None of our duck eggs hatched.  We found abandoned and destroyed eggs two weeks after our initial discovery, but no ducklings survived.  We have no idea what -- or who -- the predator was, but we were all devastated, especially the girls.

So you can imagine how excited we were to learn that our neighborhood geese were better -- and more discreet -- parents than were their duck cousins.  We never even knew they had a nest!  But they certainly are better at hiding and protecting their young!

We found the proud family taking a leisurely swim in the pond when we went to visit yesterday.  My oldest daughter called out to them, "Congratulations!  Your babies are beautiful!"  And Mama Goose honked back and swam a little straighter, apparently very proud of her little family!

So sweet!  Mama and Papa Goose seem to be very good, attentive parents.

We couldn't believe it!  She was bringing them closer!

And even closer!

She brought them right up to us!  Even with the toddler with us.  I'm not sure if she's instructing her goslings, or mine ;-)

Have you ever seen anything so cute?

So that was our afternoon at the duck pond.  Well worth the trip!

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Posted by eclecticeducation

How adorable!!!! Thank you for sharing. :)

• Permanent Link

Posted by Kayluray

I love this stuff!! These are the moments that our kids are actively learning. Imaging being at home and reading a textbook about geese. Wouldn't have the same effect.
Charlotte Mason would be proud of you.

We had eggs in one of our bird boxes in our yard, but they started turning black and then one day they were gone without a trace. I'm not sure what happened, but it's fun pondering with my kids what could have happened. Now it appears that perhaps another bird has started getting the bird box ready for her eggs. We'll see.

• Permanent Link