Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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How Wonderful to be so Royally Goosed ! I woke on 7 January as usual, ready for the day. As always, I gazed out the large window, Overlooking my smallish pond. Many mornings, there are no waterfowl to excite me, But this day, twenty Canada Geese were gliding here and there, Swimming, interacting, and feeding, Necks disappearing under the surface. Suddenly, I realized there were three similar, but smaller individuals. A shot went through my heart, as I recognized that different species! Although moderately rare in my Davis area, These were indeed the smaller Cackling Geese, Intermingling, unopposed with their larger cousins. For a naturalist, such minor observations of our modern dinosaurs Give one a jolt of joy, just to behold such a wonderful encounter. I do wonder, if we could introduce all of our leaders To ornithology and nature-observation thereof, Might peace and caring then reign throughout the world? Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)     {Only 'recently' split off.} Frank Maurer 10 January 2024 1715 Hours.