The "Toddler" Geese -- Adventurous and Curious

"Little swan."

Other geese temporarily invading space of family. Hansel not happy, but the social and curious goslings enjoy.

"What adventures await beyond the leaves?"

Hansel and Greta finally getting the babies in toe.

 

They look like little swans on the water now.

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The four goslings hatched at the Central Park Reservoir nearly a month ago, have experienced a growth spurt in the past week, particularly, their necks and feet which now appear larger and out of proportion to the rest of their bodies.

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No longer looking like dots alongside their parents in the water, they now have presence all their own and are easily visible -- like little swans with long, skinny necks.

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The behavior of the goslings is also changing -- especially their interest and curiosity in other geese.

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It's not unusual these days to see one or two of the goslings wandering to the areas other geese are grazing.  But then mom quickly motions them back. She doesn't do this by vocalization. Rather, a subtle tilt of the head and some movement in body and direction and the goslings immediately get the message. "Over here, now. Don't make me come and get you!"

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All this while dad keeps a wary and perhaps, somewhat frustrated guard over everything.

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There are simply too many geese (who have arrived at the Reservoir during the past ten days for the molt) to do battle with. Hansel, the dad, recognizes this. It is up to him and Greta, the mom, to keep watch over the little ones and rein them back to the fold when curiosity prompts their little minds and bodies to wander -- or even the other geese temporarily invade their space.   

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The other geese (numbering around 30) are, of course, no threat to the babies. Geese are enormously respectful and accepting of goslings -- even those not their own, as this video demonstrates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL9zqoApnew&feature=share

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But, it's important to keep families together, both for bonding and learning purposes. 

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Nevertheless, like in human families when toddlers start walking, it's also a little harder in goose families when goslings are able to stick their necks out and their feet are capable of taking them places quickly.

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Whether human or goose, mom and dad can never afford to be resting on their laurels. Growing minds are curious and adventurous minds.

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As for me, I am simply relieved that all four goslings are to this point, surviving. Considering all three were lost last year, I never take anything for granted and worry for the four little ones almost constantly.

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There is always that great sigh of relief each night when looking and finally counting to 'four." -- PCA

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