The Journey
From a stranger with a bag of peas to someone the flock comes running to — a month-by-month diary of patience, trust, and wonder.
February 2026
The First Visit
It started with a walk to the local pond and a bag of defrosted peas. The geese kept their distance — watching, cautious. But they didn't leave. That felt like enough.
March 2026
They Started Coming Closer
After weeks of daily visits at the same time, the Canadian geese began approaching within a few metres. The Egyptian geese watched from a distance. The swans circled but stayed back.
April 2026
Nesting Season Begins
The first nest appeared — a Canadian goose pair settled in the reeds. Visits became more careful, keeping distance from the nest while still feeding the rest of the flock.
April 2026
The Goslings Hatch
Six tiny goslings appeared one morning — fluffy, yellow-grey, and impossibly small. The parents were watchful but allowed observation from a respectful distance. The documentation began in earnest.
✨ Key MilestoneMay 2026
The Whistle Works
A breakthrough moment: the first time the whistle brought the geese swimming across the pond. They had learned the sound. They were coming to me. It's hard to describe how that felt.
✨ Key MilestoneMay 2026
The Swan Approaches
After months of circling, one of the mute swans finally came close enough to eat from the water's edge while I was crouched nearby. A moment of complete stillness — and then it ate.
✨ Key MilestoneJune 2026
Hand Feeding & First Touch
The Canadian geese now eat directly from an open hand. And one morning, while sitting quietly, a goose walked up and allowed itself to be gently stroked. The Egyptian geese have started joining the hand-feeding sessions too.
✨ Key MilestoneOngoing
The Journey Continues
Every day brings something new — a gosling growing, a new bird joining the group, a moment of unexpected trust. The documentation continues. The bond deepens.
Real Photos Coming Soon
The real photos from every visit — goslings growing, swans approaching, hand-feeding moments — will be added to the Gallery. Every image tells part of the story.