Goose Does Cutest ‘Happy Dance’ Out of Joy Over Playing in Mud
If you're stressed out and could use a minute or so of Zen, this video that The Prickly Pear shared at the end of April will do it! The video is so relaxing to watch, and it might even make you want to do your own little happy dance!
Have you ever seen a goose's happy dance? Goose love playing in the mud and hunting for bugs and minerals in it. It makes them so happy that they pitter patter from side to side on their little feet. Make sure your sound is on while you watch because between the goslings' little peeps and the song playing along with it, it adds another layer of relaxation to the minute of joy!
I could watch The Prickly Pear's video on a loop! It is just so relaxing and so sweet. And the goslings are beyond adorable...the whole thing just made my day! WendyPatt63 also enjoyed the scene, "That is the cutest thing ever! Happy goose!" @DottieBird1 pointed out, "The way her babies watch her every move and what a good mamma she is. So sweet." @dubyamiller swooned, "Adorable!!! I love Harriet’s wet feathers! She looks so beautiful!" @mrs.heavyc wondered, "Is this a specific breed that has flowy feathers like that? She’s gorgeous!" and The Prickly Pear replied that Harriet is a Sebastopol goose.
Related: Goose’s Reaction to Her Pool Getting Filled Up With Water Is Just the Cutest
Why Do Geese Tap Their Feet?
Another commenter asked, "Is the feet tapping not to mimic rainfall on the ground to trick grubs to come to the surface? Like seagulls do?" I hadn't heard that before, so I did a little research. Turns out, geese tapping their feet like that may simply have to do with keeping their body temperature in check.
According to Bird Nature they use their feet to move (like walking, while swimming, and for flying), as well as thermoregulation, "Remarkably, geese's legs have a counter-current circulation system that retains heat, despite their large, naturally heat-radiating feet." They also tap or stomp their feet as a warning, though in this case, Harriett certainly wasn't doing that - she was happy!
If you've ever been around geese or really any birds, you probably have seen them stand on one leg. This also has to do with regulating their body temperature. Birding Outdoors explains, "Birds stand on one leg to reduce heat loss to the environment, reduce muscle fatigue, and rest better. More specifically, birds that stand on one leg reduced half of their heat loss to the environment. The colder blood in the veins is warmed up by the warmer blood in the arteries, helping the bird keep warm in cold environments. By standing on one leg, they are basically tucking their other featherless leg into their torso to reduce losing heat while they stand around."
Who knows, maybe the mud was cold or maybe the goose was happy. Either way it was fun to be able to see that little family enjoy a warm spring day!
Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
