Family Outing

He strutted, proud but wary, at the head of the group. His dark eye at the top of his long, black, snake-like neck following me cautiously as I biked past, but he was not to be completely distracted by my presence; his attention darted back and forth from the bike path on his left to the field on his right. Puffing up for an instant, he made himself larger, more menacing, and hissed softly, just to be absolutely sure I knew he would not be taken easily or allow his family to be approached. Determining I was not a threat, he calmed himself down with a rapid shutter and ruffle of gray and white feathers and continued on his course. He would make certain the way was safe before leading his loved ones farther along it. That was his job, and he was good at it.

She followed behind, clicking and honking, guiding her precious babes with her large breast and slightly spread wings. Her head flicked momentarily in my direction, but she trusted her mate to keep protective watch. Her task was to make sure no one strayed from the group. She knew from experience that there is always a curious or dawdling one in every brood, and she was determined not to lose him or her this time.

Between them, small green-gold balls of fuzz scurried around unsteadily on tiny webbed feet. I can hear them excitedly beeping, eager to explore this new world, but not entirely convinced it is their own. It will be some months before these frightened and anxious goslings will resemble their powerful parents.

Perhaps not all of them will survive to make the transition. But that is not for us, or them, to say. Today, there is the creek waiting, and it's time for a swimming lesson.