Posted here are photos of some delightful gosllngs of the Egyptian variety, which were graciously identified by Ros Young, Tom O' Boyle, Geoff Ranson, Jackie Skipper and Jan Farmer. Thank you all for the quick response regarding correct identification of the Egyptian geese.
There are ten little feathered things which Mummy Puddleduck has to look after. Let's hope that John Reid's stern admonishment of Mr big bad Pike worked. You may remember that John coaxed a one metre pike out of the water last week. The photo is proof that this fish is in water near you.
UPDATE FROM Simon Studd.
Thanks to the erudite Simon Studd, we have received an interesting piece about our feathered Egyptian friends, and his text is reproduced here:
Despite popular belief, they neither derive from Pharoah's Island (on the River Thames formerly owned by the late H. Nelson), nor indeed the Faroe Islands. They are in fact a native of the River Nile.The male attracts the female by affecting a noisy display, including extensive honking, neck stretching and feather displays. The female has a far noisier continuous quack, generally utilised when she considers her young are under threat. Both the male and female care for their young. They normally pair for life.
UPDATE FROM Simon Cox in Kenya
On the shores of Lake Naivasha Egyptian geese often roost 75 feet up in the branches of yellow fever trees. After the pre dawn cacophony of ibis has finally quietened down, as they push off for breakfast, the geese take over with their incessant mono honks driving bed languishing guests insane. The gun safes are kept well locked and out of sight of such late risers. Sadly, swimming is also off as hippos are a trifle troublesome. I believe worse than pike?
Yours swimmingly
John Tierney
