Meet Hyram the Hybrid

Popped along to Figgate Park this morning to check on the goslings. Sad news - only two of the six left. *sniff*

But the other Mrs Canada goose is still sitting on the nest. And Mr Swan seemed quite chilled today - he wasn't chasing anyone. The two families of Canada geese made up for it. They were chasing each other, but especially this hybrid goose who befriended me. And used me as a human shield. Several times.

Another reason to go back to the pond was that I lost one of my rather expensive iPod earphone buds last time. They were foolishly hanging round my neck. I don't mean they were foolish. I was foolish to leave them hanging there. I noticed one missing as I went to leave last time and took a walk back round the way I'd been. But I hadn't gone back on the grass. So I wanted to retrace my steps more fully. Silly, really- like finding a needle in a haystack. All the little white things that caught my eye were daisies or bits off plastic bags.

So I went round to examine the grass and sat down to watch the now reduced family. They didn't seem to mind me after a while, because I didn't move. The parents were ever vigilant in all directions, and everybody would honk (not me!) when a dog was spotted. I saw what a dangerous life they lead - never a moment when one or other was not on guard. The two ducklings would sleep safely at every opportunity.

I had some bread in my bag and chucked a few bits out. The Canadian family came close. Then a dog came too near and they went back to the water side. All of a sudden this chap appeared, right beside me, cheeky as anything, even sticking his head in the bag to help himself.

We were a few yards from the other Canada goose male. Suddenly he hissed and ran straight at me! I was terrified, not realising it wasn't me he was gunning for, but managed to get a very blurry shot of him just about upon me. I'll put it in my folio for a laugh.

When he'd retreated, I looked around. Where was my friend? Standing behind me. Smirking. The daddy Canada goose also gave chase now and again, and what did Hyram the Hybrid do? Yes. Hide behind me. He wasn't silly. I eventually rather reluctantly left them to their dramatic wee lives.

And I don't think anyone noticed my damp bum all the way home!

Now to glue on a spare (wrong) earbud to the headphone socket...