Gwyndolyn’s nest: Part 2

Gwyndolyn’s eggs hatched on May 4th. I didn’t see them hatch, but I’ve read that goslings are born precocial, with open eyes and little bodies fully covered with down. Within 24 hours of hatching, goslings leave their nest and are able to walk, swim, dive and feed. The following photos were taken between 6:55 and 7:01 am.

All the little heads get a glimpse of the world!

All tucked under mamma again! I wandered away and returned 20 minutes later. Maybe some of the other goslings are on the other side of Gwyndolyn?

The goslings took more than 24 hours to leave their nest since their second day of existence was cold and rainy. When I checked in on them around 8:30 am on May 5th, Gwyndolyn was sitting on her nest with all her little ones tucked under her wings except for one curious little head. I saw George on the island for the first time since I noticed the nest on April 11th.

Isn’t George handsome? Gwyndolyn was looking sleepy until something caught her and George’s and curious little Gina’s attention. I don’t know what they saw (I was very focused on photographing them), so the next few photos are a mystery to me, but they amuse me.

I like the way the raindrops look on their feathers. I’m always amazed that Canada geese can stay out in the open in any weather.

On May 6th, the goslings left the nest to explore other parts of the pond world. Gosling adventures await in Part 3! For photos of Gwyndolyn sitting on her eggs, check out Part 1.