Neve Has Grown Up – Out & About
Honk, honk …
Back in May we adopted an orphaned gosling called “Neve” from a local lake. We documented the whole journey in a vlog a few weeks ago.
We ended up finding her a lovely new home at a goat farm where she could grow up with another gosling, Frankie the Greylag goose. And boy, did they grow up!
We went to visit them every couple of weeks and could hardly believe the rate at which these two fluffballs turned into huge, majestic fully-grown geese.
Now they are fully capable of flying and have set off to find a fitting place to stay for the winter.
We treasured being able to stop by for a quick hello and a cuddle from time to time, and who knows, perhaps they will be back next spring with some families of their own!
Aren’t they beautiful now?
Mona & Lisa
Did Neve ever return? I’ve seen geese in chevron flight over Liverpool Bay near.Crosby.. I wonder if Neve was one of them 🙂
As Joni Mitchell sang ….. “See the geese in chevron flight flapping and racing on before the snow. They’ve got the urge for going and they’ve got the wings so they can go.”.
My favorite version of her song ‘Urge for Going’ doesn’t include the above lines but Joni’s performance is mesmerising. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLu2-gG68S0
Awesome! We had Canada geese in our backyard pond when we lived in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and we have a few here, in Georgia, at a nearby pond. They were and are very much afraid of people. We couldn’t get near them, even with food. I didn’t know about water melon. Maybe it would have helped. I’m amazed at how Frankie let your Papa pick him up. I have really enjoyed following Neve and I hope this won’t be the last post.
Thank you for sharing.
Excellent documentary.
Thanks for sharing
Just checked the email again, and the email of another member is still there.
HELP!
I know that this is not the place to post any technical issues, but I cannot get into the “Support and Suggestions” forum.
I re-entered my birthday (October 21) and re-entered my email address.
Just want to ensure that everything is okay with the site. Please let me know if there is anything else that I need to know on my end.
Many thanks!
Same issues here
JP
Thanks for responding, J.P. Things are running very slow on the website today.
I am certain that it will be rectified in the near future.
I also had problems uploading the site and it looked like I was logged into another member’s account.
Fly far, Honk-bird!
This is such a heart warming story. I hope there’s more to the story of Neve in the spring.
????
This has turned out to be a very magical adventure. We still can’t get over full grown Neve letting you hold her. That’s trust!
We hope Neve and Frankie have a magical winter and look forward to their triumphant return.
Marlo & JP ☕️☕️
It’s so heartwarming to see how Neve reacted to seeing you again! It’s easy to see who is the more mature and rational member of this avian pair. No surprise, since upbringing is so important to a youngster’s social development! I roll my eyes when some random parent reacts to their bratty kid’s act with a gasp and “he/she wasn’t raised that way!”. I think I’ll start referring to bratty kids as “Frankies” from now on. Nice how it works for either sex! Adorable how Frankie calmed down in Rudolf’s arms. Maybe he sensed him as an authority figure? Or…. maybe as a kindred “bad boy”? Hmmm…. anyway, it’s always a treat to see both your folks sharing your experiences in these videos. I marvel at what a close-knit, loving family you four are, and your obvious love of seemingly all things living warms my heart, too! Thanks tons for another awesome vlog! And thanks for fixing WOTT HELP!, too! I’ll watch it later today.
Neve seems to have a crush on Mona! It’s so great how Neve remembers you 2! Such a great video and story! I hope they come back! Thanks for the video team MLT!
That was pretty cool watching Neve grow up with you but still found the true freedom to explore the world with other geese. If only we could all fly like birds!
If the MLT merch store offered human-sized leg rings, I would buy one and wear it at all times.
Maybe MLT and Neve can start a fashion trend. I would buy both colours and wear them on each leg! ????
wildlife rescue is a great cause. never been overly fond of geese myself due to the fact that they (domestic geese anyway) chase children, dogs, cats, etc.
that said, it looks like you enjoyed the experience, and learned something, so that’s great.
The Neve and Frankie video is so awesome, can’t stop smiling and laughing every time I watch it. In the first visit, they looked quite alike, only the colour of their beak and feet could tell them apart. I so enjoyed it, thanks Mona and Lisa!!!
Here are some Geese fun facts:
1..Are Geese loyal: Geese are very loyal. They mate for life and are protective of their partners and offspring. Geese express a mourning behavior when they lose their mating partner or their eggs.
2..Do Geese remember humans: The goose is one of the most intelligent birds. It has a good memory and does not forget people, animals or situations easily which is what makes it such a good watch animal against intruders whether human or animal.
3..How long do Geese live: Most domestic geese live for around 12 to 20 years.
4..How long do Geese fly without stopping: Migrating Canada geese, in their iconic v-formations, can fly an astonishing 1,500 miles in just 24 hours. They can also waddle indefinitely around your local office park.
5..Do Geese sleep while flying: Geese are happy to sleep almost anywhere and have a special ability to sleep while keeping half of their brain in a semi-awake state, allowing them to sleep while flying, floating on water, or even while keeping one eye open to keep an eye out for predators.
6..How do you tell if a Goose likes you: Your geese may even gently nibble at you with their bills in a sort of “goose kiss”. These little nibbles are not aggressive and are a form of social grooming behavior. If your goose kisses you, that means they love you!
7..Can Canada and Greylag Geese mate: As clearly demonstrated they do frequently mix as social groups so inevitably there will be offspring. Some will hatch like the photo above and some will appear 100% greylag or canada, which is probably the case with this one from either a previous brood or it’s a loner.
8..Do Geese return to the same place when they migrate: Geese mate for life and will return to the same location to nest year after year.
I’m pretty sure Neve and Frankie will be back in the spring to the same farm, and be waiting for Mona and Lisa to visit them. Who knows, there could be a family flock waiting.
Thanks for all that research, Jung! It alleviates some concerns I had about the compatibility of different varieties of geese, and the likelihood of their return.
Jung, those NFB of Canada shorts gave you a lot of information, lol. Seriously, I am certain that you did much research for this…thank you.
Love those NFB shorts. “The Sweater” and “Log Driver’s Waltz” were my favorites growing up. When I was working on my Ph.D. I actually used “The Sweater” as a the foundation for a classroom presentation. The professor, the nation’s authority on Critical Social Theory and John Dewey, was impressed with the direction and the outcome of the presentation. Thank you to Roch Carrier, for creating “The Sweater” and to Professor Simmons!
Hi Christopher, I’m afraid I’m not very good with acronyms, NFB? I never knew how amazing geese were. From these Neve videos I learned just how intelligent, responsive and amazing animals geese are. In that first video when Mona motions to Neve to his little bed, Neve immediately understands and jumps right up and settles in.
Back in the 60s my dad came here to do his Ph.D at the University of Washington State, and that’s how I ended up here in North America. I remember how much dedication and work he had to put into it, a great achievement! ????????
NFB is National Film Board as in The National Film Board of Canada. You will recognize a lot of the shorts, as they were always on the CBC between programs. They have a website that contains most of their past and present films, especially the shorts. Some of the current ones are quite funny and a bit bizarre. Just don’t watch “Bus Story”…horrible and in bad taste.
Your Dad’s emigration to the U.S. to do his Ph.D. is very inspiring. It was great that he decided to say upon completion of his program!
I remember seeing these years ago like in the 70s and 80s. They look fun, will have to check them out! Back in the 70s CBC did “Hinterland Who’s Who” about Canadian wildlife like the Canada Goose, Beaver, Moose etc.. that I have a lot of memories of and learned a lot. That was probably the NFB early days. Usually came on in between Gilligan’s Island and Get Smart after school 3PM to 5PM programming, so I had no choice. LOL.
What a cute video! I was surprised to see that Neve not only remembered you but also settled right down. Frankie apparently needed Papa Rudi’s touch to finally relax.
I really enjoyed this one, thanks for sharing it with us!
WOW another wonderful update on Papa Rudi and Michaela’s granddaughter NEVE…LOL…I’m thinking that Mona and Lisa are going to surprise us with the new album cover being a picture of them holding NEVE and wouldn’t it be great if the picture was with the whole family..,the girls with Papa Rudi and Michaela with NEVE and Frankie….I know the album cover is already done and off to the presses but it could be a reality…a good part of this year has involved NEVE….thanks to you all for the updates this year on your gosling adventure❤️????????????
When Lisa sang “I Will”, it was such a flashback to see Neve sit and relax. It must be Neve’s favorite song!
Wow, that was so adorable to see Neve and Frankie. On that first visit back, Neve was so happy to see you both from the pen as you walked up, and cute as ever. She looked so happy and content in the tent with her neck stretched out, and Frankie was hilarious picking at everything, your hair, earrings, and trying to get into your bag. It was funny by the 3rd visit, Frankie was more docile like a bit of Neve’s gentleness rubbed off on him letting Papa Rudi hold him, and Neve had a little bit of Frankie’s cheekiness. It looks like they both adopted a bit of each other’s personality in them, just like a real relationship!
This was so heartwarming to watch, as I felt so much joy seeing Neve, so adorable and affectionate, to uncontrollable laughter with Frankie’s funny and cute antics! Neve has grown quite large, beautiful and majestic, just as big as Frankie, or maybe even slightly more.
It’s so wonderful to see how all you did for Neve, all the love and care you gave her payed off, and she and Frankie could take flight, and live a magnificent goose life. It is your “Songbird”, playing out in real life with Neve. I can just imagine Neve and cheeky Frankie soaring through the sky with other geese living free, wild, and happy. It will be awesome to see Neve and Frankie back in the Spring. Things like this is what makes life magical and so full of wonder! Thank you Neve for bringing so much love to you both and the MLT community! ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? Thank you Mona and Lisa for sharing this most beautiful and wonderful experience, absolutely loved it.
Thank you so much for sharing the complete story of Neve. It was very touching and I enjoyed it immensely. In her small way, she helped connect you more closely to the wonderful web of life all around us and helped us to appreciate its beauty more. Big hugs!
Hi Ladies,
What a great way
To end the week! Neve has certainly grown up since she was a little Gosling.
Neve and Frankie get along famously.
I imagine them off someplace enjoying each other and talking about you all. ❤️
I love seeing all of you interact with them. Neve obviously remembers you.
Thanks for taking us along on such a Magnificent adventure.
BTW, Lisa, I love your Tye Dye shirt! ????
Have a great week all of you.
Best always and look forward to hearing about the new album.
Rick
They’re off to new adventures! I love how they were so excited to spend time with you, and wherever they go, I’m sure they will tell all their friends to “Stay Goosy!”
Stay Goosy!
Stay Goosy ????
Honk-‘n’-roll! (It took me two days to come up with that one.)
Neve and Frankie grew so fast! They are beautiful geese now and doing what instinct and nature tells them. They will be back though, don’t worry.
They remember you and the love you gave them. Their reactions to your visits show that. Animals are more intelligent than most people think. I’ve learned that from the many friends I’ve had as pets. Dave S
Isn’t it remarkable how fast small kids and geese grow up? It was really exciting to see Neve grow from a tender little gosling to a beautiful goose. I too, would love to know if Neve and/or Frankie return to the farm. Please keep us informed. Wonderful story.
BTW: Did you tell them to “Stay Groovy” on their trip? 🙂
That was awesome! Neve is so sweet and Frankie is a riot! Testing everything, even nibbling at Papa Rudi’s camera. So funny.
I know how attached you all must be to Neve and Frankie. I do hope they return to the farm’s pond with a family. That would be so cool.
What a Story!! It would make a great children’s book and you two could draw your own illustrations. ????
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I loved knowing how everything was going. Please, let us know if you see them again!!!
So Groovy ????❤ Great job! ????????
That was adorable! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Neve and Frankie certainly have grown up and are beginning their first adventure with a geese flock. There is not doubt that Neve remembered all of you and was happy to see you during your visits. It was great seeing Neve doing the “long-neck”!
There is no need to worry, the cheeky Frankie will be there to protect the gentle Neve on their Winter adventure. No worries, they will be back and further adventures can be documented in the Spring!
Mona and Lisa, thank you for sharing this all-important part of your lives with us. By caring for her from birth, you have given Neve a good life and she provided both a needed diversion and some inspiration during the album-making process!
Wow, Lordy…. did Neve ever grow so fast… as did Frankie too, that whole Vlog was adorable, Love their feistiness, curiosity, natural comedic sense, timing …. etc …
You were meant to come upon Neve when you had, she has never forgotten you all, and quite Thankful for the Goat farm that offereded her a place to thrive, let you all come by to visit. The overnight experience outdoors, was cute .
Most interested in modern technology…lol… with Papa Rudi , maybe even indulging just a tad in the spotlight…lol
Loves Michaela .
Kind of bittersweet now , that on one hand it’s been quite the adventure to have rescued her, help start her growing up journey, and now to know she and Frankie be soon off to venture on their own , perhaps and hopefully they can/will return from time to time with family of their own.
I’ve had some nearby sightings of Canada Geese in my own neighborhood recently this Summer, but had to be on full ” Goose Poop” Alert as they decorated the pathway by skateboard Park, and nearby parking lot, sidewalks, with “Goose Poop” trademarks, Perhaps it was also a competition or simply a ” GoosePoopParty “….lol
I wonder …if Neve will fly to Canada at some point, !? ….Maybe all these Geese I had seen are distant relatives of Neve….
As for Frankie, I’m not sure of his flight destination/about his breed… have to Google Up his breed to learn more as I’m not familiar like I am with the Canadian Geese????????????????????
Again, Thankyou for the recent update and antics of Neve & Frankie , it was immensely enjoyable, Kudos to All, and in return they give you Honks of Love, Nibble Bites of Affection, etc.
Mona and Lisa! Wow has Neve grown up! Such a lovely video, thank you so much for sharing. Amazing from the first time you introduced us to Neve to now. Hope we can see her again soon and I am sure you will keep us posted. As always a great way to start our Friday and kick into the weekend. Take care and we all love you both
Bill and Maddie Isenberg Huge Fans from Pittsburgh PA USA
Another lovely goose video, it’s amazing how quickly they grow up. I noticed they had more teeth by the end so was worried about Lisa’s ears in case the geese thought they were extra slices of watermelon! Hope they come back and visit you again, it’s a pity you could not get some sort of tracker attached to see where they went. Can’t imagine what the new album title will be so great to find out next week!
I’ll take you where real animals are playing and people are real people not just playing. Its a quiet ,quiet life by a dirty old shack , that we called our home, on animal farm, my animal home…thank you for sharing ,