All about the geese

It was quite an exciting surprise to see that our regular pair of Egyptian geese brought 9 fluffy babies to the backyard today!  They are probably a month old, and mom and dad have been keeping them under wraps until they thought they were big enough to safely make the swim across the canal.  Egyptian geese are good parents and watch out for their babies very diligently, including chasing away every other animal that might interfere with them.  So this means that our ducks are going to have to move to a different side of the backyard when the geese show up.  It will be a challenge to feed 11 geese and all the ducks too!  And keep the peace.

This post will be devoted completely to the geese and their babies. 

The little ones stayed very close together while in the water for their first swim across the canal, and mom and dad kept a sharp eye on them. I tossed some duck pellets into the water on our side so they could get a little taste.  They were puzzled but interested.

Just entering the water for the big trip across the canal

Mom leads the way and dad controls the rear.

Sampling some food pellets in the water on our side of the canal

 

They then climbed up the canal bank and explored the wonders of the backyard for the first time.  Their parents remained on the lookout.

This is a cool new place!

This little youngster wondered who or what I was.

Mom makes sure I don't come too close; just close enough to bring food.

The little family stayed in the backyard and rested for a few hours before making their way to wherever they are spending the night.  They seemed to enjoy their visit and the food they found here, so I hope they come back tomorrow.