There is a new wildlife celebrity in Michigan. Little did this little Canada Goose gosling know when it decided to tag along with its newly formed Sandhill Crane family that it would become the center of attention for many visitors, birders and wildlife photographers alike.

In a place where Sandhill Cranes are regular nesters, their newly born colts have practically become yesterday’s news. Canada Goose goslings, cute in their own right, have nothing on the fame this little one will likely achieve.

Sandhill Cranes adopt Canada Goose

The story started earlier this month when this unlikely pairing occurred. Nobody knows for sure what happened, but somehow this gosling was adopted by a pair of Sandhill Cranes, and a new sibling colt. While it isn’t too uncommon for birds to hatch other species of birds eggs (some acts being predatory), this may very well be one of the first documented cases of Sandhill Cranes doing this. It isn’t clear if the cranes actually hatched the goose egg, or if the gosling just wandered into their nest. Regardless of how it happened, it is clear the bond is formed.

Throughout the past couple of weeks, this family found themselves surrounded by more paparazzi than the latest Hollywood fixation. Yes, of course I am exaggerating. As the news of their story has spread on social media, however, they have attracted the attention of more than a few people following them around.

Fortunately, the wildlife in this park (especially the Sandhills) is known for being fairly acclimated to humans, within reason. In my time observing them, people have kept a respectable distance, which is good. It is more likely this mashup crane family will wander in front of you if you happen to be where they want to go. Still, I hope this respect is maintained. There is no exclusion clause of being an idiot if you also happen to be a photographer.

A family that flies together…

I do wonder how long this bonded family will ultimately last. According to my invaluable Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings book by Baicich and Harrison, Canada Goose nestlings fly at around 9 weeks. Sandhill Crane colts develop their flight at 70 days. Both pretty close timeframes. With both species, the young hang around with their parents at least until the next Spring. Pretty soon the differences between the birds will become quite pronounced.

Already you can see the Sandhill colt’s legs really starting their growth spurt, in comparison to the gosling. I’ve noticed that little stubby-legged gosling does have trouble at times keeping up with its long-legged family. It will need to work harder in adapting to Crane Style Kung-Fu when the time comes.

It will be interesting to see how this family develops over the coming weeks and months. The little gosling is already learning the ins and outs of finding the best snails and worms these grassy fields can offer. It’s probably a lot better than that standard goose grub!

Sandhill Goose or Canada Crane?

I’ve heard some people jokingly refer to the adopted gosling as a “Sandhill Goose.” However, given the adoptive situation, I believe a more suitable reference would be a “Canada Crane,” taking on the latter half of the name. 🙂 Whichever name is more appropriate, there will be no shortage of baby pictures. Hollywood, perhaps even royalty, has nothing on this little young superstar.

–> see more photographs in my Sandhill Crane photos gallery

Update 10 July 2019 : It is with great sadness that I learned the news that the famous little gosling (now in July 2019 a fairly large Canada Goose) died. It was reported that the goose hit a branch on an attempt at flight near the golf course where the family frequently hung out. I remain skeptical of this cause as other earlier reports stated the goose couldn’t fly very much at all, let alone with enough force to cause a fatal injury.

This special family captured the hearts, wonder and admiration of so many. Rest in peace little one.