Fleeing the scene

Usually, such a comment suggests guilt. My observation of Canada Geese (Kuihi) does not lead me to consider that they feel guilt; even though their dominance of the estuaries seems to be increasing, reducing the food supply for other birds. 

I wasn't close enough before the Kuihi left in haste to count them. However, my memory of the way the flock looked a couple of months ago, would support almost a doubling of the numbers.

The most interesting aspect of their behaviour was the way that the birds who seem to act as sentries began honking loudly when I was still almost 100 m away. At that time some who were in a smaller group closer to the shore moved back to the main flock. Then a small group (six or so) went into the water; and paddled out about 20 m.

The large group moved a little restlessly, until (following some honking) half the flock 'scrambled' and flew away. The rest dispersed by land (the mudflats). One Kuihi lead four others away along the edge of the water, but not in the water.

It all seemed very well organised by the Kuihi.

When we arrived at the beach house, we were greeted by evidence of the power of water; a section of the ceiling has fallen as a rult of water in the insulation and on top of the ceiling. It happened after Saturday, because I was briefly here then and there was no evidence of damage. The storm hit Snells Beach on Sunday night and Monday morning, and apparently there was a lot of flooding from the storm.