Wednesday, May 31, 2023

A Few Kinds of Critters!

The Memorial Day weekend and the time leading up to it brought a couple of species of critters into our lives. First, it's time for new life down at the Ditch. When I saw a marvelous photo by our neighborhood nature photographer, I knew I'd better get down there before all the babies grew up! And I wasn't disappointed!

Mother and Father Goose were out with the kids -- five little goslings, all enjoying a lovely swim.  Goslings hatch with their eyes open and can swim right away. They leave the nest with mom and did the next day and in two months or less will have grown their adult feathers and learned how to fly. 


These are still in the swimming and walking stage. Eventually they scrambled through the weeds to come onto the path for a bit. 


Then back in the water -- and off to another part of the path. This was the moment when I thought I might be cornered. Geese take a dim view of anyone coming close to the kids and I was creeping, one small step at a time, as they hissed at me. I thought it might be a stand-off but they let me pass!


Meanwhile, I got a good look at a lot of yellow fluff!


And, what cute fluff it was.


Mama Duckles had her work cut out for her. Eleven babies were following in her wake. (Did you know that ducks in the wild can swim from the moment they are born? Ducks that are incubated lack essential oils to keep them insulated, dry and warm in the water.)

It was hard to get them all into one photo!


They, too, came onto land, poking about for anything interesting (with little luck).


Then back into the water! The geese were coming in and it was time to share the land!


They headed off to the opposite side of the pond where they settled onto the bank, all huddled together for a nice nap, under the watchful eye of Mom.

About two weeks later, I was passing by the Ditch and saw the geese by the road -- and boy, had those babies grown quickly!


 Of course I stopped for a photo or two.  One thing that amazed me was how huge their feet were for the size of their bodies!


 They weren't too keen on being the subjects of a photo shoot and headed off to the water -- mom, dad and the five babies -- who now look like teenagers!


 Those weren't the only "critters" I've recently seen this spring. I noticed an interesting one in a tree, which upon closer look was easy to identify!


I love that fabulous face...


....and so does his Grandpa. I have learned that it is better to be a photographer than to try and race these two!

And then there was this one, with his new haircut. 


A quick return visit found us back at the park with a push in the tire swing...


...a quick pose by the fire trucks...


...and a sweet goodbye.

 

You probably don't need to ask which creatures I liked best! Yup. this one -- and is brother!

Sharing with:    Saturday's Critters    /    Friday Face Off   

74 comments:

Rita said...

Yes, it is easy tell which your favorite critters are! (Mine are, too!)
But the ducklings and goslings are so darn cute. I can get lost in time watching baby critters--whether ducklings or kittens or puppies...well, any baby critters--wild, farm, or domestic. :) Summer is here already.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

I love your ditch and its critters. Here, the snapping turtles eat the baby swans, ducks and geese so it's not as much fun seeing them daily. The swan started off with 8 this year but only got 3 of them old enough to no longer be dinner for the turtles.

Your grandsons are growing up fast!

Valerie-Jael said...

Your little clucky duckies are so sweet, and the munchkins, too. Have a great week, hope you are well, hugs, Valerie

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Looks like some fun times with the grandsons. The ducklings are adorable. The goslings seem to grow so quickly. Wonderful photos of the Duck and geese families. Take care, enjoy your day!

gigi-hawaii said...

I love all your pics, Jeanie. Those goslings mature so quickly, I had no idea. I have never seen them in person, but if I did, I'd be there snapping pics just like you. Haha. Nice to see the boys doing well and Rick keeping up with them. Blessings!

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Jeanie, your Ditch photos make my heart sing. Those baby geese are precious. I'm surprised the mama and papa didn't make a fuss when you were walking by. Geese are very protective of their family, and warn the others with their LOUD HONK! And those cute boys must have warmed your heart. A fun picture of his spiked hair. And I love the "fire truck" photo.

Have a wonderful week, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Boud said...

Great wildlife shots, the wildest in blue t-shirts!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Those little ones have SO much energy and such happy faces. Summer is a fun time to be young or to play with grandkids! Love the soft baby geese too. They are SO precious! Enjoy your week my friend!

Prims By The Water said...

The grands are getting bigger and so adorable. So glad you were able to capture pics of the goslings and ducklings. Too cute! Bob and I once saw baby ducks on our river walk trail. They are cute in person and we were very close to them. Janice

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Aw! Very cute little ones, and yes, they all grow so quickly! x K

Arti said...

Wonderful pics and I’m sure you’ve had some super time with grandkids! Mine are coming and that’s why I’ve been so busy preparing. 😉

anno said...

What darling fluffy creatures... all of them! Those blonde ones, though? With the big smiles? They remind me of dandelions.

And no, I did not know that incubated ducklings lack the oils they need to stay warm and dry in the chilly waters of springtime ponds.

There's so much joy here -- sounds like a wonderful, lively, visit from all the lifeforms.

bobbie said...

Awesome pix!! Hugs ~
bobbie

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

Whew! Bet those two human critters keep you on your toes!

Adorable.

kathyinozarks said...

So fun!, and you were able to get some really nice photos too-it is amazing how fast they grow up too. thanks for all the photos

Breathtaking said...

Hello Jeanie :=)
Wonderful photos of your happy looking grandsons, and one proud grandma, and the fluffy ducklings, and baby goslings are adorable.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I see a lot of Rick in both of the grands, esp Cam! I think that's the older one's name but I might be mixing them up!

Those fluffy babes are so cute. I have only seen baby geese - I saw some on my run on Monday and had to stop to take a pic for the boys. Luckily the mama goose didn't seem to mind! Geese can be very scary/aggressive!

roentare said...

The ducklings and your family photos are all very pleasurable to view.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Oh ducklings!!! Is there anything finer than little ducklings!?! Well maybe those two little boys! - Jenn

Mae Travels said...

Ducks and geese are funny looking when young! I just heard a story about a duck mom whose chosen nesting site was inside a courtyard of an elementary school with no outside access (remember the mom could fly). When the eggs hatched and it was time to march down to the water, there was no way out. The school set up a special route through the building for the ducklings, which could keep the curious human kids separate. Happy ending!

Great pics of the human kids, by the way!

best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

DUTA said...

Lovely baby geese! Lovely two boys! Great pictures of both "categories"!
You and Rick are an integral, beautiful part of this big scene of critters and grandsons.

Victoria Zigler said...

As cute as the furry and feathered kind of critters are, I have no doubt it's the two-legged little critters in your life you love the most. Although, I'm sure Lizzie is right up there with your favourite critters too.

My name is Erika. said...

Spring has really spring with cute goslings and cute little boys too. That’s a very grown up haircut and I love the photo of Rick running. Actually you have some fantastic photos of the boys- all of them. It’s always fun to visit. Greeting from Iceland today 😀hugs Erika

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Babies of most species are adorable. Of course the two little blondes always makes me smile. Thanks for all the lovely photos.

acorn hollow said...

those are pretty cute littles in the tree! the ducks are always so sweet to see this time of year.
Cathy

Joanne Huffman said...

How grown up and handsome the boys are!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Adorable, all the little ones!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I have been noticing many ducklings and goslings on and around the waterways here, Jeanie, but very few of the arboreal species you feature here. I suspect that it's because the current breed of Homo sapiens are fearful of letting their offspring climb trees, and that's a pity. The blond subspecies you portray here is especially attractive.

La Table De Nana said...

All Creatures Great and Small:)

William Kendall said...

Little birds grow fast.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Walking through an abundance of cute and grands frollicking, life is good.

Steve Reed said...

Baby ducks and geese really are the cutest critters in the world. I had no idea incubated ducks lack those essential oils. What a weird little fact. Wonder why that happens?!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

We all know your favorite critters and they are certainly adorable. The ducks are sweet and lovely, too. Lots of babies, which is good. But I still can't get over how people go ga ga over those Canadian geese that invade our neighborhoods and NEVER leave because people started feeding them after they thought they were "SO CUTE." Thanks for taking us to the ditch and beyond!

Bill said...

The baby geese are so cute and adorable and yes they have huge feet to grow in to. :) The grandkids are having lots of fun, it's summertime for them. Love the haircut! Thanks for sharing, Jeanie and have a lovely day.

The French Hutch said...

Jeanie, I always enjoy your visits to the ditch looking at the wildlife. It reminds me of the pond we had in our old neighborhood. I miss walking there and seeing the sweet new life so thanks for sharing. The boys are certainly growing so fast, what happened to those little tots! Enjoy, when you turn around they'll be 15 like mine this month. Happy, happy summer sweet friend........

R's Rue said...

Joy is where it’s at.

Sandra Cox said...

The one little guy looks like his grandpop, doesn't he?
I love baby ducks and chicks. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great one.

This N That said...

Loved the Ducklings and Goslings..I used to have a pond and a pair of Mallards nested in the bushes under my windows yearly..We had several clutches a year and they would go directly in to my pond..I miss those days..Lovely pictures..Happy June

Sally Wessely said...

What fun! I love seeing all the new life in the spring. I am keeping my eyes open for the fawns I know will be scampering around our neighborhood soon. The boys are growing so fast!

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I know how much you love seeing the goslings and ducklings. Spring has come to life in your area. The two grands are absolutely adorable. They are growing so quickly…they are handsome boys!

Linda said...

Best pictures ever! Love them all.

Marilyn Miller said...

So happy you made it to the Ditch to share pictures of the babies. They grow fast and the second two grow fast too. So important to gather the ducklings (grands) in your arms often and savor every moment. Sweet pictures. I loved seeing Rick running with one of your favorites.

crackercrumblife said...

Awww so glad you got to spend time with your grands! Such happy faces everywhere!!

And those babies are super adorable. I love seeing all the little baby ducklings and goslings in the spring. And I didn't know that incubated ducks weren't insulated against the water!

Iris Flavia said...

Wow I never knew those facts about the babies!
And that haircut is hilarious :-)
What a fun post!

thepaintedapron.com said...

All so cute!!
Jenna

shoreacres said...

I see plenty of mallards, but can you believe I've never seen a gosling? There are a very few domestic geese in one local pond -- at least there were, before they disappeared -- but it seems that geese don't breed here. This is a mystery; now I have a new research project!

Jenny Woolf said...

So many cute pictures! But like you I like the adorable human ones best!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
What darling critters you shared here both human and fowl!! LOL!! So cute!! I hope you are having a great week!!
Hugs,
Deb

Nancy said...

The critters are adorable fluffs! Loved seeing the grands! Happy Summer!

Yvonne said...

You have a very nice collection of photographs. All your two legged critters look great :)

Lorrie said...

Those goslings and ducklings are so sweet, but the smiles on your handsome boys are the winners here! Enjoy your weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie
Love your photos from your visit to the Ditch! The duckling and the goslings are adorable. Cute shots of the ducks and geese. Time with the grandsons is always a treat, happy memories. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

Lux G. said...

A well spent day! That pond looks so peaceful. Though I honestly get scared going near animals with babies. They tend to be protective.

A fine gentleman right there. :)

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

Your Grandchildren are beautiful and huggable ... you are a blessed Grandma. As for all the other little fluffies ... isn't it great to live on a lake or a pond. I have so many pictures like yours from the times we were living on a lake ... it was a wonderful time in my life and I miss it. Thank you for sharing these moments, they brought back so many good memories.

Andrea @ From the Sol

DVArtist said...

Where I live, we have millions of geese. I am not exaggerating. LOL I love your photos especially the ones of you and your family. How precious. Thank you for sharing them with FFO and have a great weekend.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm back for another 'gander'! heehee! Happy weekend!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

There's also several families of Canada Goose here in the Nashua River and you are right, Jeanie, about how fast they grow. We have 3 families with a total of 11 goslings. There are a lot of Mallard Ducks as well, but they are all males so no families in that group, but i did see a lone female a couple of weeks ago so she could be very well courted! Nice to see the grands and Rick and yourself too. The human young-uns are growing up fast too!

Lowcarb team member said...

Such a lovely, happy post ... it made me smile :)
So nice to see the little ducklings and goslings, and the boys photographs are amazing.

Grandchildren seem to grow so quickly, and the years fly by.
Our eldest grandson celebrated his 19th birthday this week! Where did those years go?!

Wishing you a happy month of June.

All the best Jan

Pam said...

Love those little duckies and the pics of you little duckie....cute.

ashok said...

Awe..so adorable!

Shiju Sugunan said...

Great photos! The goslings and ducklings are so cute. Enjoyed seeing the grandchildren!

Daniela said...

Jeanie Dear,
You've posted the cutest images ever, thank you for sharing so much love!
Sending hugs and more hugs across the ocean
X Dany

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Very sweet post Jeanie. i love seeing the ducklings. Nature is always full of happy moments.

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

The goslings are so cute! A lovely nature walk :)

Carola Bartz said...

Seeing he grandkids and spending time with them sure is some of the most wonderful times. But the geese and ducks are very cute, too. We see quite some of them at the lake as well. Yes, you don't want to mess with the geese!

Tammie Lee said...

You are having wonderful spring sightings!
The boys are so cute and I truly see Rick in his face. So much fun.

Veronica Lee said...

Love your ditch and its critters.

The grands are adorable!

Hugs and blessings, Jeanie

Hena Tayeb said...

Aww so cute. We had to stop traffic the other day to let a mom and her gooselings cross the road.

DUTA said...

I love the expresson 'yellow fluff'. As a non-native of english , I constantly gather all kinds of expressions that I believe enrich my vocabulary.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

As darling as those fluffy ones are, I agree, it’s our little people that are the closest to our hearts! How wonderful that you had time to enjoy both. The pictures of those tiny little fluffy things are so heartwarming, aren’t they? I thought my little people grow up way too fast, but the fluffy kind really do! Wishing you a wonderful June, Jeanie! ! Xo Lidy

Sandra Cox said...

Cute pic of you and the youngin':) The Ditch looks like such a peaceful place.
Hugs,

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Happy June! So many wonderful little ducklings, Jeanie, and their parents look very attentive to raising them well. The two adorable blond boys shine with happiness--they also know they are well-loved.

Anca said...

Only 2 weeks between pictures?! They grow up so fast. All the pictures are lovely, especially the last few ones.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Oh, those babies are precious! And those grand-baby critters - they are adorable - I just love the photos of you and Rick with them. You can feel the love right through the computer screen. How lucky they are to have you both!

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