We first saw this scene at a considerable distance. Two big geese…and, what’s that? Goslings?? Wow! That’s sure a lot of them!
So I wandered overland (Shhhhh! Through private property…). I got as close as I could and this was the best shot. As I approached, some of the “goslings” scattered. Then I got home and put the flock up on my screen for a better look. Canada geese, of course. One is nestled into the grass. Goslings? No way. American wigeons. And once I identified them I realized I’d heard their high pitched “whee” as they chatted among themselves.
Good thing I’ve never pretended any expertise.
As usual Canadians an Americans mix well together. 🙂
Amusing comment, Andy!
Your keen eye, Kay, keeps giving you photographic rewards. I’ve never been good at identifying birds of any shape and color so I am impressed with your research.
Well, you coulda fooled me. Got to give you credit for checking this out. What with that Canadian goose in the middle of things, it would be expected the rest of the things were goslings or gooslings or ding-a-lings. We have a lot of egrets and herons who visit the same watering holes. Sometimes they get a bit fractious about their fishing space.
Great shot – and I had to crack up at the gosling part. I’ve often seen Canada Geese with ducks around them and thought they were the youngsters. I’ve heard that often ducks will flock with the geese for protection. I wasn’t sure how the geese could protect the ducks from hawks and eagles – but that’s what I’ve heard. I was taking pictures of some widgeons on a small pond last night – when all of a sudden some Canada Geese on the came pond began to honk and honk – louder than I’d ever heard – and as I looked up I saw a Bald Eagle flying over – perhaps the geese were sounding the warning and the Widgeons certainly got hidden in the weeds along the edge of the pond. Good friendship!
Lovely!
Lovely!
I would have thought them all to be goslings too!
Not to nit-pick, as I’ve always liked your photos and posts. But the big birds are “Canada” geese. They may be Canadian (from Canada) or from America. Either way, the species name is “Canada Goose” (not “Canadian”). And you’re right, the widgeons ARE “American Widgeons” (whether they come from America or Canada!). Bird names are funny things.
I don’t know what they are, but the photo is quite appealing. I think this is a photography blog, not a birder blog, right?
Bravo — for stealthily creeping across private property (ssh!)…getting the shots…and identifying the feathered creatures! I would’ve been right there with you. Who could resist shooting a pleasant looking flock like that? Not sure if I’ve seen (or heard) an American wigeon.
@ Ken, you’re so right! I knew that but regularly slip into “Canadian.” It’s now corrected. As I said, “Good thing I’ve never pretended any expertise.”