Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) ©©Maxfear

The Red-breasted Goose – Wise Nester ~ by a j mithra

The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) is a goose of the genus Branta. It is sometimes separated in Rufibrenta but appears close enough to the Brent Goose (Branta bernicla) to make this unnecessary, despite its distinct appearance.

Breeding on the Taimyr, Gydan and Yamal peninsulas of Russia, with beautifully defined blocks of colour, the red-breasted goose is one of the most attractive goose species in the world, but also one of the rarest. The fore-neck, breast and sides of the head are chestnut red bordered with white. The wings, back and fore-belly are charcoal black, with a bright white stripe running down the side to the white rear belly. The short neck and dark belly stand out in flight, and when seen from above two crescent-shaped stripes are visible on each wing. Juveniles are less well defined, and duller in colour.

Adults make repeated ‘kik-yoik, kik-yik’ sounds in flight. You may not like the way you look, but you are the most attractive for God, for He has created you in His own image and above all, He has blown His spirit into your nostrils..

And that is the reason you are rare, and He has never tried to create another one like you..

So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)

Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) ©WikiC

Majority of the population of red-breasted geese migrate through Bulgaria, Romania and to the Black Sea for winter. Small numbers winter in Ukraine, or in Greece if it is particularly cold. Until the 1950s, most red-breasted geese wintered in Azerbaijan, but the habitat is no longer suitable…

Red-breasted geese nest in tundra, and less often, in open parts of shrub tundra, where high and dry areas are favored, such as steep river banks, rocky slopes, rocky crags and gullies. These birds prefer rocky banks, rocky slopes, rocky crags and rocky gullies..

Where is our dwelling place?

• Christian life doesn’t end with just propagating that Jesus is the rock of our salvation.
• But it has got more to it..
• We need to dwell on the Rock, by the Rock, with the Rock and for the Rock..
• The Rock not only protects us but He also provides us.
• He not only provides us, He also promotes us..

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee. (Psalm 81:16)

He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5)

Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) ©WikiC

Throughout the day it flies to coastal and freshwater lakes to drink. Occasionally it also roosts at these lakes, using the middle of the water or remote shallow areas and muddy and sandy beaches with low aquatic vegetation. It will also roost on frozen lakes or on the sea..

When not breeding, red breasted geese are found in steppe habitats, where they feed on agricultural land and drink from coastal lakes. Throughout the day these birds fly to coastal and freshwater lakes to drink water..

• They seem to know the importance of water to maintain their health..
• Water not only heals but also prevents most disease, which is a scientifically proven fact..
• We have the Living Water which cleanses, heals and strengthens..
• Still most of us are weak and weary, why?

Is it cos we don’t have the habit of seeking THE WATER all through the day like these birds?

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)

During winter, red-breasted geese also roost on lakes, or in remote wetlands. In winter, the red-breasted goose feeds on winter wheat, barley, maize, pasture grasses and natural grassland. When it moves to the breeding grounds in early June, the diet changes, and consists primarily of grass leaves and shoots. In the second half of June, females lay between three and ten eggs, which are incubated for around 25 days.

• How well these birds choose to change their diet just before migration…
• How well they submit themselves to the will of God..
• Where birds haven’t changed man has…
• These birds know what to, what not to eat and when to eat before setting out on migration..

We are going to migrate once and for all, but sadly, most of us are yet to eat the food for migration. Is it because, we still have no idea when we need to migrate or is it because we think that what we have eaten thus far can take us home?

• I am reminded of the ten bridesmaids who were waiting for the arrival of the Bridegroom..
• We know not the arrival of our Bridegroom, are we getting ready or just sleeping over it?

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Mathew 25:13)

Nests are built in close proximity to other red-breasted goose nests, and also to the nests of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and snowy owls (Nyctea scandiaca), as these birds provide protection from predators, improving breeding success of the geese. The chicks fledge at between five to six weeks of age.

A female incubating on a rocky island, taking off during the clutch control, then the nest with four eggs. (Internet Bird Collection)

In mid-September, the red-breasted geese begin their migration back to the western Black Sea coast, arriving in October or November.

• Goose is normally thought to be dumb head..
• Well, that is how we correlate Goose to stupidity..

But look at the wisdom of these birds, building their nests near the nests of Peregrine Falcons and Snowy owls!! They know that the rate of the breeding success depends upon the place where they nest…

• Are we successful in life?
• Do we eat the fruit of the works of our hands or is it being stolen or devoured?
• Is our household protected from the enemy or are we being tormented by the enemy?

If the answer is negative, we need to look around to see if we have nested at the right place…

• There is no use just saying that Jesus is our refuge and shelter..
• He is there for us to protect us but do we nest beside Him?

And I set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. (Leviticus 26:11,12)

God is willing to shift His dwelling place among us, but, the question is, are we willing to co-dwell with Him?

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

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ajmithra (Now with the Lord)

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Anatidae Family

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