We have our first Cape Barren Geese babies this week!
First Gosling hatched - four to go!We regularly check the twenty two nests in the settlement area - recording the data for Birds Australia. It is very interesting when we check as the parents are very aggressive and protect the eggs by chasing us away!
Three are hatched fourth is nearly out.Once the eggs are hatched the parents allow us close to the Goslings. Maybe they are keen to show off their new family. Cape Barren Geese are precocial which means they are self sufficient from the moment they hatch, so don't stay in the nest long as they have to feed themselves. To see them in the nest gives us a chance to see them close up. They are amazing to watch, they take a while to find their feet and often tumble over!
We feel very privileged to watch as new life begins.
Dear Beverley and John, how thrilled I was to meet you both and have such a brief visit to your Island from another place in paradise, King Island, and the cake was delightful.
ReplyDeleteI have a photo of the mother Cape Barren Goose sitting so now have more of the story.
keep in touch and your Blog is great.
mavis Burgess