Stowe Lake is a man-made lake with a large island in the middle, so it seems less like a lake than a free-form moat around a steep, wild hill. Paved walkways circumnavigate the lake, and dirt paths circle and traverse the island. Two bridges allow access to the island, one picturesque stone arch, and a paved utilitarian drive. As you circle the lake, you see a pagoda, a small falls, a boat rental spot, turtles, gulls, pigeons, ducks, geese, herons — birds galore.
If the lake were more manicured, it would seem entirely too artificial, but its age and overgrowth lend it an otherworldly air, especially when you realize it is less than 50 feet from the two main roads through the park.
Stowe Lake draws a regular and diverse local crowd. Elderly Russians pushing their unbelievably-old mothers in wheelchairs, elderly Chinese women slowly accompanying their creaky cane-assisted parents, teenage couples texting and smooching, 50-somethings powerwalking with their dogs, young parents in the paddleboats with their kids.
I usually avoid Stowe Lake because it is so well-attended, but about a month ago I had a sneaking feeling it was time to stop in for a look. And that’s when I saw my first goslings, and the following week, the ducklings. (see “Proof of Spring”)
The other day, I was tired and heading home, but I was so close to Stowe Lake I had to stop by. It was after six — the sun lowering in the sky and the wind picking up… the time when birds have their last foray into the world for a little air and a snack before settling in for the night. On that day, I saw a goose.
And then a gosling, and another gosling, and another. Then another gosling and another gosling…. That mother goose was amazing prolific, I thought. Then as the parade continued, I realized this was not a single family I was seeing at all… It was a two. Four geese, ten goslings — the children completely commingled.
The parents carefully corralled their children when grouped, then lead the way with sentries along the side and following up at the rear. No gosling was left behind.
It reminded me of elementary school field trips, but it was much more than that. It was co-parenting — sweet and amazing to see. I give you evidence of old-school, big-family parenting in the wild….
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