Large Blended Family of Canada Geese

We’re on the Ontario side of the Prince of Wales rail bridge (long since abandoned by trains), which spans the Ottawa River to Gatineau, Quebec.

These two families of Canada Geese have over twenty-four (count ‘em) goslings between them! There seems to be very little sibling rivalry or rambunctious behavior here, but the geese and ganders are keeping a keen eye out, and will herd their young back into line in a heartbeat. Communal child rearing seems to be as innate in these geese as mating for life.

The cyclists and pedestrians who frequent this spot usually respect and co-exist nicely with the geese. But if any pesky human does get out of line, a protective goose or gander will give them a piece of their mind with loud honks and aggressive gestures. And make no mistake—those gestures will turn into more if you don’t back right off! Canada geese are tough and relentless when they feel threatened. Their wings strike hard, and their claws tear. The bite of the gander can bruise a leg right through jeans.

Ever wondered why geese would choose to live in the heart of a busy city that has parks, walkways, and more potentially dangerous human activities like biking and traffic? They are attracted to grassy lawns and freshly mowed expanses of relatively short grass. In these open places they can see and evade predators that might be approaching. Geese are birds, yes, but they’re very comfortable on their feet, and they can walk great distances. The goslings can’t fly at all until about 10 weeks of age, so for a few months each year, the whole family mostly walks about.

As I shot this large and graceful group, the four parents lead their youngsters over a small snow fence. The adults went right over the top, and like all good parents, they allowed their offspring to figure things out themselves, and the little ones quickly found that squeezing through the wood slats worked for them. Turns out the reason they chose the route over the fence was to avoid me – the suspicious looking videographer! I got the shots as they made their way back over the other side.