Look who flew in for a visit yesterday afternoon! For a long time I hung out over our kitchen window, icy breezes caressing my face, and just watched this quiet couple paddling idly, one of them stepping up into the marsh and disappearing amongst the reeds. The other, probably the female, became all nervous at her mate's adventurous trek, but she calmed down when he reappeared. (Rather like some other couples I know. heh.)

When they rose up into the grey skies their honking sounded exactly like, "Good-bye! Good-bye!"

Guess who returned this morning? And Tom was here this time to watch them, too. You should have seen us excitedly tip-toeing through the dining room and kitchen so not to startle them away.

We do love this nature preserve we've got going here in our own backyard. Birds, frogs, deer, rabbits, bats, snakes, squirrels, a fox and now geese. All are welcome as long as they play fair. :)


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It's easier than you think to create a nature preserve in your own backyard, no matter how small. Our last yard was about the size of a normal master bedroom--and in the suburbs--yet we had all sorts of animals back there. Check online for ideas such as toad houses from flower pots and bee condos from holes drilled partially into small posts and of course birdhouses and birdfeeders, etc.

Go here for more ideas of how to attract and care for the wildlife in your own backyard.