A Scene straight outta Bambi just happened in the field behind my house (No, not *that* scene...)

[Ginevra]

First, a herd of fifteen or so deer went bounding eastward like they had been spooked. Following close behind, it was a huge flock of hundred of Canadian Geese, honking their heads off, also flying in the same direction. Spooky. I believe Man is in the forest. 

Edited January 27, 2021 by Quill

[school17777]

3 minutes ago, Quill said:

First, a herd of fifteen or so deer went bounding eastward like they had been spooked. Following close behind, it was a huge flock of hundred of Canadian Geese, honking their heads off, also flying in the same direction. Spooky. I believe Man is in the forest. 

Or a big snow ❄️ is coming!

[Ailaena]

Phew!  I took a chance opening this and seeing a story about a dead mama deer...

[scholastica]

NM. not the place.

Edited January 28, 2021 by scholastica

[Dicentra]

The deer were probably running FROM the geese.  Those things are mean, man.  Canadian cobra chickens.  It's why we're so nice - we channel all our rage into Canada geese. 😉 😄

[kbutton]

59 minutes ago, Dicentra said:

Canadian cobra chickens.

Lol! My college campus had about a dozen sweet looking Canadian geese my freshman year...by the time I graduated, they were a serious menace. The flock was huge, and goose poop was everywhere, radiating from the center of campus. 

[gardenmom5]

I admit the first thing I thought of was when Thumper and Bambi met.

[gardenmom5]

1 hour ago, Dicentra said:

The deer were probably running FROM the geese.  Those things are mean, man.  Canadian cobra chickens.  It's why we're so nice - we channel all our rage into Canada geese. 😉 😄

and to think people have hissie fits when the local authorities spray stuff on the eggs so they don't hatch, or do other things to discourage them from taking up residence.  They live here year round.

they'll attack - but swans are meaner.

[MercyA]

41 minutes ago, gardenmom5 said:

and to think people have hissie fits when the local authorities spray stuff on the eggs so they don't hatch, or do other things to discourage them from taking up residence.  They live here year round.

I did not know that was a thing. 😞 That is a very cruel thing to do to any parent. 

If people want to try to non-violently discourage birds from nesting on their private property, I can understand that. Seems like once the eggs are laid, though, it's time to let them be.

I just saw a video the other day of some birds who were VERY happy about their first egg: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/l47vqw/a_stork_couple_celebrating_their_first_egg/

Edited January 28, 2021 by MercyA

[klmama]

1 hour ago, gardenmom5 said:

they'll attack - but swans are meaner.

And stronger.  While I was in college another student was killed because she got too close to a swan's nest.  It beat her with its wings and broke her neck.  

[gardenmom5]

4 hours ago, MercyA said:

I did not know that was a thing. 😞 That is a very cruel thing to do to any parent. 

If people want to try to non-violently discourage birds from nesting on their private property, I can understand that. Seems like once the eggs are laid, though, it's time to let them be.

I just saw a video the other day of some birds who were VERY happy about their first egg: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/l47vqw/a_stork_couple_celebrating_their_first_egg/

The city/county will do this - they are a health hazard in parks and the population has had to be reduced.  There are many who would be happy to hunt them and have roast goose (which would certainly reduce the population - but more people would object to that than not allowing the eggs to hatch.).  With their droppings everywhere - people can't even use the beach parks because of the concentration of droppings. (which spread disease - not just to humans, but to other animals that live in those parks.  When it rains, the runoff is contaminated by their droppings and it goes into the lakes and streams - poisoning the water to the aquatic life.  It also encourages algae blooms.  They kill the vegetation because they are grazing on it year around leading to erosion - they're non-migratory.

Then they do attack people (especially children who get too close because children are smaller.) -  those foolish enough to feed them, and didn't bring enough bread.  (which also encourages increase in population and all the associated problems - there are fines for those caught feeding the water fowl.  We have rangers in our city - and they can issue citations.)

Edited January 28, 2021 by gardenmom5

[maize]

10 hours ago, MercyA said:

I did not know that was a thing. 😞 That is a very cruel thing to do to any parent. 

If people want to try to non-violently discourage birds from nesting on their private property, I can understand that. Seems like once the eggs are laid, though, it's time to let them be.

I just saw a video the other day of some birds who were VERY happy about their first egg: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/l47vqw/a_stork_couple_celebrating_their_first_egg/

Do you not eat eggs?

[MercyA]

45 minutes ago, maize said:

Do you not eat eggs?

I do. I wish I didn't have to. One of my goals this year was a vegan-except-for-eggs diet and I have been doing pretty well. (If no one else in the house will eat leftover meat, I will eat it so it doesn't go to waste.)

The difference is those chickens aren't sitting on their eggs for a month waiting for them to hatch, only to be disappointed. 

ETA: And, of course, most chicken eggs purchased at the grocery store aren't fertilized.

Edited January 28, 2021 by MercyA

[MercyA]

6 hours ago, gardenmom5 said:

The city/county will do this - they are a health hazard in parks and the population has had to be reduced.  There are many who would be happy to hunt them and have roast goose (which would certainly reduce the population - but more people would object to that than not allowing the eggs to hatch.).  With their droppings everywhere - people can't even use the beach parks because of the concentration of droppings. (which spread disease - not just to humans, but to other animals that live in those parks.  When it rains, the runoff is contaminated by their droppings and it goes into the lakes and streams - poisoning the water to the aquatic life.  It also encourages algae blooms.  They kill the vegetation because they are grazing on it year around leading to erosion - they're non-migratory.

Then they do attack people (especially children who get too close because children are smaller.) -  those foolish enough to feed them, and didn't bring enough bread.  (which also encourages increase in population and all the associated problems - there are fines for those caught feeding the water fowl.  We have rangers in our city - and they can issue citations.)

I understand that this isn't a desirable situation. There are noise deterrents and chemical deterrents that can be used. Lights can be used at night. Trained goose herding dogs work very well. 

[maize]

24 minutes ago, MercyA said:

I do. I wish I didn't have to. One of my goals this year was a vegan-except-for-eggs diet and I have been doing pretty well. (If no one else in the house will eat leftover meat, I will eat it so it doesn't go to waste.)

The difference is those chickens aren't sitting on their eggs for a month waiting for them to hatch, only to be disappointed. 

ETA: And, of course, most chicken eggs purchased at the grocery store aren't fertilized.

My chickens try to sit on eggs. I've got a broody right now, hanging out in the nesting box all day eggs or no. Brooding is triggered by hormones and happens whether there are fertilized eggs or no. 

 

[maize]

22 minutes ago, MercyA said:

I understand that this isn't a desirable situation. There are noise deterrents and chemical deterrents that can be used. Lights can be used at night. Trained goose herding dogs work very well. 

I don't think those are kinder. Seems more disruptive to the birds.

[MercyA]

1 hour ago, maize said:

My chickens try to sit on eggs. I've got a broody right now, hanging out in the nesting box all day eggs or no. Brooding is triggered by hormones and happens whether there are fertilized eggs or no. 

That's great. Still not the same, IMHO, as staying on a nest for a month waiting for eggs to hatch and then being disappointed. 

ETA: And my point about the eggs not being fertilized was simply to say that there is no baby chicken there. I'm pro-life. I wouldn't spay a pregnant cat or spray fertilized goose eggs. YMMV.

Edited January 28, 2021 by MercyA

[MercyA]

2 minutes ago, maize said:

I don't think those are kinder. Seems more disruptive to the birds.

The point is to get them to move to a different area entirely, where they can nest in peace. 

[Selkie]

15 minutes ago, MercyA said:

That's great. Still not the same, IMHO, as waiting a month for eggs to hatch and then being disappointed. 

ETA: And my point about the eggs not being fertilized was simply to say that there is no baby chicken there. I'm pro-life. I wouldn't spay a pregnant cat or spray fertilized goose eggs. YMMV.

I think it is great that you are taking steps to reduce consumption of animal products. From a pro-life standpoint, while it's true that eggs in the grocery store aren't fertilized, there is so much misery and cruelty and death that goes into the production of those eggs. Most people have no inkling of the realities of the egg industry. I think if they did, egg sales would plummet.

[MercyA]

1 hour ago, Selkie said:

I think it is great that you are taking steps to reduce consumption of animal products. From a pro-life standpoint, while it's true that eggs in the grocery store aren't fertilized, there is so much misery and cruelty and death that goes into the production of those eggs. Most people have no inkling of the realities of the egg industry. I think if they did, egg sales would plummet.

I know. I am fully aware. 😞 Male baby chicks being ground up alive or suffocated in trash bags, chickens crammed into cages with sores on their feet and broken bones. I buy free-range, but I know even that can mean life in a building with no sunshine, no room to peck, no access to the outdoors, and slaughter as the end. (And the male chicks are still killed.)

I've had 30+ kidney stones and have to avoid oxalates. That means very minimal beans and nuts. I am also tend to be anemic due to endometriosis. I have to get a little protein somewhere, and animal iron helps, too. But I am trying and hopefully eventually will get there. Come on, menopause. 😉 

Edited January 28, 2021 by MercyA

[MercyA]

(Sorry, Quill, for the derailment. Hope Bambi and crew successfully avoided whatever was troubling them.)

[maize]

Backyard chickens definitely live happier lives than factory chickens.

We are eating fertilized eggs these days because I did let a broody hen hatch some chicks last year and one of them was a rooster. We're not supposed to have roosters here so I've got a no-crow collar on him. I figure he'd rather put up with the collar than end up in a stew pot; rehoming a mutt rooster is near impossible. 

We have to be flexible and recognize that there really are no ideal ways to live life.

[MercyA]

5 minutes ago, maize said:

Backyard chickens definitely live happier lives than factory chickens.

We are eating fertilized eggs these days because I did let a broody hen hatch some chicks last year and one of them was a rooster. We're not supposed to have roosters here so I've got a no-crow collar on him. I figure he'd rather put up with the collar than end up in a stew pot; rehoming a mutt rooster is near impossible. 

We have to be flexible and recognize that there really are no ideal ways to live life.

For sure. They are not legal in my town, alas. 

I do think some ways of living are more ideal than others. I am all for less suffering and more compassion. The more I can contribute to a world like that, the better. 

I also think living according to one's conscience and/or one's understanding of Scripture can be seen as inflexibility. I'm okay with that. 

[gardenmom5]

1 hour ago, maize said:

I don't think those are kinder. Seems more disruptive to the birds.

and the neighbors.

[TravelingChris]

I would be so upset to see so many deer.  I don't like deer.  They eat most of my garden plants.  Deer in National Parks or State Parks or National Forests?  Fine.  In my neighborhood, no.  But I am so happy that I have never had so many deer in any neighborhood that I lived in.  In Northern VA, where our house backed on to a natural park (meaning not developed except a dirt trail for hikers, bikers), the most deer I ever saw was 6 and the most deer I have ever seen in our yard anywhere is 2- Mom and one young.  And I don't even like that.

[Selkie]

3 hours ago, MercyA said:

I know. I am fully aware. 😞 Male baby chicks being ground up alive or suffocated in trash bags, chickens crammed into cages with sores on their feet and broken bones. I buy free-range, but I know even that can mean life in a building with no sunshine, no room to peck, no access to the outdoors, and slaughter as the end. (And the male chicks are still killed.)

I've had 30+ kidney stones and have to avoid oxalates. That means very minimal beans and nuts. I am also tend to be anemic due to endometriosis. I have to get a little protein somewhere, and animal iron helps, too. But I am trying and hopefully eventually will get there. Come on, menopause. 😉 

Yeah, the egg industry is horrible.😞

Have you tried a completely plant based diet? I just wondered because I've seen studies that show that eliminating animal products and eating only plants is much better for prevention of both kidney stones and endometriosis. I've never had either, so no personal experience - I'm just a nutrition nerd who reads a lot about it. 🙂

[gardenmom5]

36 minutes ago, TravelingChris said:

I would be so upset to see so many deer.  I don't like deer.  They eat most of my garden plants.  Deer in National Parks or State Parks or National Forests?  Fine.  In my neighborhood, no.  But I am so happy that I have never had so many deer in any neighborhood that I lived in.  In Northern VA, where our house backed on to a natural park (meaning not developed except a dirt trail for hikers, bikers), the most deer I ever saw was 6 and the most deer I have ever seen in our yard anywhere is 2- Mom and one young.  And I don't even like that.

I'm in the seattle area - in an area where wildlife spotting in your yard/on your street is unusual - but happens (Even in downtown Seattle, there was a very freaked out Coyote in the Federal Building - *elevator*).  We came home one sunday morning, and there were FOUR bucks eating my strawberries.  None of the neighborhood dogs were out.  We yelled at them, and they just looked over at us like "what's your problem?" and moseyed to the next neighbors house.  I've also seen a fox, and a weasel (he seemed lost).  Our neighbors had a black bear go through their yard.

I was ticked when I heard a neighbor paid someone to get rid of our local coyote den - no wonder our rabbit population skyrocketed.  The hawk just doesn't seem up to the task.  (after seeing him a lot last spring/early summer - including sitting on various parts of our house - we haven't seen him since.  I have caught site of a pair of eagles who moved in not far from here.)

[MercyA]

2 hours ago, Selkie said:

Yeah, the egg industry is horrible.😞

Have you tried a completely plant based diet? I just wondered because I've seen studies that show that eliminating animal products and eating only plants is much better for prevention of both kidney stones and endometriosis. I've never had either, so no personal experience - I'm just a nutrition nerd who reads a lot about it. 🙂

I have only ever been ovo-vegetarian (no dairy or flesh). I did that very strictly for several years and didn't have a single kidney stone during that time (I had been having 1-2 a year). Also, my endo was so improved that it seemed like a miracle. I went from taking probably 16 ibuprofen the first day of my period, every month (and not still not being able to function) to taking normal dosages and being able to go about my day. And--I wasn't even looking for improvement at the time! I was doing it for the animals. So, the studies are absolutely correct. 

I started eating meat again before trying to conceive. 

ETA: Sorry, had to take the dog out. 🙂 The times I've tried to go totally or almost totally vegan I've become fatigued with brain fog. I'm guessing that's more from anemia than lack of protein. I take FloraVital and Flintstones with Iron. Maybe if I'm super on top of my supplementation I can get there.

Edited January 28, 2021 by MercyA