I am always sad to see the geese leave in the Fall. And I’m happy to see them return in the Spring. They do herald a change of seasons. But more importantly, their departure makes me feel bereft, and their return fills me with great joy.

I was in the Koslosky building parking lot, unloading books from the back of the Subaru. I heard them, then looked up and saw them. They were in a very rag tag formation. I suspected that they

have travelled a long ways and are tired. And I couldn’t help but wonder if because of human development and climate change, if their numbers are down. I mean, think about it – geese that routinely land in a field one year return and find there is no place to land because now, instead of sanctuary, there are houses and cars and driveways and streets.

Why don’t humans take into consideration the needs of other species? I remain mystified.

In the fall, I wave and say goodbye and good luck when the geese head south, and in the spring, I open up my arms and say welcome home. Today I jumped up and down. Are the geese aware of my presence? I like to think so.

Supposedly, the lead bird is a female, although I suspect that the geese swap out heading up the flock.

I don’t know if they draft, making it easier for the birds behind the leaders.

I can’t imagine shooting any bird, much less a migratory bird. I am a large bird person. Chickadees and the like don’t do much for me, although I of course smile when I hear or see them.

I wish that we lived on a large pond with a field – then I could watch the geese take a much-needed break before they head north.

Well, the birds being back is an indication that spring is here and I’m really glad about this.

It’s breakup – old manure is surfacing in the horse pen, and it now takes a long time to clean up.

The horses are shedding – I brush them off at the hitching post. I am leaving the hair on the ground so that the birds building their nests can have at it.

We still have quite a bit of snowpack - -I suspect that there will still be snow on the ground when the leaves come out on the trees.

I rode all three horses today – I rode Hrimmi and Tyra in the morning and Raudi late this evening, after returning from town. In the evening, after my ride, I cleaned the enclosure. It was light at 10 p.m.

I am looking forward to getting out on the trails again. The horses are bored with road riding. But it is good for one thing, and this is that they know they are going home and ready to move out. I take advantage of this, and at this time I ask for transitions and more speed.

I will sleep well tonight, knowing the geese are back.

Next: 110. 4/21/23: Lovely Day