“Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.“
Every spring, young Canada geese at the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer face an unforgettable first challenge.
Soon after hatching, the tiny goslings must follow their parents out of elevated nesting platforms — even when that means taking a dramatic 25-foot leap toward the ground below.
Last year, refuge manager and photography enthusiast Jake Bonello happened to capture the remarkable moment as six goslings made the jump.
Six Tiny Goslings Take the Plunge
Bonello’s photographs show the fluffy youngsters launching themselves from the nesting platform one after another.
From their perspective, there was little alternative. Their parents were already waiting below, and joining them meant committing to the enormous drop.
The U.S. Department of the Interior later shared the images, describing how the young birds had to take the leap in order to reunite with their family.
Despite their tiny size, each gosling bravely followed.
Goslings Are Ready for Adventure Almost Immediately
Canada geese typically lay clutches containing around six eggs.
After an incubation period of roughly 25 days, the goslings emerge remarkably well prepared for life outside the nest.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, young geese can begin walking and swimming within about 24 hours of hatching.
That early independence is important because goose families often leave their nesting areas soon after the eggs hatch.
The 25-Foot Fall Looks Scarier Than It Is
The photographs make the leap look dangerous, but wildlife officials say there is little reason for concern.
Newly hatched goslings weigh very little, while their thick layer of fluffy down helps soften the impact when they reach the ground.
This allows them to survive drops that would appear extreme for a larger, heavier animal.
For the goslings, the leap is simply one of the first steps toward following their parents into the surrounding habitat.
Their Parents Were Waiting Below
Once the youngsters reached the ground, they were able to rejoin their family.
Canada goose parents remain highly involved in raising their young, guiding the goslings toward food, water and safer places to rest.
During their first weeks of life, the young birds rely heavily on their parents while learning how to navigate the environment around them.
A Summer of Learning Lies Ahead
After making their dramatic exit from the nest, the goslings will spend much of the summer staying close to their parents.
During that time, they will develop the strength and skills needed for adulthood.
They will practice feeding, swimming and avoiding potential dangers while their flight feathers gradually develop.
Eventually, their leaps will no longer be downward.
From Falling to Flying
Bonello’s photographs captured a brief moment that might look terrifying to anyone unfamiliar with goose behavior.
But for these six goslings, the 25-foot drop was not a disaster.
It was the beginning of life beyond the nest.
After one enormous leap of faith, the fluffy youngsters were safely reunited with their parents — and one step closer to the day when they will take to the sky on wings of their own.