Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Heading home

Living in a small apartment doesn't give much opportunity for viewing a lot of wild life, however, there is a couple of times a year I am always thrilled with an amazing event that takes place right over my head. My country town must be right on the migration highway of the marvelous geese.

Few sights evoke as much attention, and awe, as that of a large flock of Canadian geese winging their way in their V-formation to the north or south. They speak of the changing of seasons, and also of the value of teamwork.

What many don't know is that when a goose gets sick or, perhaps is wounded by a shot, it never falls from formation by itself. Two other geese also fall out of formation with it and follow the ailing goose down to the ground. One of them is very often the mate of the wounded bird, since geese mate for life and are extremely loyal to their mates. Once on the ground, the healthy birds help protect and care for him as much as possible, even to the point of throwing themselves between the weakened bird and possible predators. They stay with him until he is either able to fly, or until he is dead. Then, and only then, do they launch out on their own. In most cases, they wait for another group of geese to fly overhead and they join them, adding to the safety and flying efficiency of their numbers.

I probably haven't shared anything most of you didn't already know....it's just that the migration event is so indicative of our Creators majesty and unending beauty that He has placed all about us.

3 comments:

  1. Ok Audrey, I'm gonna try this again and I hope it works. Thank you for this information. I sit on my porch very early in the mornings, before sunrise sometimes. I can hear and see many v-formations of geese flying over. Canadian geese live here year round, But they continually move from place to place. I never knew that about them and as I watch them now and remember what you said, I'll think about you too. We'll soon be seeing bald eagles.
    Debbie

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  2. Autumn blessings to you.
    Hope you're feeling alot better.

    I didn't know that the geese mated for life or looked after one another like they do. That's precious. They are a beautiful creature.

    God bless,
    d from homehaven

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  3. It is so easy to take God's creation and creatures for granted, yet what a wondrous God He is to create geese and other flocks that fly overhead and give you, yes YOU! such joy as you marvel at them.

    The care the geese show each other in what you described sounds a lot like brothers in arms too. Makes one want to cry for such devotion and loyalty.

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