The Goslings’ babies were on their first outing river floating the whitewater of the Deschutes River at Riley Ranch Nature Reserve. The five Goslings were resting at the nest and the parents were coaxing them to the river’s edge.
The parents found the best location to enter the water without too many obstacles. It was a leisurely walk for the parents, but it was going to be challenging for the babies.
There were many large rocks the babies needed to climb over to get to the river.
They would all stay close together on the trek.
They all got to the river’s edge for the last rock climb and then the Goose jumped into the water.
For some reason, the Goslings decided to not follow their parent and take the easy way into the water. They climbed over a big rock that would have a one-foot drop into the water.
The first and brave one leaped right in without any problems. The others were a bit hesitant to continue.
The second one was off at a run after watching how easily the first one entered the water.
It was a scary long fall ending in an upsidedown splash.
The Gosling popped right up and moved downstream. The others were concerned after watching the bad landing.
The third one was going to attempt a new way down with a shorter fall.
It turned out to be a tumble down the rock and ended with an awkward splash.
The fourth one after seeing the bad entry thought the best route would be to just jump.
That choice to just jump was proving to be a very good entry into the water. The poor little one that jumped last was not really sure where to go at that point.
The fourth one popped right up and went over and gathered up the confused one.
The fifth and last Gosling had learned from the other the best way to enter the water.
Looking for the landing zone and making a large leap.
The result was a perfect landing.
The Gosling popped up and headed downstream to join the others.
The next part was the whitewater run with the parents waiting to catch them.
They all worked their way down to the waiting parents that were very happy they all made it.
The white water did not prove to be much of a challenge for them.
Once all together the parents headed out with them.
There were some mallards downstream that the parent wanted to move out of the way. The parents took a defensive posture and kept moving downstream. The Gosling started moving closer and looking for protection.
The mallards took flight and the parents were beginning to relax.
They all made it and moved close to their parents and headed further downstream.
Here are interesting facts about goslings:
- Goslings are born with their eyes open, and they can swim and walk within hours of hatching.
- Goslings are very dependent on their parents for food and protection.
- Goslings stay with their parents for about ten weeks, and they learn everything they need to know about being a goose from them.
- Goslings are very social animals, and they enjoy playing with each other.
- Goslings are very curious, and they love to explore their surroundings.
- Goslings are very vocal animals, and they have a variety of different calls that they use to communicate with each other.
- They can take flight within two to three months.
Goslings are a joy to watch, and they are a reminder of the beauty of nature. If you see a group of Goslings, I encourage you to take a moment of appreciation for them.
Here are tips for watching Goslings:
- Be respectful of the Goslings’ space. Do not get too close to them, and do not touch them.
- Be quiet. Goslings are extremely sensitive to noise and are easily startled.
- If you have a dog, make sure it is on a leash. Dogs can be a danger to goslings.
- Do not feed the Gosling, the parents will supply food and teach them.
