Joy enough to see a goosander on the canal in Saltaire, but to see one with a new brood - and to see them hitching a ride on mum's back - was really exciting. This little family created quite a stir as they sailed along, with lots of people trying to capture the scene on their phones and cameras. I didn't have a long enough lens to do a really good, sharp job and they were moving surprisingly fast but this snap isn't too bad.
I first noticed them in the channel beside the mill. When I came back from my walk a couple of hours later they had successfully
Goosanders are members of the sawbill family, with long serrated beaks for catching fish. They are not uncommon on the canal and rivers round here, but I have only ever seen them in the winter. To think that they are breeding locally is thrilling. They are such beautiful birds.
What a fantastic photo. It must be one in a million -- well, a thousand maybe. That is so neat. I wonder if the little ones at the back were also paddling like mad to help Mom keep going.:) :)
ReplyDeleteUntil now, I'd never even seen a picture of a Goosander. Well caught!
ReplyDeleteHo, how cute and lovely!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! 10 babies!!
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! What a good job you had your camera at the ready.
ReplyDeleteA delightful capture .... it makes my heart sing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sensational sight and snap. I have never heard of these birds. It must have been exciting to see this. Ten chicks!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent, jennyfreckles. I have never seen baby chicks hitching a ride on their mother's back. It is so very charming.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that just adorable? Aww...I love it!
ReplyDeleteLooks like there's no more room.
ReplyDeleteNice family!:)
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