Let's Talk About Egyptian Geese

One of my favorite things that photography allows me to do is capture growth. It’s one thing to have the privilege of watching it first hand but it’s even better when I get to share it with the world.

This momma and her two babies are Egyptian Geese. Don’t let their name fool you though, they are actually a shelduck (which is a cross between a duck and a goose). Ancient Egyptians viewed them as sacred and began domesticating them. They originated around the Nile river and were brought over to the U.S to be used as decorations in private ponds and aviaries, but it didn’t take them long to escape into the wild. They currently take up residence in roughly 6 states.

These “geese” are monogamous and pair for life. While they are not considered to be endangered now that could be a threat in the near future. They are now being regarded as agricultural pests and are being poisoned, shot, or hunted for sport. But for now these babies are safe with us. Everyone at the park enjoys watching them, and I hope you enjoyed learning about them.