Canada Goose defending a mate

[PeterD]

Not a brilliant image but one that I think describes the time of year.

This shot was taken from at least 200ft away as I could not approach the lake any closer because of the security fence. I wish my other lens was in working order but I had to settle for a 40-150 Kit lens + 1.4 converter. Focal length 212mm making an efl of 424mm (35mm film format).

These two geese challenged each other and I was amazed how one of them seemed to climb up on top of the water. Obviously it was trying to show off its size and frighten the intruder off. This worked and I saw the pair chase off the intruder until it was at the opposite side of the lake.

http://surfbirds.com/albums/data/500/Canada_Goose-3302768.jpg (http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=6043&limit=recent)


http://surfbirds.com/albums/data/500/Canada_Goose-3302769.jpg (http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=6045&ppuser=1130)

The threat

http://surfbirds.com/albums/data/500/Canada_Goose-3302770.jpg (http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=6046&ppuser=1130)

And winner takes all, while the vanquished looks on.

PeterD

[PeterD]

I have just added two more images in the sequence.

PeterD

[Bobolink44]

Hopefully no blood shed and only pride was hurt.

[PeterD]

Hopefully no blood shed and only pride was hurt.

In the end all the Canada geese lost out. A pair of swans decided the lake was the right place for them and chased off anything bigger than a duck.

http://surfbirds.com/albums/data/500/Swan_in_attack-4073037.jpg (http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=6180&ppuser=1130)

PeterD