Sometimes we lose our way in life and in so doing, we lose the ones that we belong with. Not knowing what to do, we try to fit in with the closest thing we can find to our way of life and the individuals we are most familiar with.
This works out fine, sometimes. Often we find it too hard to try and be something we're not and eventually, after misplacing integral parts of ourselves, we decide we miss our tribe and our old way of life.
Then we pack up and go back to the place and people that feel like 'home'.
Humans are lucky that way. They're able to remember where they belong and who they belong with. Birds aren't always so lucky.
Such is the case with this lone Snow Goose who, for reasons we're not privy to, found himself living with a flock of Canada Geese.
Being lonely and wanting a mate, he chose one of the Canada Goose females.
The pair seem happy enough; however a closer look reveals some marital discord.
It's always him following her.
She seems totally oblivious to his amour and more intent on doing her own thing wandering around Erchless Estate in Old Oakville.
I felt kind of sad for this Snow Goose. He seemed so out of place. 
Perhaps one day, maybe when the flock he's chosen to be with is stopped somewhere along their migration route in the fall, he'll spot a band of Snow Geese and will recognize them as his own.
Until then, he's happy to just follow along and pretend he's a Canada Goose with a lovely Canada Goose mate.
|
Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com |
Jo-Anne, what a cute story! And thanks for posting the photographs... Really brought a smile to my face.... we just never know where we will find love !
Have a terrific day!
Hopefully this 'odd duck' won't be shunned and shut-out by the others. It's a shame when anyone, feathered or not, only sees the back side of those around them.
Great story - & photos! I found myself reading along waiting eagerly to hear what would happen to the duck & rooting for a love match after all!! :)
Hey Jo welcome :) I love your story, poor snow geese he's like an adopted child hahaha. Your brought into to a family outside your culture and adapt but still have that longing for wanting to be part of your culture (flock)...I need to find me another adopted mate :)
Cute story Jo. I've seen it too with Canada Geese or Swans.
Jo,
Every Spring we have several pairs of ducks land and take refuge in our pool. They stay a few hours and then continue north.
Brian
Hi Jo-I enjoyed your thoughtful story about belonging and those great pictures of the geese that went with it. If his flock ever comes down our way he will still be lonely as we have hundreds upon hundreds of Canadian geese who live here all year round.
thanks Gloria!
I was very touched when I spotted this odd pair wandering around historic Erchless Estate in Old Oakville.
Jo
Michael,
It seems the Canada Goose he's chosen as his mate would rather forget he's there.....I hope you're right and the others don't shut him out completely. He seems lonely.....
Jo
hi Nancy!
He's actually a Snow Goose. It seems he's quite happy following along behind this Canada Goose so perhaps it will work out.
Jo
hi Laura!
I hope you find just the right one you feel at home with and who is extra good to you (he'd better be, or else!!!).....I know your Mom did all she could to help you feel at home and loved and I think she did an excellent job.
Jo
Janice,
I've seen swans band up with other varieties of swans too...however this is the first time I've seen an odd goose pair. ((-;
Jo
Brian,
It sounds like you live along the migration route! I showed a house in Burlington on the lakeshore last year and there were swans and geese nesting in the yard (right in the inground pool which had been filled in with sand).
Jo
Bruce,
I guess Canada Geese are everywhere these days...
he will likely have to go way up north to find his family. I hope one day he finds them.
Jo
Jo I love the photos.. What a cute odd couple You will have to keep us posted.
Poor little guy, he seems to be trailing around in her wake. Maybe she's afraid to bring him home to dad.
Joan,
If I find out anything more, I'll be sure to let you know. ((-;
Jo
Malcolm,
Could be...perhaps her Dad does not like his daughters dating outside of the Canada Goose clan.
Jo
Hi Jo, I saw a lone snow goose (maybe the same one) down at the harbour in the winter. He really stood out. He must be getting fed well to still be around.
Hi Jo,
You have some of the most beautiful photos in the most spectacular settings around. I always love seeing them, thanks!
Jo - perhaps he is being the rear guard ..... mother will look after her brood ..... father will watch out for mother.
Jo, to paraphrase a Crosby, Stills & Nash song, If you can't be with the ones you love, love the one you're with!
Brian
Jenny,
It might be the same one....perhaps he is a permanent resident of Oakville? I wonder how he lost his family?
Jo
Lynda,
Thank you for the kind comment.
Jo
Kathy,
Quite possibly.....I didn't see any goslings though. I wonder if they're even able to crossbreed and have viable young?
Jo
Brian,
Coincidentally, I was thinking of that exact song when writing this post....
Jo
Jo, It's funny that you thought of the same song, too. It would appear that great minds think alike! LOL - Brian
Brian,
lol....I believe you're right. ((-;
Jo
Jo - I just had to come back and wish you and your goose a Happy Canada day ..... hope you had a great day and are looking forward to a better weekend
Poor little fellow. Lost without love. Reminds me of an old David Gates song.
and belated Canada Day, too!
Thanks Kathy!
Happy Canada Day to you too,
Jo
Jo-Anne - What a great story and great photos to accompany it! I love it!!
Hello Jo, miss you....
Jo_anne - Nice pictures. Sad story. Hopefully... like alot of us humans.... we'll find our ways home.
Great post.
Good Pictures Jo and very iteresting.