The mother Canada Goose and her four goslings who had taken up residence in the eagle’s nest at the Gladys Black Eagle Cam site have flown the coop! The goose laid six eggs, and four hatched in the 80 feet high nest. Watchers from all over the world have observed the goose and her goslings for several days. According to Marion County Naturalist Marla Mertz, in general, Canada Goose goslings leave the nest when they are ready to follow the mother.

Thursday afternoon at approximately 4:42, those watching saw the drama of the mother goose trying to decide whether or not to abandon the two unhatched eggs and leave with the four goslings. Finally, she decided and left, and all four goslings jumped after her, falling 80 feet to the ground. Mertz tells KNIA/KRLS News that ground observers saw Mother Goose and her four goslings shortly after the leap, and that they are doing well. When last seen, they were cruising the still waters of Lake Red Rock.