Goose, Gander, Goslings

For quite some time, 
the goose was on the loose 
in the bay across the way.

The situation called for investigation.

"Well, what's going on here?"

As the kayak-borne investigator moved in for a gander,
the gander charged, squawking threateningly.
A few paddle-generated splashes slowed his approach.

Circling the kayak, he let his displeasure be known with a tongue-out stare,
the goose equivalent of certain human hand gestures.

After careful consideration, the gander realized
that the buffoon in the kayak was not much of a threat,
and adopted a policy of peaceful coexistence.

Photos of the nest were tolerated.

Look closely to see mama looking back.

Soon the photo session was over,
and the gander went back to sentry duty.

That night, a great cacophony rose up from the bay.  Unseen, there was a crescendo of goose and gander yowling and caterwauling until sudden silence.

The next day, there were no geese to be found.
The nest was empty.

It appeared that someone had enjoyed a raw omelette.

It could well have been this guy,
captured on a neighbor's security camera*.

Though he enjoyed the porch,
he didn't knock.

Although one family did not flourish, there are others.  There will be no shortage of new geese to grease our lawns.  

What do you call a group of resting goslings?

A fuzzy pile.

"Really, Mom?  We have to get up and go?"

And off they went.

On another fine family outing.

*Thanks to Roger A. for providing barely acceptable images.