Our photo gallery is growing... Click on the links in the right column if you see something of specific interest. Otherwise, just scroll down for a snapshot review of Nature at The 3 Bears. To see a larger picture, click on a thumbnail.
Goose Island
Below is Herman. Melanie calls him "Mr. Lonely". He stands guard on our front lawn every year at this time. This picture was taken in March, 2003, a few days after we moved in. While mating, geese are extremely territorial, and they partner for life. Once the gosslings start growing, family values set in, and everyone just seems to get along much better....
The Grand River Fishery
A 4-day visit by John Stoyanoff (Duncansville) and Chris Sarbo (Altoona), PA, netted these prize fish and fotos in mid-June, 2007. Landed on the Can Roberts section of the Grand River, fronting our property.
Critters
When a goose is on her nest in Spring, the gander is never far away, and he can become extremely aggressive if you come too close. Her look tells you there’s not much that will budge her off her eggs. (Don’t you wish you could turn your neck that way?) I’m typically able to count 10 to 12 mating pairs in the spring, in addition to many more juveniles. Mating adults render anywhere from two to eight gosslings per pair.
Goose Island
The mood of the river is always changing. In summer, she’s soft and quiet, but the rest of the year, the waters are a continual source of wonder.
Grounds and Gardens
Our property, photographed from the island in June. If this were November, I’d be hip-deep in water.
Killing Snow
A killing snow... Unless you are a total winter ”nut”, this is definitely not the most wonderful time of the year.
Channel Walking
One of the things that's a lot of fun to do while you're here is to explore the island, even if you're a non-angler. In Spring, after the water recedes, it's quite easy. But by July, the grasses have grown so high that it can be difficult to make your way through.
One of the things I've recently discovered is what I call "Channel Walking." All you need is a pair of shorts and waterproof, hard-soled shoes. Crocs are ideal. The water ranges in depth from about ankle to knee and the temperature is comfortable. The river bottom is stony, so you may want to find a wooden branch for balance.
You can walk in the channel to the upstream end of the island and observe the many different birds, insects and wide variety of flowers. There are crayfish and water spiders, and all sorts of other large and small natural wonders.
It's a must-do exploration for photographers and nature lovers, and reveals a world far from civilization, right at our doorstep.
