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Geese

    Not What I Expected

     Not what I expected to be posting (I had another post started actually - but that's a longer story than I'm prepared to tell tonight) and not what I expected in any other respect either. After almost a year, I made it back to the place that once was my happy place. Those of you who have followed me (at least) somewhat regularly know that (for various reasons) I have been, slowly (EVER so slowly), remodeling the lake house.I started, initially, shortly after we first purchased it (re-doing the master bed/bath and kitchen) but then things were put on a long pause (again, for "various reasons.")"Desire" ultimately became "necessity" (once again, for various reasons) and I started the remodel process again in "phases."The main level flooring and trim were redone, stairs removed/rebuilt, etc. in the first phase...of the second era of The Perpetual Remodel. The second phase of The Perpetual Remodel (replacing flooring, trim, interior doors, etc. on the lower level) started January 2nd of this year. That phase was to have been finished by this weekend. Five months should be plenty of time, no??Apparently NO. It was to be the first time that my son, daughter-in-law and Miss Mia would be here together. Unfortunately, there was no shower door on their shower, no mattresses on their beds (somehow the mattresses don't fit on the beds), things that used to work no longer work, and nothing is where it was or, apparently, is no longer ANYWHERE. ? Oh...but construction dust??? THAT $%#t is EVERYWHERE.? ANYWAY!!! The kids have left (they needed a decent night of sleep) and I'm still here so I thought I would share a few photos of things that need no remodeling...or cleaning...or fixing. {This squirrel has one of the longest tails I've ever seen!} {Someone is on lake time....} I miss her already. {Remember and honor those who gave everything for everything we have.}

    Saturday’s Critters – Mother’s Day 2025 Edition

    We finally took our new dog, Sadie, the terrier mix, to a dog park. It had been rainy and cold and we wanted to get our vet to clear Sadie so off we went on one sunny afternoon. Above is my wife Heather with Sadie and Kodi, our pomeranian, in tow. Sadie loved it. She’s a social butterfly with both dogs and people. She was running here and there making friends with everyone. She was right at home. We kept asking her if she was looking for a new home. Kodi has always like the park but is much more reserved. This time, our poor little dog, got run over by another dog and that was it for him. We were told when we got him that he is a little dog with BIG FEELINGS, and that is true. Sadie is making friends with Lizzie the cat. Lizzie insists on boundaries though so even though they may be together eventually we hear a hiss and a paw whacking Sadie on the head when she forgets the boundaries. Kodi being cute one evening. He looks like a little bear cub. At Brookwood Pond in Tulsa, here is a Mother’s Day shot. Geese and goslings. Also at Brookwood Pond, I’m sneaking up on Great Blue Heron. All I had for a camera was my phone. And at Hunter Park in Tulsa, another phone shot of a Great Blue Heron. In our backyard an Eastern Bluebird visited our camera feeder. I attended an event at Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area and afterward went on a short hike. I was going along and I could hear all these birds up in the trees, but could I see them? No!! I then I got to thinking maybe they are not up in the trees, maybe they are down below so that is where I started looking and I started seeing all sorts of little birds close to the ground. I didn’t really have a good lens for taking photos so these are highly cropped and thus a little grainy. Above is a Carolina Wren. And this is a Tufted Titmouse I think. I guess that I am not as smart as I thought I was. I have walked miles in the woods over the years listening to the birds up in the trees and that is not where they were. Anyway, I finally learned something. And Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers.. None of us would be here if were not for our Mothers. This Heather with our son Logan and Kodi back when he was little. And here is my favorite photo of my mother. She loved fishing and she was good at it. She had mobility issues so she didn’t move around very much but she could catch the fish. This was her favorite spot on Birch Creek in southeast Idaho. I’m linking with Saturday’s Critters

    Another Bird Walk

    I love walking in pasture this time of year and trying to find as many different birds as I can. Saturday evening was a good evening to find birds. red-headed woodpecker rose-breasted grosbeak Northern Flicker There were quite a few northern flickers out there I think this one is big enough that it’s a hairy woodpecker the barn swallows are back The house sparrows always pose for me. the yellow rumped warbler was my most unusual find It was happy to pose for me. I really like my Merlin app to help identify birds by sound or photo. It makes it fun, and I’m learning a lot of the sounds. But my favorite birds are still Buffy and Ms. Goose. Ms. Goose Buffy Don’t tell my chickens.

    Sebastopol Geese Facts and Breeding History

    Add to Favorites by  Rachele Muglia-Paulus Learn these Sebastopol geese facts and how breeders prioritized the visual appeal of Sebastopol geese, leading to a genetic predisposition for lower fertility rates, which have continued to challenge the breed’s sustainability. The Sebastopol goose, a captivating breed known for its distinctive curly feathers, has a rich history that intertwines luxury, beauty, and the consequences of selective breeding. Originating from the Black Sea region and Central Europe in the 19th century, these geese weren’t just common farm animals; they were regarded as a status symbol among the affluent elite. They were often gifted or purchased by royals, ambassadors, and gentlemen; their exquisite meat was considered a delicacy; and their unique feathers were sought after for use in quilts, accessories, and high-end fashion. In the early days of their breeding, Sebastopol geese were primarily cultivated for their ornamental qualities. Their striking appearance, characterized by the tight curls of their feathers, captured the fascination of bird enthusiasts and breeders alike. However, this emphasis on aesthetics came at a cost. As breeders prioritized the visual appeal of Sebastopol geese, reproductive efficiency took a back seat. The impact of this decision has been profound, leading to a genetic predisposition for lower fertility rates, which have continued to challenge the breed’s sustainability. by Rachele Muglia-Paulus The journey of the Sebastopol goose extended beyond its native lands; it was introduced to England in 1860 and then to America in the 1920s. However, this expansion coincided with significant global upheavals, including wars, revolutions, and civil conflicts. These turbulent historical events had devastating effects on many domesticated animal breeds, and the Sebastopol goose was no exception. Food scarcity became rampant during these times, leading to a drastic decline in their population. The combination of selective breeding for ornamental traits and the challenges posed by external conflicts pushed Sebastopol geese nearly to extinction. Today, they are classified as a threatened species by the Livestock Conservancy, with only about 5,000 individuals remaining worldwide. The genetic foundation of the Sebastopol goose is particularly interesting. The breed’s unique curly feathers are the result of a specific genetic mutation that alters the structure of the feathers. Some genetic mutations can confer benefits, such as increased hardiness or enhanced physical traits; however, this isn’t the case with the curly feathers of the Sebastopol goose. It’s a dominant hereditary trait (it can be passed down from one generation to the next), which has led breeders to focus on maintaining the quality of these curls as a hallmark of the breed, often at the expense of reproductive success. by Rachele Muglia-Paulus When it comes to reproduction, Sebastopol geese exhibit notably a lower fertility rate compared to other breeds. On average, a female Sebastopol will lay only about 25 eggs per year. This limited egg production poses significant challenges for maintaining and growing their population. The rarity of their eggs means that fewer hatchlings are available to replenish the gene pool, further exacerbating the breed’s precarious status. Hatching Challenges The challenges don’t end with egg production. Sebastopol hens are often not the best incubators, which can complicate the breeding process. It’s not uncommon for these geese to choose unconventional locations for laying their eggs — sometimes in the middle of the yard or even in their pool! This unpredictable behavior can lead to eggs being left unincubated or exposed to elements that diminish their chances of hatching. In light of these challenges, I’ve taken the initiative to use incubators to enhance hatching rates. However, incubating Sebastopol eggs isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires a specific set of techniques and an understanding of the delicate balance needed for successful hatching. Precise humidity and temperature control are crucial; even minor deviations can significantly impact the success of the incubation process. Throughout various breeding seasons, I’ve experienced the emotional roller coaster associated with incubating these eggs. There’ve been instances where every egg was fertile, yet fewer than half hatched successfully. Some embryos quit developing midway through the incubation period, while others failed to survive the final stages, due to the fragile balance of environmental conditions. The sense of loss when a promising egg doesn’t hatch is palpable, as each egg represents not just a potential new life, but also a glimmer of hope for the continued existence of this beautiful breed. Despite these hurdles, the effort put into incubating and nurturing Sebastopol geese is profoundly rewarding. Each successful hatch, even if it’s just a few, contributes to the population of this gentle and unique breed. The joy of seeing a new life emerge, with its characteristic curly feathers, reinforces the importance of preserving such breeds through careful breeding practices and dedicated care. by Rachele Muglia-Paulus The history of the Sebastopol goose is a testament to the complexities of animal breeding, where aesthetics have often overshadowed productivity. The challenges faced by this breed serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between beauty and functionality in animal husbandry. Efforts to conserve and breed Sebastopol geese are crucial, not only for maintaining their unique genetic heritage but also for ensuring that future generations can appreciate these remarkable birds. Though the path is fraught with challenges, the commitment to nurturing these geese embodies the passion and dedication necessary to keep this threatened species alive. We are Fly Away Home Farm, nestled in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. We specialize in breeding Sebastopol geese.  The name of our farm was inspired by a major motion film, “Fly Away Home.” We fell in love with the threatened Sebastopol breed and wanted to help increase their population. Originally published in the June/July 2025 issue of Backyard Poultry and regularly vetted for accuracy. The post Sebastopol Geese Facts and Breeding History appeared first on Backyard Poultry.

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