The Goslings At Five Weeks

The goslings are about 5-6 weeks old and starting to develop their adult feathers. They are quite agile in the water and on land, although they are still too young to fly. The goslings are looking more like their parents every day and gaining in size and strength. Strong flight feathers have begun to grow from blue quills on their wings and tail feathers are taking on the appearance of maturity. It looks like they're going through their "adolescent awkward stage". They still "peep" for their parents when they're separated like true adolescents :) The twins were eager to get in front of the pack to beg for bread crumbs while their parents stayed protectively close. Dad hissed at us and charged forward if we got too close to the twins. After they got their fill of bread, the goslings mimicked the actions of their parents' grooming. They are still sweet and awkward. It's sad to see them grow so quickly and there will be a void when they take flight and migrate in autumn. Click on the photo below to see a slide show of the twins at 5 weeks.