Canadian Goose Family -- A Now Favorite Attraction of Central Park!

The tragedy in the Gulf gives one a sense of greater appreciation for the animals one has, as well as the beauty of a still-healthy nature around us.

After seeing the truly revolting pictures of oil-drenched Pelicans and other birds dying on Louisiana (and now, Florida) beaches, it lifts the heart to temporarily escape and enjoy the fantastically entertaining family of geese in Central Park's Turtle Pond.

The six babies (or, technically, "goslings") are quickly growing. They are learning all the skills from their parents that they will later need as adult birds. Mostly, the Canadian Geese seem to have some fascinating and silent means of communication that immediately draws the whole family in line. They can be all scattered around an area one minute and the next, suddenly jumping into the water with the babies rapidly getting into a straight line between their parents.

Its pretty amazing to see and might make some human parents envious of not having such "fall in line" obedience from their kids.

I am a little concerned that the parent geese have seemingly become very tame over time and openly trust humans. The whole family as a matter of fact, freely congregates around people and will even walk directly up to some folks and take food from the hand.

That was a habit seemingly developed long before I began seeing and offering treats to the goose family a few weeks ago.

One observer of the birds told me the geese parents have in fact, been living in the area for a number of years. According to this woman, park workers destroyed the eggs of the breeding pair of Canadian Geese in previous years and that is why we are only seeing offspring now. The woman seemed surprised that the eggs were allowed to hatch this year.

Whatever the real story and history of these geese, they are currently providing lots of entertainment and joy to visitors of the park -- especially families with well behaved children and young couples.

They are a favorite subject for many people's photographs -- particularly mine. ;) --PCA

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