Early Saturday morning, the geese set up the alarm call.  This gaggle of American buff geese are extremely gentle and quiet.  Even with visitors in and out of the farmyard, they keep their peace.  I knew this call was serious business.  Arrayed in battle gear (that means bright yellow pajamas and high rubber boots), I bounded out of the house and managed to alarm the predator.   2:30 AM and all's well once again.

This group has resisted entering their shelter but now they need protection.  In the barn, enclosed in rigid fencing and surrounded by fine mesh chicken wire, they reluctantly came in...acting as if they were deeply wronged and being imprisoned.  And each night since, they enter protected ground under duress. 

It never ceases to amaze me that each breed of animal has preferences.  Chickens gladly enter their shelters with nightfall, pigs love to curl up in their bedding sometimes torn in the early morning (as I am) between getting up for food and staying in their warm nest and sheep seem to love being out of doors in all but the worst of weather. 

I'm heading out now to release the gang and they will leave the barn, stretch out their wings and greet the day with deep appreciation.