Just about three weeks ago, a domestic male goose and his significant other tootled down our channel. We don't know where they came from, but they seem to like it here. For the first few days, they'd hang out grazing in the neighbors' yard directly across the water from us. We'd hear them squawking, even when they weren't in sight. They must have names, so - they're fondly called Roy and Dale.

It wasn't long before a single white egg landed at the edge of the bank. It didn't last long - something got it pretty quick. Now, every few days, another shiny white egg appears in the same spot, soon abandoned to quickly become pillaged by turtles and vultures.

Nonetheless, Roy and Dale make the rounds, and one day waddled up under our deck. A handful of popcorn kernels kept them chowing down for some time. They squawked for more; Roy looked up as if to thank us. They left us presents, so to speak.

Now, every morning they can be in any yard and when they see us come out on the deck they come running. First swimming, then a very fast waddle up the bank. Roy and Dale are indeed well-fed. Last night, for the first time, they came looking for a Happy Hour Handout. How can you resist a big white goose and his wife?