Bird Photography: Canada Geese and Their Goslings

This photo journal follows a pair of nesting Canada geese. Early in April a pair of Canada geese were seen mating on Bingley canal. The female duly made her nest on the bank and laid eggs. She was very well hidden although the nest was very close to the water and often all that could be seen was the top of her black head. If you didn't know to look, you would never have seen her. What gave away the location of the nest was the patrolling presence of the male on the canal. He never left, keeping careful watch and chasing away all and sundry.

When I visited the site on 12th May, it was to find the nest empty with no sign of the geese. A walk further along the canal tow path found them on the greenfield site known locally as Greenhill. The female clearly had goslings under her wing and the male was standing proud guard. It might have been a long wait to view the new goslings except for the visit of a cow! This blundering beast was clearly nosy and his presence chased the pair and their four (4) goslings into the canal.

This is a photo diary of the story of a Canada goose's nest and the arrival of goslings.

Thanks to everyone for their interest and kind comments. Can I ask you NOT to pin this page or any of the photographs please. All images are copyrighted to me and there are serious implications regarding copyright and Pinterest - if you read their terms and conditions they say they are permitted to sell images that appear there - I need to hold onto my copyright.

many thanks for your understanding.

Canada geese are average sized birds with slender black head and neck and white cheek patches. We have several Canada geese along our canal here but only one mating pair. Last year they produced seven (7) goslings who all survived and who gave great pleasure to all as we watched them grow, even watching their flight lessons.

This year, the pair once again mated. These pictures show them in a courtship display which involves much stretching out of long necks, much the same as when they are in aggressive pose. Later, they made their way to the bank where the female started to build her nest. In geese families, only the female builds and sits on the nest.

Canada Geese Facts:

• Order: Anseriformes
• Family: Anatidae
• Species: Branta canadensis
• Common name: Canada Goose
• Length: 35-43 inches
• Wignspan: 5-6 feet
• Weight: 9-12 lbs
• Lifespan: 20-25 years
• Commonly seen in UK

All the bird pictures used here are by AnnMackieMiller and are copyright dated 2011. These are low resolution images used to discourage theft. High resolution copies are available by electronic transfer for a small fee. They may be used on websites and blogs but not on photo gifts or cards. That right is reserved for the photographer.

Contact the photographer for details.