Spring Babies: A Season of Ducklings, Goslings, and Grateful Smiles - May 26, 2025

Spring has always felt like a fresh start—but this year, it brought me something entirely new: my first season photographing wild babies. And oh, how I buzzed with joy and anticipation! I’ve longed to witness those tender early moments between wildlife parents and their young, to observe how these tiny beings navigate the big wide world—especially in the heart of urban nature.

And let me tell you: the universe did not disappoint.

Canada Goose Families: Gosling Adventures

First came the goslings—Canada Goose babies—and I found them at various ages, from barely a week old to bold little toddlers. Watching them grow in just days or weeks was incredible. Their soft yellow fuzz, awkward waddles, and relentless curiosity had me grinning from ear to ear.

What struck me most was how attentive their parents were. The moment a threat appeared parents would rise tall, alert and ready. And the babies? They followed instinctively, one after another like a little feathered parade.

Even more beautiful was seeing them raised in what looked like community families—two sets of parents watching over a larger group of goslings. Not all was peaceful, though! Sometimes the older "teenage" goslings would hiss at the younger ones, which had me laughing. Family squabbles, it seems, aren’t just a human thing.

I watched them forage, nibbling at seeds and bugs in the grass. Pure joy. I couldn't help but smile at the thought: these sweet fluffballs are future Cobra Chickens in training—cute and cuddly now, but fierce and fearless to come.

Did You Know?

Goslings learn about their world by nibbling on just about everything in sight—including grass, bugs, and fallen seeds hidden among daisies! This foraging behavior helps them develop their motor skills, identify food sources, and practice the instincts they’ll need to survive as adults. Plus, it's ridiculously cute to watch them wobble and peck like little pros-in-training.

Now normally, I try to avoid the classic fuzzy-butt shot with birds—but in this case? I didn’t mind one bit. I mean, look at that adorable little gosling bum! Fluffy, wobbly, and working overtime to keep up—10/10, would photograph again.

I watched the goslings gather for their evening dinner in the middle of the pond—must’ve been something tasty, because they were munching away like it was a five-star buffet! Likely on aquatic plants, algae, or tiny insects just beneath the surface—whatever it was, they were loving it.

Look at this sass! Cuteness overload.

And when tiredness hit, they’d collapse into a fuzzy cuddle puddle.

Canada Geese often get a bad rap for being “aggressive,” but I’ve come to see their behavior differently. When geese go on the defense, it’s always because they’re protecting something. A nest. A mate. A baby. Honestly, can we blame them? I admire that instinct. I respect it.

Mallard Ducklings: Speed, Squeaks, and Soft Down

Next came the mallards. And oh. my. word. Mallard ducklings might be the cutest things I’ve ever seen. So tiny, so fuzzy, and already better swimmers than I’ll ever be! Right from day one, they dart across ponds like feathered torpedoes if they sense Mama’s getting too far.

I sat there completely captivated by the antics of the ducklings—so small, so fluffy, so incredibly cute. Watching them paddle around, I couldn’t help but wonder what they were thinking. Brand new to this chaotic world, already learning how to feed themselves and keep up with Mom’s every move. They were adorably skittish (and who could blame them?), but also surprisingly brave—daring to come close for seed floating on the water. Little hearts, big courage.

And of course, I wasn’t denied a classic fluffy butt shot—pure gold.

Did You Know?

Mallard moms are fiercely protective. While they may seem calm, they’ll hiss, charge, or flap their wings to defend their babies from predators—or even from other ducks who get too close.

Did You Know?

Mallard ducklings imprint on their mother within hours of hatching. That’s why you’ll always see them trailing behind her or running ahead of her, no matter how fast she waddles or swims!

Their coloring caught my eye right away—little yellow puff balls with bold black stripes, like tiny feathered bumblebees. It’s fascinating, really, how temporary it all is. They won’t stay that way for long, but for now, they wear their baby colors like a badge of new life. Just another reminder of how beautifully nature equips its young—even if only for a short while.

They chirp the sweetest little sounds. I watched them pick at the water, mimic their mama’s every move, and wobble across land like little wind-up toys. Their coordination might be questionable, but their determination is unmatched.

Wood Duck Wonders: Stripes, Spots, and Elusive Beauty

The wood duck babies were a dream photo subject for me this season—and they did not disappoint. But before I found them, I spotted a full grown male wood duck and what looked like to be his son from last year.

This adult male wood duck is simply breathtaking. With iridescent greens, deep purples, bold whites, and rich chestnut tones, he looks like he was hand-painted by nature. Every time I see one, I’m stunned all over again. Their beauty never gets old—and capturing that in a photo feels like winning the wildlife lottery.

Just below is a photo of a young male wood duck—likely from last year’s spring brood. He hasn’t grown into his full colors yet, and his feathers were lightly speckled with white. It was such an interesting sight and a first for me! I actually had to do a double take. He was noticeably more skittish than the mallards nearby and vanished quickly, but that brief moment was a rare and beautiful glimpse into his transition from youth to adulthood.

I’ve noticed mallards tend to be bolder around humans, perhaps due to their size and adaptability, while wood ducks prefer distance. Still, I’m grateful for every glimpse they give.

The baby wood ducks were bigger than the mallard ducklings—maybe four times the size—and wore cream, yellow, and striking black striping. Their waddles were just as uncoordinated, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the distinctive little white spots on their butts.

Did You Know?

Wood ducklings are born with a soft mix of creamy yellow and black striping, along with a distinctive white spot near their tails. This unique coloring helps camouflage them among reeds and water plants while they learn to navigate their wetland world. As they grow, their colors gradually shift—males eventually develop the vibrant plumage wood ducks are famous for, while females take on more subtle, earthy tones for nesting and protection.

Watching them waddle around on land was pure joy—unsteady, but surprisingly fast! Their little legs worked overtime, and their tiny chicken wings stuck out at the sides like they were trying to balance or take off. It was equal parts clumsy and determined, and absolutely adorable.

This little guy fished something round out of the water—looked like a tiny ball—and I managed to catch the moment mid-crunch. As if that wasn’t cute enough, he even shot me the perfect side eye. How do they know I’m taking a photo? Honestly, the attitude is iconic. LOL.

This amazing little duckling had just dipped its head underwater, and I caught the exact moment when droplets ran off its tiny beak—pure magic. Watching these ducklings just being themselves brings me so much joy. There’s something incredibly grounding about observing wildlife as they explore, stumble, learn, and try again. They never give up. I love piecing together their little world, one moment at a time. And to this sweet duckling—I wish you the very best in this big wide world. May you live your fluffiest, happiest, most duck-tastic life.

I did notice something surprising unfolded before me—mallard moms don’t take kindly to wood duck families getting too close. I saw firsthand how territorial some mallards can be, even with other ducks. A reminder that survival in the wild isn’t always a peaceful affair.

As I sat by the ponds, watching ducklings zoom across the water and goslings snuggle in the grass, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These babies, born into the chaos of urban life, are thriving. And it’s clear they bring joy to more than just me. Every day, I see others visiting the parks, seed in hand, hoping to share a moment of connection with these beautiful wild families.

Spring has given me a new kind of love this year—one rooted in observation, admiration, and the realization that baby season isn’t just about cuteness. It’s about hope, community, and resilience. I can’t wait to see who waddles into view next. Stay tuned because baby season isn't over! More cute photos to come.