April 23, 2024 - Spring!

It is Dolphy Day at Le Moyne College! For those who may not know about our annual Rite of Spring, Dolphy Day is an impromptu day OFF from studies, classes, and anything that could be considered a non-fun activity. The “Wizard” alone decides when Dolphy Day will commence. One lacrosse player is the Wizard. It’s an honor and their call. We woke up this morning to discover that today is the day. A sure sign that Spring has finally arrived in Central New York.

Another sure sign arrived this morning, as well. We were enjoying a second cup of coffee and looking forward to a slow start to the day when we spied Mr. and Mrs. Goose escorting their little goslings out of their forest nesting place and down to the beach for their first adventure to the water’s edge.

There are six little goslings. I’ve been watching them all day. At first, they all just stayed on shore. But as the day progressed, Mom would slowly coax them into the water under the watchful eye of Mr. Goose. She would take them for a short swim a few feet from shore and right back to the safety of the beach. After a few short adventures, she got them to swim in formation. It’s fascinating to watch.

They are now wandering a bit and exploring their new surroundings.

Foxfield Woods is their home. Geese mate for life and we know this couple. Their family has been returning here for a long, long time. They’re comfortable here and they feel safe. There is a large lawn that leads down to the beach. Far enough away from the surrounding forest to give them plenty of time to swim or fly away from our fox or other predatory neighbor.

Mr. and Mrs. Duck have been waddling around the yard lately. No doubt, some ducklings are soon to hatch.

Spring is glorious.