EACH SPRING I ANTICIPATE the appearance of newborn ducks and geese in the wild. There’s something about these waterfowl that appeals to me. Perhaps it’s the cuteness factor. Or maybe it’s the reassurance that, despite the ever-changing chaotic world, some things remain constant. Eggs hatch. Ducklings and goslings emerge. And the cycle of life continues.
This year I was a bit late getting down to North Alexander Park in Faribault, a prime viewing spot along the Cannon River for an adaptation of Robert McCloskey’s children’s picture book, Make Way for Ducklings. The book won the Caldecott Medal in 1941 and is a beloved classic about a duck family in Boston.
On the recent day I went duck and goose hunting with my camera here in Minnesota, far from Boston, I found only goslings. No ducklings. I approached with caution. I’ve learned from experience that Canada geese are aggressively protective of their young. I already hold childhood trauma from enduring vicious rooster attacks. I don’t need to add to that.
And so I watched and focused, thankful for my zoom lens which allowed getting close to the geese without getting close. The young ones appeared to be at teenage stage, rather than vulnerable baby stage. Thus my trust of even the youngest rated zero.
I was fully aware that the geese were aware of my presence. People occasionally toss bread to waterfowl here (something I wish they wouldn’t do), so they may have expected a hand-out. Not from me. I was simply there to observe and document while dodging excrement, one of the hazards of stepping into a Robert McCloskey scene.
Despite the caution, despite the need to watch my step, I will continue to delight in this annual rite of spring which draws me to the banks of the Cannon River in southern Minnesota. Far from Boston.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I’m so glad you had the chance to go and to take these beautiful pics. the babies are a rite of spring and always give us hope for the future.
I’m trying to get out there and build up my tolerance of sensory input so I can manage life and doing the things I love. While this photo outing did not end well (I got dizzy), at least part of it was enjoyable. And those sweet little babies…
Yes, they are cute and their appearance in early summer does confirm that life goes on. 😊 We’ve also spotted a few young turkeys around where we are – but they’re more elusive than all these puffy little geese & ducks (and maybe not quite as cute).
I don’t know that I’ve seen baby turkeys. But in general, I do not find turkeys “cute.”
Ahhhh…cuteness of the babies! I have to agree. We have had a bunch of baby fledgelings in front of our house and have been constant entertainment this last week. The simple hoys that nature brings.
Nature calms. Nature brings joy. Nature makes me smile. And on and on.
I enjoy seeing the young geese and goslings too. There are many of them along the paths by our house, and as I walk by the geese, I stand tall and talk to the hissing mom and dad.
You have definitely stood your ground with those hissing parents. At this point, I choose to stay clear of them.
Thanks again. I learned recently (some 70+ years after I should have learned) that those geese you so wonderfully photographed, are officially Canada Geese, not Canadian Geese. Not that it matters to the birds or to the joy of seeing the little birds and their progenitors.
Ken, thank you for teaching me something new this morning. I’ve updated this post with the correct words, Canada geese.
I love Canadian Geese, though here we occasionally refer to them as Cobra Death Chickens. They can be aggressive, but oh how I love seeing the young.
Now I will never think of Canada geese quite the same given your deadly name for them.
Oh the CUTENESS of fluff nuggets 🙂 You will have to search for pictures of baby sandhill cranes – have them here and they are darling to see. We had a baby bunny at work a few weeks back eating the flowers of the peanut grass – OMG! I love seeing the baby gators too, especially when interacting with mama gator. There is just something about babies and cuteness. Happy Day – Enjoy
Baby gators, huh? I watched a baby bunny in the backyard the other evening with mama nearby. I kept thinking in my head, “Please don’t notice the broccoli plants in pots on my patio.” That was between thinking, “Oh, how cute!”
I love that book!
Me, too. My son is on his way to Boston as I write.
This posting reminds me of the duck statues in Boston’s Public Garden. They consist of the mother duck followed by 8 ducklings. They were put there in homage to the story book. A very popular stop for tourists and locals of all ages!
I’m familiar with that public art in Boston, although I haven’t seen it. Your nephew is currently en route to Boston and his new job awaiting him.
I love that book and seeing the real-life counterparts, too!
It is a classic children’s picture book that I enjoy also.