geese – New England's Narrow Road

I was reminded today, while reading a blog I visit often, of my visit to the lake one day last month. I often take walks to renew my spirit and that day I was feeling really low. I stood watching the geese feed in the shallow water in small groups. And I was thinking that even they have family and are not alone. Then I pictured them all gone – except for one – what if a goose was by itself? Well, I suppose it would keep doing just what it was doing. Eating and swimming. It would have to live – so it would have no choice. Would it be afraid? Hopeful that his companions would return? I don’t know. But I took comfort in the fact that the goose would keep living – because it is what we do. We might not be feeling very fortunate

, but each day we are given is a day we were meant to have.

I read at Flandrum Hill’s blog, a wonderful post about the geese. They don’t leave each other behind, in fact they make sure that all geese get to their destination. How awesome is that? People are not that kind. I have not been surrounded by the kind of care the geese give each other, but I am hopeful. This day I am still here. So I look for the blessings, and there are always many, no matter how bad things seem or how alone I feel.

Luckily I took my camera to the bus stop this morning because two families of Canadian Geese had just decided to cross from one side of the lake to the other.

Early morning geese swimming in Gregg Lake — Early morning geese

Once the bus left, I managed to get a few shots. My camera isn’t too good (or maybe it’s just me!) at getting the zoom shots, but you can see how cute the babies are..and big! They were tiny just a few days ago.

Family of geese swim under the bridge — Swimming in a line

One family, mom, dad and four babies, decided to swim under the bridge to get to the other side.

Family of eight geese cross the road — Family of 8 crosses the road

And the other, larger family, decided to walk across the road. This is a rural area which makes it a safe place for geese to raise their babies. I love seeing them although some people think geese are a nuisance.

Two groups of geese in the shallow water near Gregg lake in New Hampshire — Both Families Having Breakfast

Do you know why geese fly in a V formation? Check out the answer here.
My question is this; When they swim in a line, who leads? The dad or the mom? Or do they take turns?