Make Way for Goslings

On the lakeside campus where I work in North Seattle, everyone's job has to do with science and technology, one way or another--either the doing of it or the supporting of it. Most staff members have advanced degrees and important research responsibilities. Still, hearts soften here as everywhere, as became evident during the past 2 - 3 weeks. Here are the relevant observations, presented chronologically:

1. A female Canada goose selected an area next to our building as her nest site. She built herself a nest in the grass, laid six big eggs, and began to sit.

2. By the following morning, bright orange traffic cones had been placed around the nest at a comfortable distance of about 3 feet. Next to the cones, a hand-lettered sign read: "Nesting goose - Please do not mow."

3. A day or two later, a plastic wading pool appeared near the nest, situated close enough that the goose would need make just a short stroll to take a dip.

4. A few days later, a piece of plywood was laid against the side of the wading pool, to make it that little bit easier for the goose to waddle up to the rim of the pool.

5. Once a stretch of warm, sunny days began, a big plastic beach umbrella appeared to shield the nest from the direct sun.

6. Finally, one evening about a week ago, the eggs hatched! By morning, the goose had herded her offspring down the the lakeshore, and the nest is now empty. Fortunately, a colleague was present with a camera, so digital photos of the event quickly circulated along with excited email messages throughout the campus.