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Spring, 2006 - One afternoon the flock of geese was swimming and bathing in the lake as usual. One by one, the geese began honking as if something important was happening. Sure enough, I saw two geese and five tiny goslings slowly walking down a large hill, toward the water. The whole flock joined the chorus of honking to welcome this large family to the lake. One look at the parents told me that I had not seen these two geese at the lake recently, perhaps ever. Their feathers were dark and weather-beaten as if permanently water-logged and worn. I guessed that they had lived in the woods for a month or two and did not have a chance to bath in a pond or lake.

I went and got some cracked corn, which the goslings eventually discovered and readily consumed. This family did not join the main flock for feedings, so I gave them their own pile of cracked corn to eat twice a day. Interestingly, this family did not roost at the lake at night, apparently staying in the woods nearby.

More than one person asked about Mrs. Nomad's droopy right wing—was it broken? It's not clear to me, because sometimes it was tucked perfectly in place, just like her other wing. But here's a possible clue... When the five goslings wanted to get warm, they huddled under Mom's right wing—all five of them. It's likely they roosted there, too. So, perhaps her wing was a bit tired from hiding that bundle of goslings under there.

As suddenly as they appeared, this family disappeared in the middle of a Saturday. There were no signs of predation, so I believe they walked to a nearby pond that was more private (with fewer dogs). Indeed, it would have been a challenge to raise five goslings amongst the competitive flock we have and the occasional dog visitors, too. This geese family graced us with their presence for just nine days, prompting me to name them the Nomad family, if a bit late. But, I did get a few pictures of them before they left. Nomads: we hardly knew ya; do stop by here again.

Dad leads the family on a swim across the lake; Mom brings up the rear. Click here for larger image.

The Nomads arrive on the bank of the lake, Dad (center) and Mom (right) with dark, weather-beaten feathers. The five goslings do look healthy and energetic, though. Click here for larger image.

The goslings discover that cracked corn is good to eat and fun to roll around in, too. Click here for larger image.

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Copyright 2006-2007 Bruce Beverly. All Rights Reserved. May be used elsewhere only with written permission from author.