Can't See the Humans for the Geese

Every now and then a real nice story comes along about geese and humans.

 

Such was the case earlier this weekend from Piedmont, California.  A group of human mothers aiding a new family of geese to cross traffic and arrive safely with their goslings to a nearby lake:

 

http://piedmont.patch.com/articles/moms-on-the-move-humans-and-canada-geese#photo-10068743

 

I believe these mothers to be typical of most normal, thinking and feeling Americans.

 

As a people, we appreciate nature and wildlife.  Our hearts and empathy particularly go out to other "parents" in nature struggling to raise their young.

 

But, I could not help but wonder when reading this story, "What if these mothers lived in New York City instead of California?"

 

What if, after guiding this family of geese to safe haven, the mothers learned three weeks later that the same family was rounded up by government agencies (USDA
Wildlife Services) and shipped to a slaughterhouse?

 

My guess is the mothers would be horrified and outraged.

 

But, mothers throughout New York City are facing just that in another month.

 

Gaggles of helpless geese, including many families with young goslings will be rounded up from city parks and one wildlife refuge and sent to slaughter.

 

What do the mothers tell their children who ask, "Mommy, where are the geesies?"

 

I am thinking particularly of the young mother I met a few weeks ago at Harlem Meer. A loving mother who brought her 6-year-old daughter every weekend to "feed the ducks and geese" in Central Park.

 

The woman told me how much her little girl looked forward to seeing the birds in the park and how much they both loved animals.

 

"Unfortunately, where we live, we are not allowed to have any pets." the young mother confided. "Coming here is my daughter's only way to connect with and enjoy animals."

 

A few minutes following this brief conversation, the little girl asked to walk around with my dogs. Seeing the smile and hopefulness on her face, I could only say yes.

 

For many children, particularly those growing up in urban "no pet" apartments, their only means of seeing and learning about animals and nature are their city parks.  In many cases, the families don't have the means and finances to take their children for country drives or trips to Yellowstone.

 

But, these days there are no geese at Harlem Meer and very few ducks.

 

The young mother and her child were actually chased away from one area of the Meer that day by fisher people when the little girl attempted to feed a duck.  

 

Are these shades of things shortly to come?

 

It sadly appears that way.

 

Over the years, I have witnessed thousands of little children, young romantic couples, senior citizens, photographers and even many exercise enthusiasts stop to take special moment and enjoyment of the wildlife in Central Park. 

 

And no animal has been the beneficiary of that outpouring of human wonder and awe more than Canada geese.

 

That is due to the particularly social nature of the geese and their willingness to trust and "invite" humans into their lives.  

 

I can never forget particularly, the utter joy and smiles on the children's faces when Mama and Papa raised their six goslings at Turtle Pond in 2010.

 

It was literally a bounty of human love, generosity and adoration pouring out every day at the small pond near Belvedere Castle.

 

Small wonder Mama and Papa and their six balls of yellow fluff readily waddled up to people and children everyday.  Indeed, they even quickly learned to trust most of the dogs passing through, including my two.

 

Turtle Pond seems so empty now without this major life force and source of entertainment for thousands of people (though fortunately, geese are still present at the nearby Boat Lake -- at least for the moment).

 

But, let us not foolishly assume it is only children, parents or senior citizens who take special pleasure and comfort in geese.

 

I have seen many an otherwise "macho man" tossing bread to geese.  I even recall the young rap singer "serenading" a gaggle of Canada geese on a nearly frozen Harlem Meer one January afternoon in 2011:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyjYuoUDWx4

 

And he wasn't the only rapper liking geese.  There is also this YouTube video (which is admittedly better, though "saltier" than mine): 

 

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYWtHVk24Gg&feature=related

 

One could say geese have a diverse fan club that seemingly knows no bounds.

 

Still the question remains, How will all these people feel when they wake up one day to realize the geese who "used to be everywhere" and who they so "loved" are suddenly gone?

 

Another question to ask:   Why is it the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's job ("duty of care") to "insure airline safety" by arranging for the killings of thousands of resident park geese throughout NYC's five boroughs?

 

Should that not be the responsibility of the FAA and the aerospace industry to insure their planes are "safe" for travel?

 

It seems the PANYNJ's main responsibility should be to insure that trains, buses and planes arrive and depart on time.

 

If we want to stretch their responsibilities to include more, then perhaps an argument can be made that the PANYNJ has some obligation to insure that runways and airports are safe for landings and departures.

 

But, contracting with  paid killers (USDA) to invade city parks within 7 miles of an airport to roundup and slaughter geese seems a "responsibility" that goes way outside the normal realms and expectations of a Port Authority.

 

How did we ever get to this sorry and inexplicable state of affairs?

 

It seems the Port Authority, the FAA, the aerospace industry and at least one New York Senator have some "s'plaining" to do.

 

Not to me, necessarily.  But to all those urban mothers with small children whose only "connection"  to animals and wildlife are the geese and ducks in their local park, to the senior citizens who look to the birds in our parks as companionship and comfort when adult kids have moved away,  to romantic couples gazing upon the loving antics of the geese or even to aspiring city rappers who sometimes find their best audience might be a gaggle of geese in the grass or on a frozen lake.

 

Explain the excuses to them.

 

So busy are our politicians, agency officials and wildlife killers preparing documents, "bills" and arranging for our so-called "safety" through reckless slaughter that they don't stop to actually look at what is happening around them and what actually matters to people..

 

One could say they can't see the parks or the humans in them for the geese. -- PCA

 

 

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"Build It and They Will Come -- And Then We Killed Them All"

When are press releases sent out and news stories run that politicians and officials generally don't want the public to see?

 

Fridays and Saturdays as a general rule.  But, if such stories can run on a holiday weekend, so much the better.

 

This past Friday, Mayor Bloomberg publicly released his 2011 tax returns -- presumably with the hope that few people would see it.

 

And yesterday, the Daily News ran this piece about the upcoming bird carnage at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge:

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/usda-bird-strike-prevention-plan-cull-half-dozen-bird-species-jamaica-bay-article-1.1085167

 

Presumably, Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) is breathing a sigh of relief.

 

Because if there is one thing the ambitious senator would not want her animal-loving, environmentalist or naturalist constituency to see, it is her proposed massacre of all Canada geese (and their babies) as well as six other birds species on the "crown jewel" of wildlife refuges -- Jamaica Bay.

 

It is no small irony that less than a year ago, the DEC and DEP issued a press release announcing the multi-million dollar plan to clean up and "restore" the famous ecosystem that each year attracts millions of visitors and nature lovers:

 

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/press_releases/11-49pr.shtml

 

So, while we are spending millions of tax dollars to restore and create pristine "marsh lands" to attract birds, we are also launching (tax funded) plans to wipe the birds out.

 

"Build it and they will come-- and then we will kill them all." 

 

That should be the new motto for Jamaica Wildlife Refuge -- or, the new recipient of the "Golden Goose Award" given out for senseless, conflicting and colossal wastes of tax dollars.

 

It is truly despicable that any government agency or politician would capitalize and profit on public paranoia that they themselves (along with the media) created.

 

The chance of someone being killed as result of a plane colliding with a Canada goose is about a trillion to one.  One is far more likely to die while walking in the park on a sunny day and being killed by a falling tree branch (which has actually happened).

 

But, we are not chopping down all the trees -- nor are we avoiding city parks.

 

Canada geese and other birds are of course, easy targets and victims.

 

They have no lobbyists in Washington,  they can't "Occupy Wall Street" nor can they even vote.

 

Low level government workers can simply invade the parks and refuge when the birds cannot fly, round up entire families, stuff them in trucks and drop them off at a slaughterhouse.  

 

Easy.  Relatively cheap.

 

The politicians and other officials can then announce, "We did something to insure airline safety!"

 

Just don't ask what the "something" was.

 

I am merely wondering if the USDA and Senator Gillibrand will send out press releases just prior to the actual culls?

 

"USDA to begin shootings and Canada goose roundups tomorrow at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.   Media invited!"  

 

Ah, but the USDA only do their roundups on weekdays and non-holidays.

 

Not the best times for news you want no one to see.

 

"Build it and they will come -- and then we killed them all! "

 

Not sure that we will see this slogan on Senator Gillibrand's campaign ads this fall.

 

But, she will need to have some explanation to the millions of tourists, bird and nature lovers who show up to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with cameras and binoculars asking, "Where are all the birds?" -- PCA

 

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Romantic Holiday Getaways (Yes, Geese Do mark Human Calendars!)

Long, Memorial Day holiday weekend.

 

Time for beaches, amusement parks and in some cases, romantic adventures and getaways.

 

But, I was worried yesterday when arriving to the Boat Lake and not seeing Mama and Papa in their usual spots.

 

Where are they? 

 

A lone goose was swimming on the water and honking repeatedly.

 

Is that Papa?  Did something happen to Mama?  Oh my God!

 

It is highly unusual for these two "love birds" not to be immediately seen together.

 

I could not figure what was going on, but for the moment, was distracted by the new family of geese who apparently have taken a recent liking to one of the rock formations off the Ramble.

 

I went to spend a little time with them before heading off on a search for Mama and Papa.

 

Knowing the father of this family to be extremely protective and untrusting of dogs, I parked my two dogs, Tina and Chance an extra few feet away from the family.

 

But, that did not deter the overly wary gander from staring in their direction and continually hissing for the roughly half hour that I spent with him, his "wife" and their six goslings.

 

Although I only know this family less than a week, the goslings grow by the day.

 

They are already as big as mallards, though still possess some of that yellowish, fine down.

 

The goslings are particularly trustful of humans and readily walk up, demanding treats. Several of them I can pet, though both parent geese keep a particularly watchful eye of that.  One false move and I might well be a goner.   I still have that image of the parent geese banishing the snapping turtle from the rock a few nights ago and sending him plunging into the water.

 

That could be me, though luckily I can swim.

 

Nevertheless, still worried over not seeing Mama and Papa, I cut the visit with the family short. With two parents as vigilant as these two, I have no great and immediate fears for the Mom, Dad and six obedient goslings who stay within a very tight group. The parents watch their babies better than eagles.

 

Nervous, I reclaimed my dogs and began to walk along the edge of the lake to areas in the Ramble neither I nor Mama and Papa normally go.

 

Thick brush, tall trees, winding paths and off limit areas made full visibility on the Boat Lake somewhat difficult.  But I was determined to walk the entire perimeter of the water if I had to!

 

After about 15 minutes, I finally reached a clearing that allowed visibility to the water as well as public access. 

 

And low and behold, I could make out two geese ambling lazily among the wood chips on the ground.

 

Going closer,  I noticed the one lame gander and the missing webbing on Mama's right foot.

 

It was Mama and Papa!

 

"Well, what in the world are you guys doing all the way over here?  Do you realize the scare you gave me?  I thought something horrible had happened!

 

Papa gave his usual low honk greeting and Mama waddled up to take treats from my hand as she always does.

 

Neither goose made any apology.

 

Meanwhile, a third goose who was standing on a rock nearby began to make his way over to curiously investigate.  Mama gave a forward head motion as if to say, "We don't mind you hanging with us, but don't spoil our party!!"  (Was this the goose I saw earlier swimming and honking on the lake?  Could be.)

 

And while all this was happening, two of Mama and Papa's grown "kids" from 2010, took several "joy flies" over the lake, flying in circles and honking loudly.

 

"Wow, listen to the racket those two are creating!" I said to Mama and Papa. "You'd better tell them to quiet down or they'll have the USDA here in no time!"

 

But, Mama and Papa were too enjoying their little romantic adventure to pay my warnings - or me much mind.

 

It is, after all a holiday weekend.

 

Finally saying goodnight to Mama and Papa and leaving the little cozy enclave, I wasn't quite sure where I was.

 

I then realized I very close to Bow Bridge -- one of the most "romantic" areas in all of Central Park and a popular hangout for lovers!

 

Ah, OK, I get it now!

 

Walking back the same way I came, the goose family had settled down on the rock for the evening ahead.   Parents on each side and the goslings clustered together in two groups of three.   But, the gander immediately looked at me passing with my dogs and hissed.

 

"Oh, hush up there, Dad!  We are just passing through. Its a holiday. RELAX!

 

Ganders of goose families never in fact, "sleep."   If they attempt to rest at all, it is with both eyes open all of the time.

 

I have often wondered what geese do during the dark hours of night when parks are closed and all is generally quiet?

 

But, as speculated in the past, I believe the geese secretly read newspapers and also check calendars.

 

Most of the geese have in fact, left NYC parks just prior to anticipated USDA roundups.  The few who remain are those "resident" geese who have been hatched and raised in city parks.

 

But, I trust my Central Park geese have some kind of plan for splitting up and avoiding USDA culls.

 

As for the "calendars," well there is no doubt the geese are very aware of all the holidays we humans mark.

 

Just three weeks ago, Mama and Papa's grown "kids" returned to visit them on the home rock during Mother's Day.

 

And of course last night, there was that little "romantic adventure" to Bow Bridge by Mama and Papa.

 

What better way to celebrate the beginning of a long, holiday "getaway" weekend?

 

I believe Mama and Papa settled down to a candlelight dinner after I left, listened to the bongo drum "concert" from nearby Bethesda Fountain and probably took some night photos from the ever romantic, Bow Bridge. --- PCA

 

 

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"D'em Damn Geese!" -- Airline Terrorists AND Lazy Loafers?

 

Forget about making it on American Idol or winning a Nobel prize.

 

It seems if one wants to really "make the news" these days, all one has to do is whine about and demonize geese.

 

Certainly, Senator Gillibrand (D- NY) made national news recently when announcing her bill to wipe out Canada geese at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and virtually all of New York City.

 

The senator depicted the geese as suicidal winged terrorists of the skies, bringing down airliners every chance they could get.

 

"We cannot wait another day to take action!" Ms. Gillibrand added passionately.

 

(Undoubtedly, the "concerned" senator must have read and taken to heart, this piece published a few years ago:  http://informedvote.ca/2009/01/18/canadian-geese-added-to-terror-watch-list/ )

 

Although the senator has been involved with many other pieces of legislation, it is her proposed "war on geese" at a wildlife refuge that gained her national attention and media spotlight.

 

Nevertheless, most publicized complaints about geese are the exact opposite.

 

Instead of suicidal winged terrorists stalking our skies and airliners, Canada geese are "one bunch of lazy birds" who "don't go anywhere."

 

"You have to just about run them over with a golf cart to get them to walk, not fly, out of your way" laments one disgruntled writer to a newspaper, who of course was published:

 

http://www.the-signal.com/section/35/article/66317/

 

I was always under the impression that to get anything published in a newspaper, the letter, Op-Ed or article had to be well written and present some evidence of fact or claim.

 

But, that is apparently not true when complaining about Canada geese. All one need do well is whine.

 

A couple of weeks ago, a news crew from "Channel 2 Action News" in Georgia rushed out with cameras and some measure of urgency to cover the story of the "scourge" of Canada geese "messing up" some old woman's lawn. 

 

 http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/newest-urban-scourge-geese-1439247.html

 

But, there were no geese to film when the news crew (and CSI team?) arrived to the crime scene.   Nevertheless,  the video and article ran anyway on the local news. 

 

Facts and evidence not needed.  Just a big mouth whining about geese is all that is necessary these days to gain publicity and get one's name or mug in newspapers or on TV.

 

But, here is the question to ask of all these "news reports."

 

"Which is it?"  

 

Either the geese are suicidal terrorists of the skies taking down airliners left and right.  Or, they are a "lazy bunch who don't go anywhere."

 

Can they really be both? 

 

Ah, such a pity that we can't pin Wall Street boondoggles, violent crimes or climate change on Canada geese.

 

But, fear not.

 

Someone is presumably figuring out how to do just that.

 

After all, no better and easier way to gain notoriety and "fame" than by blaming Canada geese for all the ills of the world.

 

"Ah, 'dem damm geese!  T'aint good for notin!" -- New York Times, can you hear me now?     --- PCA

 

 

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Parenting Skills and High Survivability of Canada Geese

There is reason why Canada geese survive so well much to the chagrin or dismay of many humans.

 

There is probably no other animal who is so fiercely alert and protective of its young. And the species as a whole prioritizes families at the very top of its social structure and hierarchy.

 

There is definite reason for the popular term, "Mother goose" and quite frankly, "Father gander" should be right up there as well.

 

The two together create a formidable team and pity any animal or occasional human who strays too close to the family or poses any kind of threat to the goslings.

 

But, while geese with broods shoot straight to the top of goose hierarchy, deference is also displayed to the senior members of goose gaggles and flocks.

 

It is the youthful, non-breeding geese who tend to get batted around and rank lowest on the goose totem poles. It probably takes several years for geese to learn all the complexities and rules of the species, as well as rise in status.  And the latter mostly occurs when the geese finally mate and successfully produce offspring. (About three-years of age.)

 

In many ways, Canada geese are a great deal like humans, though "divorce" doesn't seem to exist among mated pairs of geese -- nor, bad parenting. 

 

Its almost as if their rules are set in stone and every goose seems to follow them -- though there are the occasional young upstarts or "rebels" who may stray too far from the gaggle or go off on their own adventures.  When that occurs, usually two siblings will be assigned to "go get them."  (Observed that over this past winter with migratory geese who wintered at Harlem Meer.)

 

While nature can often be merciless towards the young, (taking them days or weeks after hatching or birth), Canada geese (and humans)  might just be the two exceptions to the rule.

 

That is mostly due to superior parenting skills and traditional raising of the young by both parents.

 

It is speculated that most healthy goslings hatched in Canada geese survive until adulthood, unless something happens to both parents.  That is sadly not true for most animal species who bear multiple young at one time.

 

Goslings are more fortunate than most -- thanks to the devotion and vigilance of their parents and protection of the species as a whole.

 

Some, but not all of these things were observed again last night when at the Central Park Boat Lake to visit with "Mama and Papa" goose.

 

Mama and Papa are of course the "senior resident geese" of the Boat Lake and probably all of Central Park.   They produced and successfully raised their own family of six goslings in 2010 and though they again attempted to nest this year, the one or two eggs did not hatch (which is probably good due to Mama's age and declining vigor).

 

Nevertheless, Mama and Papa still command and receive top respect and deference of the other geese at the Boat Lake -- with the now exception of the new goose family.

 

Similar to two nights ago, I was sitting on a rock feeding treats to Mama and Papa while two younger geese stood peacefully off to the side.  My two dogs rested quietly about ten feet away.  Both Mama and Papa (as well as the other younger geese) are very used to my dogs and barely pay them any mind -- nor my dogs to them.

 

But, this was a different and smaller rock formation than the one on the west side of the lake where we encountered the new goose family two nights ago. At that time, my dogs were leashed and tethered to a small wire fence about 20 feet from the geese. 

 

Though I didn't think about this initially last night, I soon would......

 

Suddenly, I could see from the corner of my eye, what appeared two geese swimming in our direction.

 

But, when Papa raised his head and started to honk loudly, I knew it was the new goose family.

 

As they did two nights ago, Papa and Mama immediately ceased eating and moved to the far side of the rock -- apparently to "clear the way" for the goose family.

 

Although there are six goslings in the new goose family, it is hard to see them when the family is swimming as the little ones are tightly wedged between both parents.  The family appears like one unit in the water.

 

The family arrived to the rock and once again, the gander was the first to climb on -- presumably to insure it was "safe."

 

The goslings then followed with Mother goose carefully holding up the back.

 

But, "Daddy" gander was not entirely happy.

 

His eyes were fixed upon my two dogs ten feet away and he hissed loudly and frequently.

 

Fortunately, my dogs neither reacted nor moved a muscle.

 

After a while, the gander seemed to "figure" that my dogs were not a serious threat.

 

Although he eventually stopped hissing, he never took his gaze from them.

 

Meanwhile, the goslings merrily and confidently pranced up to me and begged for food -- a couple of them being so bold as to gently peck at my hand.  (This family is well used to people -- probably from growing up near Bethesda Fountain, a popular tourist spot.)

 

Like the Daddy goose, Mother also watched carefully, though occasionally lowering her head to swoop sunflower seeds from the rock.

 

(Photos from last night available here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.314891748588907.81036.114425621968855&type=3 )

 

Both parent geese chased off ducks wandering too close to the goslings and at one point the Daddy goose,  apparently not satisfied with the distance of the two juvenile geese, vigorously went after and banished them from the rock.

 

"Begone with you, you young pups! You stray too far over the line!"

 

Lesson learned for two juvenile geese still figuring out the rules of goose life.

 

But, new father gander made no motions towards Mama and Papa at the far side of the rock. Seniority counts for something.

 

All went smoothly from that point on -- until a large snapping turtle made its way on the rock and started to move towards the sunflower seeds -- and too close to the goslings.

 

BOTH  parent geese, suddenly united to flap wings and aggressively go after the huge turtle.

 

Turtles are not noted to move fast -- but this one did. Within seconds the turtle was off the rock and back in the water.

 

Parent geese mean business.  -- So much so, even I was a bit spooked by them with the huge, flapping wings, hissing and lightening fast motion.

 

Canada geese are often accused of being "aggressive" when guarding nests and young.

 

I don't know that "aggressive" is truly the correct term as I have never seen a Canada goose actually hurt anything. (They have no teeth or claws, after all.)

 

But,  they can seem quite formidable by making themselves appear much larger than they actually are.  Canada geese curl and bend their heads like snakes and even copy snake-like hisses.  That along with the outstretched and flapping wings is enough to scare off most predatory animals, including foxes and possibly even coyotes.

 

Once, when Papa and Mama were raising their goslings and I encountered them one night along a grassy pedestrian path, Papa approached my dogs in this manner and it was the one time I was actually spooked and worried for my dogs.  I slowly and carefully had to back off.  I realized later, that the family was more vulnerable on the path away from the water and that was why Papa took on what appeared to be a more "aggressive" stance.

 

Watching the way both parent geese reacted quickly to the threat of the large snapping turtle last night reminded me of that incident.

 

As the sun went down and I was depleted of treat, I realized it was time to leave -- though I could have stayed another hour, the scene before me was so fascinating.

 

Daddy goose was still watching my dogs, though had long ceased hissing at them. The goslings and Mother continued to sweep up any remaining seeds on the rock.   And meanwhile, it appeared that Mama and Papa goose might settle down for the evening on the far side of the rock as they had done two nights earlier.  

 

Was this an extra pair of eyes for protection?  Normally, Mama and Papa retreat in the evening to the small rock in the middle of the lake.

 

I am guessing that whenever the family finally left to return to their normal resting spot, Mama and Papa probably did too.

 

But, I did not wait for that.

 

Instead, I carefully retrieved my dogs and we gingerly made our way from the rock and the Ramble.  I am sure the Daddy gander was watching us every step of the way.

 

What I learned from the evening is that while much can be said for the intelligence, adaptability, resiliency and steadfastness of Canada geese, the one thing that sets them apart from almost all of nature (and even many human lifestyles) is their fierce alertness and protection of young and truly superior parenting skills.

 

It is the rare gosling that (unless ill) doesn't make it with two healthy Canada goose parents and equally protective species members.

 

That is the main reason for the high survivability of Canada geese.  -- PCA

 

 

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Back to the Future -- Bye Bye Blackbirds and Bye Bye Geese

I am taking a not-so-nostalgic trip back in time today.

 

Specifically past goose roundups in New York City and USDA's "Wildlife Services" spectacular record in wiping out animals.

 

First there is a revisit to an article from the New York Times following last year's USDA goose roundups and slaughters:

 

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/26/fewer-canada-geese-so-fewer-are-killed/

 

 Note the title:  "Fewer Canada Geese at NYC Parks, So Fewer Are Rounded Up and Killed."   The USDA in fact, struggled last year to make its prediction (or quota) of rounding up between "700 - 800" geese from New York City. They "only" got 575 geese -- and that required several revisits to parks -- in one case, rounding up as few as 7 geese.

 

But, the really strange thing about the above article is that originally it included the "2011 Goose Removal Report" prepared by the USDA as a sidebar and actually referenced it. But, the Removal  report is no longer included or "available" in the article even when clicking on the "report" link.

 

It was, of course, quite shameful to realize when reading the report that the USDA stretched its own protocols when rounding up less than ten geese in some areas.. That in addition to the fact the 575 geese only yielded "424 lbs of edible meat" (less than one pound per 10lb bird) after an arduous journey to a Pennsylvania slaughterhouse almost 4 hours away. 

 

One guesses the USDA doesn't really want that information on such a public site  as the New York Times. Some people actually read the reports. 

 

Nevertheless, the real question to ask when reading the Times piece from last year is, "What geese are they going to round up and kill this year?"

 

If the USDA was so successful "removing" and "reducing" NYC's Canada goose population to less than half of what it was and if they could not meet their own kill quotas last year, then how are they going to fulfill Senator Gillibrand's demand for a goose genocide in NYC this year? (Gilibrand targets geese near JFK, where they haven't hit a plane in nearly 2 y)

 

Well, there is always the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge which in the past actually acted like a "Refuge" by refusing to allow USDA access to come and kill all its geese.

 

But, that is supposed to change this year according to the demands of the ambitious and opportunistic Senator running for re-election.  Gillibrand is attempting to fast track a bill through Congress that calls for the "elimination" of all the geese at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge by this August..

 

This despite the fact that there are new families of geese at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge --including recently hatched goslings. (Obviously, no non-lethal methods of "goose control" --such as egg addling -- were implemented at the refuge. Killing seems to be the preferred method of government agencies and the USDA -- and they are experts at it.)

 

The goose and gosling roundups at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge should make a very pretty picture.  USDA low level workers invading a wildlife refuge, corralling entire families of terrified, defenseless geese and their babies, cramming them into turkey crates and trucking them to slaughter.

 

One wonders if the New York Times or ABC News will be invited to take photographs and shoot video of this important news event?  Such would go nicely on "Re-elect Senator Gillibrand!" posters and commercials. "She gets things done!"

 

Just don't ask what the "things" are.

 

Speaking of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, there is this fascinating (or perhaps hilarious now) press release issued by the DEC last year:

 

DEC Announces Signing of Jamaica Bay Water Quality Agreements

 

The DEC announced project to clean up Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge from pollution from waste water plants and  restore critical wetlands and marshes.   It refers to Jamaica Bay as the "crown jewel" of wildlife preservation areas and a "major attraction for thousands of tourists and bird lovers."

 

One wonders how those "bird lovers" are going to enjoy watching  USDA goose and gosling roundups?  The photos should be something to post on Flickr sites.

 

But, perhaps photos of an empty "wildlife refuge" and "estuary" might be even better?

 

One has to wonder what birds are going to stick around when witnessing other birds rounded up and crammed into trucks?

 

One also has to wonder what the "wetlands and marshes" are actually being "restored" for?

 

An introduction of crocodiles perhaps?

 

One has to laugh or cry when realizing the absurdity and apparent disability of government agencies to read their own press releases and some Senators to read anything at all regarding an issue before running to the halls of Congress with insidious "bill" proposals.

 

Nevertheless, one need not go back to the past to realize where we are now.

 

Below are two recent articles about USDA "Wildlife Services:"

 

Consciousness TV | USDA Admits Exterminating Birds, Crops, and Bees | 2012 Ind

 

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/mwaage/usda-wildlife_services_dog_kil.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+switchboard_mwaage+%28Switchboard%3A+Melissa+Waage%27s+Blog%29

 

It appears that killing geese merely represents the tip of the USDA's spectacular extermination iceberg on animals -- especially birds.

 

"Bye bye, blackbirds" and bye bye geese.

 

We are essentially, "back to the future."  -- PCA

 

 

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USDA: Stay Away from our Babies!

 (Photo:  New family of geese at the Boat Lake last night! -- other photos in link towards end of text entry)

 

What does one do when devoid of hope and dreading the future?

 

Where does one run when running on empty?

 

I run in search of geese. And these days that means trips to the Boat Lake in Central Park. 

 

Somehow, if I can still find Mama and Papa goose and know they are safe, it renews and restores something. -- A sense that no matter how seemingly bleak, the spark of hope and possibility still exists.

 

It rained steadily most of yesterday and was still raining lightly when I headed to Central Park shortly before dusk with my two dogs.

 

That was fine.  The rain brings with it, a kind of cleansing and refresh.  Moreover, one imagines it is welcomed by most of the wildlife as the rain brings peace and tranquility.

 

I first walked by the Reservoir in Central Park.  Grey mist hung over the fading day and there were few birds on the water.   However, I did see two Cormorants diving under and then taking off from the Reservoir.  Normally, I enjoy seeing Cormorants (though I don't know much about these mostly elusive and shy fish catchers).

 

But, yesterday, I was reminded that Cormorants are also a "target" bird on our airlines and USDA "hit list" and therefore the experience was more depressing than uplifting. (Sometimes I wish I wasn't aware of all the new target birds on agency hit lists. Whoever said, "ignorance is bliss" knew what they were talking about.)

 

From the Reservoir, I walked to the Great Lawn and that is when the glumness of the day suddenly began to change as sun breaking through clouds.

 

Because of the rain, the Great Lawn was closed to the public.

 

And it was a literal field day for the birds!

 

Pairs of mallards nestled peacefully in the grass as if enjoying a "free concert."  There were at least 8 to 10 of them somewhat spread out in a row.  

 

But, the "concert" was the variety of bird tweets and calls as starlings, sparrows and other feathered friends took full advantage of the human-empty lawn to merrily hop and graze.

 

And low and behold, among the "others" of birds were the two Canada geese (grown offspring of Mama and Papa goose) who have, in recent days, taken to the Great Lawn for occasionally feast sharing with other birds.  

 

As soon as seeing me, the two geese came to greet, as they used to do when tiny goslings.    The geese were hatched at Turtle Pond,  "next door" to the Great Lawn during the spring of 2010.   I remember when they grew their flight feathers, how the two youngsters  loved to "hop" from the pond to the Great Lawn while their parents and siblings remained at the pond.   These two were always the "adventurers."

 

Seeing the two geese again in their favorite place took me back to happy memories and engendered a feeling of longing that, however unrealistic, some things (hopefully) never change.  

 

From the Great Lawn, I headed toward the Boat Lake already feeling a kind of spiritual uplifting from the sweet encounter with Mama and Papa's grown "babies."

 

From a distance I could make out Mama and Papa on their little home rock in the middle of the water, but there were two other geese on the publicly accessed rock on the other side of the lake. 

 

 I went to check out the "new" geese first.

 

Of course the geese weren't really "new" at all.   I am quite sure I have seen the two juveniles both, at Harlem Meer and the Boat Lake. (The female of the two has a white spot on the black portion of her face.)   Both geese are very social with humans and immediately walk up people and both have the immature tendency to "nip" when taking treats from the hand.  I suspect the two youngsters are probably among the geese who hatched at the South Pond last year or the Reservoir.   They are no strangers to Central Park.

 

I could tell Mama and Papa were looking at the scene from across the lake and unsurprisingly took to the water and started swimming our way.

 

As always, Papa arrived first with Mama trailing behind.  And no sooner did Papa climb the rock, then he immediately began to honk and assertively "scoot" the youngsters to the far side of the rock.  "Over there, now, you young upstarts!  Go on! -- NOW!"  

 

The two young geese, apparently respecting their elders, obediently obliged without fuss or protest.

 

All was peaceful following the gentle coaxing and "correcting."  Mama swooped seeds from my hand while her faithful mate watched and grabbed a few seeds for himself.  The two youngsters took a position of relaxation and sentry duty atop the rock, a short and respectful distance from Mama and Papa.

 

Just when I thought things couldn't get any more peaceful and lovely, to my surprise, two other geese were swimming towards us from the south side of the lake.

 

But, as they drew closer, I suddenly saw a cluster of young goslings between them!

 

Oh my God, its a new family!!

 

I almost could not believe my eyes as the family began to embark the rock, the gander leading the way and immediately taking charge.

 

To my utter shock and surprise, Papa goose, along with Mama, respectfully deferred to the new family and slowly moved out of their way to the far side of the rock! 

 

(I have never seen Papa goose defer or move away from any geese!)

 

But, apparently in the goose world, families with babies take priority and rein at the top of the hierarchy.

 

More surprisingly, the gander of the new family equally displayed respect towards Papa and Mama and made no moves to "chase" or intimidate them in any way. 

 

But, he did honk and turn his head towards the two younger geese still at the top of the rock.  The moves were apparently goose language to "stay away."

 

And once again, the youngsters obliged the goose in charge and made no moves from their position at least ten to fifteen feet away from the family.

 

And such a family it was!

 

As the gander had cleared the way and his "wife" and babies climbed the rock, there were six healthy goslings whose yellow feathers were already turning dark. The babies were at least a month old!

 

Where had they been all this time?  Why had I never seen them until now?

 

The Boat Lake is actually the largest of the lakes in Central Park. It winds around the Ramble and ends at Bethesda Fountain.  It is not possible to see all of the lake at one time. 

 

I was aware that there were a few other geese at the south portion of the lake, but I had no idea of an actual family!   As the goslings are larger and stronger now, the parents are apparently taking them farther on the lake.

 

And the entire family is well used to people. The gander even took seeds from my hand!

 

Apparently, the goslings were hatched at the south part of the lake, probably close to Bethesda Fountain area which is a huge tourist attraction.

 

It was absolutely rejuvenating and amazing to watch this fantastic turn of events last night!

 

Not just to realize the incredible resiliency of the geese against all the odds and hostile, destructive campaigns against them, but even more so, to witness the steadfast "family values," cultural structure and how the geese look after and protect each other.

 

By the time I left the Boat Lake last night (after almost an hour), all of the geese were peacefully settled in various stations of the rock.   Mama and Papa stood together at the far left side, the two youngsters towards the middle and the new family, claiming most of the space nibbled at stray seeds along the entire right side of the rock formation.  (Photos from last night below.)

 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.313772578700824.80865.114425621968855&type=1

 

I wondered if they would stay that way for the rest of the evening?

 

Finally walking home, I had sense of renewed hope.

 

Almost to defy the USDA, FAA, Port Authority and all the other agencies involved in the relentless and hideous slaughter of the geese a new family has prevailed and they have the blessings, support and protections of Mama and Papa and presumably all other geese in the area.

 

All for one and one for all.

 

It might be tempting to say all is well.  But, of course we know that is not true.

 

But, I do believe the intelligence, steadfastness, loyalty, devotion and protection capabilities of these magnificent birds will out in the end.

 

And perhaps just to prove that point, there is this article today out of Canada.

 

http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3567017&#postbox

 

 Geese not only look out for their own, but also bequeath that generous and magnificent protection spirit to the young who are not even their own species -- in this case, mallard ducklings.

 

Today, I will again tackle the grotesque and lunatic fringe pages of the latest USDA "document of death" for the geese.

 

But, a part of me will be laughing inside, fully knowing that whatever torments of the damned that USDA "Wildlife (Extermination) Services" comes up with, the geese will always find a way to endure.

 

"USDA -- Stay Away from our Babies!"  

 

Truth, purity, steadfastness and courage -- like the rain -- will out in the end. -- PCA

 

 

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