photo courtesy of John White / CalPhotos
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NEST and EGGS
- arrive on nesting grounds in early spring
- may use same nest every year
- like to nest where there is a good view
- nests are on the ground near water; found on small islands, river banks,
wet grassy areas
- nests are built of grasses, twigs, bark, leaves, reeds and mosses;
lined with down
- photo of a nest
- five to seven white eggs which hatch in about 28 days
- if nesting in the Arctic, eggs hatch later (June)
- gander (male goose) guards the nest
- female leaves only to eat and take a short swim
THE GOSLINGS
photo courtesy of John White / CalPhotos
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- goslings are yellow-gray or yellow-brown in color with dark bills
- feathers become gray in about a week
- can walk and swim right after hatching
- family leaves nest soon after young have hatched and heads for the water
where it is safer
- the female leads, goslings next, gander follows from behind
- about half of the goslings survive
- yearlings leave their parents in spring
- young geese find mates and nest when about 3 years old
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