Yeah, a capital G for Geese babies, as the new crop arrived.
There were only a few survivors last year, as the predators took many, and I am sure that the same will be repeated this year.
But while we have all of them, let's enjoy the cute little goslings. The dad and the mom are almost used to us, and I say almost as with the goslings around they are forever nervous. Many people stroll past this pond, and at times children chase the babies, but thankfully the people keep their dogs on leashes. So, there are no dangers for babies from the human side, but we can't say the same for nature's predators.
Now let us talk a bit about some of the predators. We have the eagles and the hawks, and even the smaller falcons and snakes. At nighttime, we have the owls and the wild cats. I am sure there are some other nighttime predators, but we haven't seen them yet. Not that we want to see them, as it will break our hearts when we see how they grab one of the babies. Life is a risky thing, for wildlife and even for us as humans.
This is cuteness overload, and it was amazing to see how many visitors took photos of them with their mobile phones. A great attraction indeed, to see the little ones meeting their new world.
There are so many new things to see every spring season, and we love to go out to see what we can find. Over the past week I got some nice new stuff on camera during our one-hour break, and the wildlife is so abundant here that if a person knows where the spots are then one will never be disappointed. Some people know that, and we also have several bird photography clubs here. I tried to join one, but things didn't work out as I like to do my own thing.
The dad strolled around like a ringmaster to keep an eye out for any danger.
With a special call, the dad told their babies to get out of the water as they had been swimming for a long time, and it was time for a rest and something to eat.
The last two babies were still on the way, as there are 12 of them.
We will keep an eye on the babies, but it is always a sad experience to watch how they disappear one by one overnight. Mommy and Daddy are so proud and diligent in caring for their little ones, and one can see real bird love for their families. At our old house, we had a pair, and we named them Harry and Sally. Eventually they ruled our garden, and Harry was a real soldier as he even tackled some dogs (and me) when we come too near to the babies.
There were 13 babies last spring season, and this season there are 12. Maybe one has been taken already, but we don't know. In any case, we will return here during next week, as by then the babies will be big enough for the parents to lead them away. So, this is for the Saffers on Hive, if you want to see the babies, then this weekend will be the ideal time to pop in at the Lourensford Wine Estate, as I am sure that you will love to see the babies. And if you are a tourist that loves wine and good food, then this is the place to be.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the story.
Photos by Zac Smith. All-Rights-Reserved.
Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.
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