He counted 25 goslings one day, then 30 the next until he finally spotted the mama goose and her mate with 47 babies. Digout realized that this amazing mama was caring for goslings from many different families. This is known as a gang brood and is common in urban and suburban areas with lots of nests.
Gang broods are formed when especially patient parents babysit other geese’s children, giving their friends a few nights off.
And it was clear to Digout that this goose mama was made for the job: “It was incredible how calm she was with so many goslings around,” Digout said. “She seems like such a patient mom.”
The goslings are quickly growing up, and can no longer all fit under their mom. Now, they sleep in one big pile while she keeps watch.
The gang brood has since split into three large family units — but this supermom and her mate are still caring for 25 babies. And they’ll continue to keep them safe until it’s time to fly south once again.