You may have noticed this sign while coming down to the Fox Island area. At first glance, it would appear that a duck crossing would be up ahead, or at least that’s the way I interpret the shape. But this area is actually a very popular nesting ground for geese. Lots of little newly-hatched goslings are getting their sea legs this time of year as mom and dad take them from the safety of the nests to the open water, and sometimes that involves a brief waddle across Fox Island Road.

Here a couple of goose families are enjoying the water along the road, which is especially high after all the recent rains. They didn’t care much for paparazzi, however, and scooted away from me as soon as I got set up along the shore line.

If you were in or around the Southport Marina this spring and happened to glance at this little island along the northern edge of the development, you were looking at a nest. Here the momma goose is hunkered down to protect her nest, despite picking one of the most visible spots in the area to build it. There are many such nests in this area, and a few locals even put up “nesting aids” in the back yards or along the water.

This area could use a “Turtle Crossing” sign as well; I remember one night when nearly a dozen of us on motorcycles came barreling down the road to stop and hang out near the Fox Island dock. Only once we’d removed our helmets did one guy from the back ask, with great incredulity, if anyone had even seen the turtle walking across our lane! Apparently everybody missed the little guy, which is fortunate; that would have caused a nasty chain-reaction accident. I’ve since pulled over on occasion to pick up a turtle from the road and deposit him on the other side of the road. For a turtle, that must be awesome acceleration!