Parental Anxiety

Perhaps you've heard that we have some new residents here at camp: five little goslings hatched about a week ago, now. Five fuzzy, tiny, stumbling, bumbling bundles of cuteness. Cute-irific-ness. Cute-tastic-ness. And they are yellow. Well, they were yellow, but now they're just yellow-ish. Here, have a look: 

Oh, you say you're having trouble seeing them? Sorry about that. How about now?

No? Still not getting a good view of the cute-a-licious-ness? Well maybe that's because these parent-geese are taking their job of protecting their brood very seriously. As soon as you get within 100 yards of them, the adults perk up. One of them takes an aggressive stance, ready to attack if necessary, while the other one herds the goslings toward the water, getting the whole team ready to push-off at a moment's notice. And push-off they do, single-file, one parent leading and one pulling up the rear, keeping any stragglers from, well, straggling. 

I get a little frustrated that they won't let me get closer. "I come in peace," I call to them. "I am your neighbor, and I mean you no harm!" But, alas, they can't see me as anything but a potential threat. It might help if I weren't always hauling the stroller (my office on wheels) and a chubby little baby who kicks and squeals with delight as we approach. However, I also find myself congratulating them for their steadfast vigilance. I'm sure it is the only way there are still five goslings, all safe and sound. So, since they won't let me get close enough to say it to them, I'll say it here: Good work, geese! Keep those little ones in line, and keep your eyes peeled for giant turtles, toddlers on wheels, and all other threatening creatures.