I had already been out for a stroll on Friday. I'd seen and photographed a number of eye-catchers which will appear in future blog posts. As the day wore on, I felt restless and very much in the mood for another walk so I headed back toward the park with camera in tow.
As I approached the water, I saw a pair of Canada geese with a jumbled bunch of fluff in between them, navigating the modest waves of Little Lake.
Introducing Father and Mother Goose and their six little Goosebumps. They began to swim the short distance to shore, a little beyond where I was standing.
I moved a bit further along than that and sat quietly while they made their way up onto the grass.
The little ones pecked around while the parents stood sentry.
Satisfied with their snack, four of the six wee ones settled down into a downy cushion of contentment.
Last summer, I was still living up north on the lake. A lone goose egg sat abandoned on the shore. No geese stayed back to attend to it in any way, and after a day or so, it became obvious that the egg was not viable. I had assumed that some animal (raccoon or squirrels, if nothing else) would devour it in no time but that never happened.
A short while later, I spotted it in the water where it stayed for several weeks.
This maturing family wandered by on the same day - a small number indeed. I suppose surviving the surrounding wildlife is not easy for these guys.
Their adult markings are just beginning to show as they grow into that awkward yet still lovely adolescent stage.
This one has learned the skill of staying safe by camouflaging itself beside mama.
It's a gift and honour to see new life and to be allowed the privilege of watching them grow.
More photos coming up soon.
