The Egyptian Goose Family

On 4th May, Wanstead Park was presented with six goslings by the pair of Egyptian Geese that have taken up residence there since last year.

Strictly, they were six ducklings, as Egyptian Geese are actually ducks - but that's a bit pedantic considering the six cute and fluffy, light-and-dark youngsters that I found sitting on a floating log near the bottom of the Glade, together with mum up close and dad keeping his eyes open.

It had been thought that they were nesting, as only one was typically to be seen in the preceding weeks, but sharp-eyed Pete Saunders reported to me that he had spotted their nest in a lopped ash on the east side of the Ornamental Waters, about 40 feet up in the hollow tree.

I was lucky to get some photographs on 4th, as by the 6th, the youngsters were not seen and have quite possibly been eaten. What took them is unknown, but there are a variety of predators in the area that could have done. These include the now-regular patrols of Lesser Black-backed Gulls - plus, apparently, some Herring Gulls - Carrion Crows which seem to be becoming adept at grabbing young water-birds, Pike - and the Mink. The last is a definite possibility as such a creature would at this time of year be having a right feast on many young water-birds in the Park. Perhaps it might be an idea to try to trap it - professionally, of course?

Paul Ferris, 6th May, 2011