Goose trying to hatch eggs, very hot weather, past due date

[EllenBourne]

We have a pond in our backyard here in Franklin, TN. There is an island in the pond where a (Canada?) goose has been trying to hatch her three eggs for a very long time (five weeks, I believe). The weather for several weeks has been blistering for this time of year (88 degrees F in mid April), and there is no shade for the goose (or very little). The goose can be seen panting but faithfully sitting on her eggs. I'm beginning to think that either the eggs are not fertilized or it has been too hot and the chicks are dead. Will the bedraggled goose continue to sit on the eggs until..? I cannot get to the island. Will nature just take it's course? This is my first season with the geese.

 

[Pyxis]

Have you seen her mate around? They pair up so if you don't see a gander, they might not be fertilized. Or it could have been the weather. It's sad, but she will eventually give up if none hatch. She might still get some to hatch, maybe.