Flight of a Snow Goose

by Ruth Jolly

Title

Flight of a Snow Goose

Artist

Ruth Jolly

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Snow Geese chicks are well developed when they hatch, with open eyes and down-covered bodies that already show whether the adult will have white or dark plumage. Within a few days, they are able to maintain a constant body temperature on their own. They grow very quickly, with the males outpacing the females. The creamy white eggs of Snow Geese stain easily. People can sometimes tell what order the eggs were laid in, just by the color of the shells (the dirtiest shells belong to the oldest eggs).In wintering and migrating flocks that are feeding, lookouts keep an eye out for eagles and other predators. Upon sighting a threat they call out to the rest of the flock, which may take flight. Snow Geese make epic journeys by air, but they are impressive on foot, too. Within the first three weeks of hatching, goslings may walk up to 50 miles with their parents from the nest to a more suitable brood-rearing area. Molting Snow Geese can outrun many predators.
This Goose was photographed at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Preserve which is a world-renowned winter migration site for Snow Geese. Fine Art America watermark will not appear on purchased artwork.

Uploaded

April 29th, 2013

Colors

Embed

Share

Tags