Here in the Pacific Northwest Canada Geese especially do cause major problems with their excrement for airports, golf courses, homeowners and for lakes and ponds that are decorative such as those that are residential. My aunt and uncle have a cabin on a lake that has major problems with geese. Fouling the docks, lawns and the water. There are over 100 homes around this lake. There are many such lakes here. The city parks that have resident waterfowl always have green ponds. There are people with Border Collies trained to chase the geese who are employed by various agencies and businesses but this practice is fairly new and expensive. I'm not saying that the swans are 100% of the problem but they certainly are adding to it. They may also have been eating any underwater aquatic plants that were previously using up nutrients. The run off from the horse pasture isn't helping either. Why don't you add some plants to the pond? Any plants will help. Natives would be easier to care for. It certainly is gorgeous.

Thank you all! I've been working on the photography quite a lot lately and have been pleased with some of the shots. Of larger birds, ha ha! Still having trouble with the little guys. And of course, still have LOTS of room for improvement, but am happy to be progressing! And Kendra, that's my favorite as well.

Those are pretty waterfowl! I have trouble to with showing the colors of birds with dark coloring...

This blog reminded me of an encounter with a unique bird I had here last June. It was early AM and I was walking back from my garden in back yard to my mobile home. Was walking alongside the 4 ' tall metal fence of my neighbor to the left. Almost immediately noticed a large form walking along in step to my left, just on the other side of the fence. I stopped and looked over, saw the largest bird I had ever seen, ( before or since ), must have been close to 4 ft tall and had a huge, grayish beak drooping down. He also stopped and turned his head to the right, looking right at me. Now I have lived in South Florida since 1992, and have seen tons of birds of all sizes, but none came close to the size of this guy. Also had never seen this species, - was stumped. Have found out these birds are on the endangered species list, however have met more than a few folks lately who say they've seen them many times, usually in herds !!! This big guy wasn't afraid of me one bit ! So I continued my walk to my homes back door, again walking close to and parallel with the fence. The " big bird " also starts walking, in step with me it seemed ! I looked over my shoulder at the flock of small Ibises that were fluttering around towards the rear, but no, no way this guy was one of them,..no way ! Finally I am at my homes rear door to my right. I stop again and look left. He stops also and this time, perhaps realizing my walk was at an end, he actually turns his whole body to the right and stares directly at me. This is unreal I am thinking, " this bird acts like he wants to be buddies ! " Now becoming a bit nervous, I turn slightly to walk up the 3 steps to my door keeping one eye on my new pal and one on the door. The huge Wood Stork ( later found what type bird he was by googling ) actually spreads his huge wings out, gives 'em one strong flap, - WHOOSH - AND HE IS OVER THE FENCE AND TROTTING, NOT WALKING, TOWARDS ME, FULLY INTENDING TO COME INSIDE WITH ME,..maybe hang out for awhile, snack on some sardines or anchovies ? I finally freaked out, dashed for the door, opened and slammed it shut fast ! I looked back out, he was standing on the 1st step looking sad, eventually strolled off somewhere. That was it, never saw him or any other Wood Stork ever since. Just love living in South Florida,..the wild birds being one of my favorite treats. Watching the cormorants, ospreys & eagles diving for their food,..strolling with a Wood Stork. Will try to add a pic above.