Last Goose on Legend Lake

Last Goose on Legend Lake

April 3rd
A warm sun, but still a spring chill in the air. We see the first of the goose families on the lake today. They glide across the water, first an adult followed by six yellow goslings one behind the other, with the mate stationed in the rear. They move as if they are one unit. No breaks in the line. No straying goslings.

May 2nd
Three more families now. They move out into the surrounding lawns to feed, but always alert and ready to scamper back into the safety of the water. The unpaired adults stay in a group slightly apart from the families.

June 10th
The young have grown so fast. Soon they will have identical marking as the parents. They are active with strenuous games of flailing the water with untested wings.

August 15th
They’re flying now. First with short flights to circle and land. Then longer flights to out of sight feeding grounds. The young one’s can sometimes be identified as they come in for a landing rocking side to side and then like some out of control bomber, crashing heavily into the water. They will improve.

September 8th
Notice one goose is not flying. Can’t tell if it’s an adult of a young one who is a slow learner. When the flock returns, she welcomes them with enthusiastic honks, then loses herself in the swimming milieu of birds. Strange how we assign the word “she” as if vulnerability is a feminine trait.

October 13th
We talk about her frequently. Flocks are moving through from Horicon Marsh going south. Long V’s. They stop occasionally for a days rest and food.

November 3rd
A thousand geese on the lake today. Maybe when they leave, she’ll go with them. What could have happened? A snapping turtle? A birth defect? An accident? When the geese leave, she’s still there

November 28th
The flocks are gone now. A bitter wind drives occasional flakes of snow. People cleaning up their yards for winter pull their coats tightly around them. They glance furtively as the last goose on the lake serenely dips to feast on underwater delicacies.

December 3rd
Hard freeze last night. The lake is edged in ice. She’s out there, swimming in the open water. What will happen to her?

December 8th
This morning ice covers the entire lake. She is huddled on the ice until the sun opens several pools. She awkwardly walks to a pool and slides in. Weather report promises a warming spell for the next four days. I feel relieved for her.

December 19th
Heavy snow covers the world. Only the waters of the lake can refuse the coating. She’s out there. We know her situation is dire. Her end is coming near. Still she completes a Christmas card picture as we are entranced by the winter beauty of the lake with the lone goose.

December 21st
A full moon shines on the lake. It makes the rough waters twinkle with light. I can’t see her, but I know she is out there. Saw fox prints at the waters edge today.

December 23rd
She’s gone. Sudden cold spell. The lake is covered with ice, probably for the winter. Maybe she flew…….

Story ID:	816
Written by:	Dick Dunlap (bio, contact, other stories)
Story type:	Diary/Journal Entry
Location:	Roscoe Illinois USA
Year:	2005