Every spring at the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer, newborn goslings follow their parents’ lead and bravely leap from their nests, catapulting themselves into the world.
Last year, refuge manager and photography hobbyist Jake Bonello snapped a few photos of six goslings taking their first flight — and the results were spectacular.
Jake Bonello/USFWS
“These Canada goose goslings had no choice but to commit,” the U.S. Department of the Interior recently wrote in a Facebook post. “Taking a 25-foot leap from their nest platform to join their parents below.”
Jake Bonello/USFWS
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, goslings are born in clutches of around six, hatching after an incubation period of about 25 days. Once out of their shells, goslings can walk and swim within 24 hours.
Jake Bonello/USFWS
Though these photos may look dramatic and death-defying, wildlife officials know that the goslings are just fine.
“Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal,” the U.S. Department of the Interior wrote. “Goslings are incredibly lightweight, and their fluffy down helps cushion the fall.”
Jake Bonello/USFWS
Safe with their family, the goslings will learn important skills to prepare them for life in the wild.
“They’ll spend the rest of the summer sticking close to their parents until they’re ready to take flight on their own,” the U.S. Department of the Interior wrote. “Here’s to making the leap into the weekend.”
