12:03pm MDT

I was out doing chores so recorded. Just checked it and a strange event took place.

Mom had just been standing in mid nest staring at the river - geese swimming and chasing about. (Hey we have a new smiley ) She then started watching the area up around the nest as if an O was flying about.

Suddenly, dropping down on her back was the male. He just stood on her back - no mating attempted. Mom did not lift her tail to encourage it so perhaps she just wasn't in the mood! "I'm too tired!"?


He flew up and down onto the corner of the nest box. Mom looked at him and challenged him


He flew up (the helicopter style) and she continued the challenge - Obviously screaming!!!

12:03pm Cont'd

This is the only still image of the male and I think he looks smaller than Dad to be
But, it could just be the perspective of the camera


The final image of Mom telling him to "get" as he hovered trying to drop back down

1:46pm................One is here on the nest..........just looking around. Can't tell who it is from this angle. Maybe he/she should be working on those sticks!! BET, that was an interesting event...............probably a male looking for a partner......................Mom was a definite NO!

2:54pm MDT

I noted the O's were hunkered down and the river surface was very rough - rough ripples moving down river in waves



So I looked up the weather - wind

18º C = 64.4º F
wind SW 47 km/h = 29.2 mph
wind gusts 62 km/h = 38.5 mph

No wonder they hunkered down

7:53 pm
Nothing of significance happening but both are home. Watching their uneven balance is an indication the wind is gusting.


7:56 pm
Dad flew off but Mom remains perched on a stick in the center of the nest.

Dad returned and landed on Mom --- no mating took place.



He jumped off and stood beside her on the nest.


I sometimes wonder if when he lands on her without mating is it to show other O's that this she is his property and no one else had better mess with her?

8:43pm..........Mom was on the edge of the nest and then flew off. I am noticing lots of sticks in the nest...........more needed though. And a nice clump of moss!

8:46pm................Ma must have been reading my mind............she just returned and started to move sticks around.