Vulnerable geese mating

Two large geese peered at me over the long grass on the clifftop. At first I thought they were protecting young, then the male tugged at feathers on the female’s back and I knew I was a few weeks early to see their offspring.

 

Cape Barren Goose - Kim WormaldCape Barren Goose – (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
Canon 5D Mark III, 100-400mm L IS USM, 1/2000, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 400mm

 

Luckily my camera was in my hands and I took four shots of a liaison that lasted two seconds. I like the delicate patterning on the feathers of Cape Barren Geese. I also like the sky space behind the female’s neck in the image above, and the gentle curve of the male’s neck; they seem to highlight an intimacy that suits birds that choose a lifelong partner.

 

Cape Barren Goose - Kim WormaldCape Barren Goose – (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
Canon 5D Mark III, 100-400mm L IS USM, 1/2000, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 400mm

 

Their expressions in both shots make me smile. There is some general information on the plight of these birds in the post Cape Barren Goslings.

 

Cape Barren Goose - Kim WormaldCape Barren Goose – (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
Canon 5D Mark III, 100-400mm L IS USM, 1/640, f/7.1, ISO 400, focal length 400mm

 

Next week I’ll share the results of a similar mating with images of some seriously cute goslings.

Happy birding, Kim

 

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8 comments to Vulnerable geese mating

  • Alyssa

    Here is my comment for the oct 2012 post with the goslings – it won’t let me post on the right page!
    ***

    I was wondering how I missed this post but I see from the date that I was in Europe!

    I absolutely love these geese and their stripy babies are gorgeous to see.

    I would have been so heartbroken to see one killed so carelessly, particularly with its partner nearby. It’s really devastating 🙁 but a good reminder to drive carefully on those roads.

    I’m so glad you have been able to immortalise some of these birds so beautifully with your photography!

    • lirralirra

      I’ll check why the earlier post won’t accept comments, thanks for letting me know. It was very upsetting to see what happened to the goose, especially as there was so much time for the driver to have stopped. Thanks so much for your lovely comment, much appreciated x

  • Tam

    That’s a bit intrusive don’t you think?! Even geese can’t get sexy photos without them being splashed all over the internet! 🙂

    Looking forward to the goslings!

  • Carole King

    Lovely photos, Kim….I look forward to seeing the babies in the near future.
    Carole.

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