05/07/2026
Shelter-- Naperville, IL
I was out for a hike on a cold, overcast Sunday morning when I came across a pair of geese with their 6 goslings in tow. As is typical, my early exposures were uninspired and generic as I got a feel for their movements and considered what kind of composition I could pull off.
That’s when the rain started. The geese retreated along the river line and I backed off to put a cover over my camera.
But when I returned, the goslings were gone. Nowhere to be seen. How did six tiny geese suddenly disappear?
That’s when I got a closer look- the goslings weren’t gone, they were simply being sheltered from the storm, huddled under their mother’s wing.
I knew they wouldn’t come out until the rain stopped. So I crouched and waited, keeping them in frame. The dad was nearby, staring me down, ready to rough me up if I stepped much closer. Eventually the rain subsided, the curious gaggle poked out their heads, and my shot presented itself.
The spring reveals countless occurrences of nature’s maternal instincts; maybe that’s why May is when we celebrate Mother’s Day.
Happy Mother’s Day, to moms everywhere.
