The Goslings

There were three Goslings out of a family of about six or eight that were sipping the water in Old Hickory Lake a few weeks ago when I took these images.

They were so cute as they bent down to drink.

And then one looked up at me as I was taking a photo as if to say, hey you looking at me? I couldn't resist sharing these with you. Have a fantastic weekend. ENJOY!

Goslings and Geese Behavior

Did you know it isn't easy photographing Goslings? You can get close to Goslings and they will not head for the water. But when the Goslings are tiny, off they go with Mom in tow. My guess is they are more vulnerable the first week which is probably how old these little guys were and why Mom immediately trotted them off to take a swim as visitors approached at Lake Nevin.

As the Goslings played follow the leader with Mom and Dad, several of them got a little mouthy. For little guys they definitely have spunk.

While the geese were meandering around Lake Nevin, along came another pair of Geese. And then this strange behavior occurred by the parents of the Goslings.
After some research I discovered that the 'crooking of the neck' is a sign of aggression Geese display to ward off other geese. As it happens with six very young Goslings in tow, the parents decided the strategy was needed. After the geese passed, they abandoned their aggressive stance. I had no idea geese even felt aggression toward other geese. Who knew. ENJOY!

Spring Perhaps

In May of 2011, I spent an afternoon at Bernheim taking in all that Spring had to offer.

This beautiful scene with the Canadian Goslings lazing about on the fresh green lawn next to Lake Nevin was just one of many beautiful scenes that I witnessed on that day. I long for those warm Spring days with bright green lawns and bushes and freshly grown leaves. If I could will it to be, I would have already done so. I know there are those who are still covered in Winter's snow, but here in the Bluegrass State I cannot wait for Spring to begin to burst forth. I have been absent this week only because I had to travel out of town for several days to a meeting. This was a rare time when I didn't even take my camera equipment. I felt lost without it, but didn't actually need it. I would be out of doors now, but the cloud cover is fairly solid with only an occasional stream of sunshine making it through. Tomorrow perhaps. Hope you are enjoying your weekend albeit warm and dry or cold and knee deep in Winter's cover. ENJOY!