Did you know that National Geographic has its own pair of resident ducks, and that they’re undeniably cute?
Every year, a pair of mallard ducks visits @NatGeo to lay eggs and hang out in our courtyard fountain. @natashaldaly wrote about how they often lay eggs too early. https://t.co/9TniEnBjrN pic.twitter.com/yvCofvXe5x
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) April 9, 2019
This year, sadly, they did lay eggs too early, and they didn't hatch. But we have another visitor. A pair of Canada geese have taken up residence on our third floor! @nickasconi, who sits right next to them, got this pic: pic.twitter.com/OfvVaXoPSU
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 9 April 2019
Update: We've now closed off part of the @natgeo courtyard to protect the geese…and to protect museum visitors from the geese. pic.twitter.com/2tTq7pXivW
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 19 April 2019
Kicked out of the courtyard by the geese, Mrs. Duck is now nesting in a flower box on a busy sidewalk. pic.twitter.com/GFjm56TFRv
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 19 April 2019
No goslings from Mother Goose yet. On the duck front, however, a @natgeo staffer added a sign to help Mrs. Duck nest safely. pic.twitter.com/bkgVZa711l
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 24 April 2019
The goslings have hatched! All six were born on Saturday. They're still up on the ledge, and @DCCityWildlife is standing by if they need help getting down. Live stream here: https://t.co/ffAn9WYJPy pic.twitter.com/oZdlaXgkKX
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 29 April 2019
Canada geese usually make an nest on the ground, but their goslings are capable of falling a couple stories safely. They've got plenty of food on the third-floor ledge, but they'll need to come down for water soon. pic.twitter.com/Dr5Yi8Btkg
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 29 April 2019
For now, Mama Goose is keeping them away from the ledge, and Papa Goose scared off a crow. Crows predate on ducklings, but goose parents are much bigger and more aggressive thank ducks, so it's less of a risk for goslings.
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 29 April 2019
Huge shout-out to @DCCityWildlife today for an EPIC gosling rescue today at @NatGeo pic.twitter.com/wTkp2LEXNg
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 29 April 2019
The goslings needed down, but they weren’t about to jump. First we tried a bucket – the goslings could be lowered down the side, so Mom and Dad wouldn’t lose site of them. No go, though. pic.twitter.com/NOFS7Kz7lI
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 29 April 2019
The whole staff helped keep them on track. pic.twitter.com/L645PP88QA
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 29 April 2019
So the only option was to lead the WHOLE FAMILY through the third floor pic.twitter.com/SmfTQ0ULL0
— Rachael Bale (@Rachael_Bale) 29 April 2019
