Most everybody has been hissed at by a moody cat.

But have you ever had opportunity to be face-to-face with an overprotective gander?

One our favorite pastimes while vacationing at Fun Valley is to be accosted by the gander member of the Cananda Geese family.

We really start out feeding the goslings, but challenged by the father goose, the gander, it becomes a game to get closer and closer to the goslings while being hissed at. If you didn't know,  geese have little teeth. By not chickening out as the distance between me and the gander closed in- I saw them.

We make sure and have bread on hand to feed them and lure them in.  We have done it enough times now as to notice a pattern.

You see them coming, the goose, the goslings and then the gander-One big happy family.

They waddle near. And they wait.

We throw small pieces of bread, each piece nearer as to catch a close glimpse. The mom (goose) is just a bit smaller than the dad (gander).  The goose leads the way followed by the goslings.  The gander brings up the rear. Our eyes are usually on the babies. But this year, my sister noticed something.  While the goslings, and the goose are gobbling up bits of bread, the father stands behind and watches over the brood.

He doesn't eat when they eat.

He just stands tall and watches- hissing viciously at anyone who dares to bring them harm.

He has an impressive wing span too as he bats those wings warning you to step back if you get too close.

It's just as the goslings and mama are full and start to meander, that the dad grabs a few nibbles to-go and follows his family.

He wants you to know that his little ones are under his watchful eye;  under his constant protection.

Oh to have a father like that.

He will cover you with his feathers,

 and under his wings you will will find refuge;

 his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

-Psalm 91:4