Canada Goose nesting

Description:

This Canada Goose was nesting next to a pond. The nest was on a mound of dirt surrounded on three sides by reeds and grasses. The nest was constructed of sticks, grasses and feathers.

Habitat:

Nest Description A large open cup on the ground, made of dry grasses, lichens, mosses, and other plant material, and lined with down and some body feathers. Nest Placement Ground On the ground, usually on a muskrat mound or other slightly elevated site, near water. They prefer a spot from which they can have a fairly unobstructed view in many directions. Female selects the site and does much of nest construction. She adds down feathers and some body feathers beginning after the second egg is laid. She does all the incubation while her mate guards her and the nest.

Notes:

She allowed me to get fairly close to her, but I didn't want to get too close and disturb her. The third picture also has a red-winged blackbird that flew into the picture.