've started to pay attention a little more.  We have the usual sparrows, crows, hawks, and pigeons, but we'll have bluejays, cardinals, turtle doves, even a bald eagle fly through our yard every now and then.
I've started to pay attention to a few bird types when I see them.  We had a sandhill crane a couple weeks ago - very cool.  We have ducks pretty regularly.  But my most favorite is when a pair of Canadian geese decide to rest at our pond for a while.  I have no idea if it is the same pair or not; I like to imagine it is.  I like to think we have a welcoming and safe area for them, where they can feel comfortable stopping in whenever they need.  But, of course, they're birds.  I have no idea.
I had read things about geese flying together in the "V" formation to help each other out, to honk to encourage one another - and that was really neat for when I see them flying in their giant formations overhead.  I also learned if one is sick or injured, another one will drop back to stay with that goose until it is ok to move on.  But to see a couple of geese up close, it just makes me smile.  What fascinates me the most is that I never see just one.  We never have a single goose on the pond; if there's one, there's two.  When they're together, they look out for one another.  One swims while one stands guard.  One stays on the tuft of weeds while one rummages around for whatever he or she can find.  They are never far away from the other.
Geese mate for life, around 25 years, from what I read. Quite honestly, these geese remind me of my husband and I.  Even if Dave and I aren't side by side, he knows I'm on guard for him, and I know he's got my back.
On an even bigger scale, isn't that just like Jesus in our lives?  Helping us with encouraging "honking" from the Bible and from others, never leaving us alone, staying with us, seeking us out?
All I know is when I see our "gooseses" on the pond, it makes me smile.  And I hope they stick around for a long time.  I like having them here.

4 comments:

  1. I love the thought of looking out your kitchen at the wildlife! and of never being alone...so good. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love watching the birds! One of my fav winter pastimes. We have a pair of cardinals that hang around all year. They are "maters for life", too.

    I think of Matthew: "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm with you, Amy, never been much of a bird person but have been noticing them more recently!

    I am glad you shared your blog and hope to read more! :)
    ~Frances

    ReplyDelete