The two goslings have spent the last fortnight hiding in the undergrowth around the edge of the goose pond. Too frightened of the big birds they paddled in the water and never ventured onto dry land. Yesterday Jeremy found one of them on the bank bravely facing some pecking from the adults. The other bird remained in the water. When I returned from London this afternoon I went down to the pond. The brave teenager was managing quite well but the other bird was hiding. I found her and used a stick to encourage out of the undergrowth.

She swam around a few times, calling to her sibling. Then, at last, she made her way up the duck board (or should that be the goose board?) and stood her ground.