It's a beautiful day here in the Kingdom.  The temperature is about 70 degrees, with a nice SE breeze and lots of sunshine.  Perfect day for the Grass Fed Boys concert at The Stage in Lyndonville.

Someone commented on the web site about the goose problem, and I just want everyone to know the goose situation has been monitored closely since early in the spring, and it was hoped there was only one family. The first complaints came from the big pond, and now that we've had reports of more groups, action can be taken - but where the pests were sighted really isn't a factor, it's numbers that must be considered.  They geese will range the whole of the pond looking for the best foraging, and while even one family can be bothersome, permission would likely not be granted for a roundup of so few.  The people on the committee have a good grasp of the situation and will do whatever is necessary and legal to control the goose population. 

Karen (Gruggel)Cobb sent this message yesterday:

Hi Jane!
Have followed the nesting Osprey in Maine via Blog, and finally caught feeding time of the chicks! They sure enjoyed the fish their Mother was giving them.
This photo taken by a friend of my brother's on the Eastern Shore of Maryland recently gives a beautiful perspective of the bird! Good luck with the Geese situation too.
Karen

I've been watching the development of the young ospreys in Maine carefully.  It's hard to believe they are nearly ready to begin testing those scrawny wings.  I saw one of the two older chicks pick on the youngest recently.  The third chick was hatched two or three days after the first two that are only one day apart.  When the older one pecked at the little one, it was brief, and the little guy just tucked his head down and played dead.  He wasn't hurt, and seems to be thriving - getting as much attention and food from the mother as the other two.  The adult female is constantly rearranging the nest, trying to pick up twigs and place them on the perimeter of the nest - I expect in anticipation of the young ones being able to move around more each day and wanting to keep them from falling over the edge.  I saw one of the older chicks picking up sticks just like the mother does - so I have to conclude they are learning every day.  Probably instinct is part of the process, but I'm betting they watch the adult and mimic her.  Once they have wing feathers, they will strengthen their wings and eventually follow one of the adults in flight, and according to what I've read, learn how to catch fish by accompanying the adult.  Within a short time they will be able to provide their own food.  Pretty nice we are able to watch them growing each day.  In case you haven't bookmarked the link, here it is again so you can watch.  Maine Osprey link.