Goosey Goosey Gander Off

[tamborine]

Its been resting on my lawn for 3days. Is there a nest nearby ? I've kept my dogs at bay so far but why is it here; the nearest water is 25y away. What type is it?

[Milvus]

It's an adult Egyptian Goose

[tamborine]

are they rare, its wild. There are 2 but I dont know where t'other hides

[Milvus]

They aren't very rare, there are a few hundred now breeding here, and a couple of thousand overwintering. I'm not sure why it has taken to your lawn but geese feed on grass and seeds so being away from water is normal

[tamborine]

I think its the scattered horse feed that's brought them in. I wanna get on with weeding but spose it'll have to wait excuses excuses ;)

[Milvus]

Never put off until later today when you can easily put it off until tomorrow!
A slightly interesting fact about your bird is the problem it has with its name.
It isn't Egyptian and it isn't a goose. It comes from the bottom half of Africa and it's related to ducks like our Shelduck

[tamborine]

In flight the wing span looks a metre. Nowt about nests or gestation here ?

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/e/egyptiangoose/index.aspx

[Milvus]

A bit more about nesting here Tamborine
http://uk.whatbird.com/obj/1136/behavior/Egyptian_Goose.aspx