Weekend Birding: Canada Geese & Gosling
The Canada Goose can be found throughout North America in both urban and suburban areas. They are familiar to most people and therefore need no introduction.
While walking around a small lake near my house I noticed a gosling and about 10 adult geese. They are not the friendliest birds and when nesting can be very territorial so I usually observe them from a distance.
These geese didn’t seem to mind me at all and I was able to get within a few feet of the little one. If they feel threatened or just don’t like the looks of you they will hiss and if you get too close they will bite.
After allowing me to take a few pictures one of the adults gave a honk and they went into the water. I walked around the entire lake and this was the only youngster I saw. It’s unusual for geese to have only one chick as they generally lay 4 to 6 eggs.
The young often remain with their parents for their entire first year before going off on their own.
Last spring I found a pair of geese nesting in a flower box along the Chicago River and posted pictures on my garden blog. I took the photos with my phone but they are good enough to show what an adaptable species these birds are.
For more bird photos check out my previous Weekend Birding posts.
I link up my bird photos on Saturday Snapshot hosted by Alyce at At Home With Books. Visit her blog to see more great photos or add your own.
Under My Apple Tree 
I’m amazed they let you get so close when the gosling was nearby. Great pics.
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We had goslings here a while ago, but they’ve flown away with their parents. We saw tons of goslings in Regent’s Park in London last month and they were pretty tame – I think people must feed them a lot.
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I love that last picture where they appear to be guarding the little one. I don’t think I would have had the guts to get so close…geese scare me when they get mad!
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I love how they stay a family for a long while. Nice shots
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That is unusual to see only one baby. I always love seeing how attentive the parents are with their little families. So sweet!
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I think they are pretty birds, just wouldn’t want to get hissed at or bitten! LOL
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I think geese look so majestic. And when they are in groups, they look even more so. You live in a beautiful setting, Leslie. Thanks for sharing.
Here’s MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT
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More beautiful photography. Thanks.
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Love this. We saw Canada geese this morning sticking their heads under a waterfall. I suppose something tasty was falling with the water.
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It’s neat that you were able to get so close to take photos. I’ve seen geese chase people at the park before, so I’m usually too intimidated to get close.
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I love that last photo of them in the water!
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We were watching a mother goose round up her goslings down at the resavoir today on our walk…..wish some of the canadian geese would learn to love other countries too 🙂
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Hi!
Great snapshots! They are beautiful birds. We have some at our park. They are not friendly at all. Have a great day!
Sherrie
Just Books
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Terrific photos. The gosling looks like he might be a teenager. I’m surprised he still wants to stick so close to mom & dad. Lol.
Here’s my Snapshot: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2011/07/saturday-snapshot-july-9.html
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Thanks for all the nice comments. I’m not sure why these geese let me approach them. They are accustomed to people being around but that hasn’t stopped a goose from hissing at me before.
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Canada Geese are such beautiful birds. Lovely shots. Thanks so much.
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