".....Love The One You're With"

"Karma, Karma, Karma Chameleon. You come and go. You come and go."

 

The lyrics of an old Culture Club song come to mind when describing the 8 geese "coming and going" from Harlem Meer over the past 4 or 5 days.

 

They are about as predictable as chameleons -- or airline flights leaving on time.

 

Indeed, about the only thing truly "predictable" is that if I bring my camera, the geese (who, seeming to have an inner radar that detects camera lenses), take off and disappear.

 

I brought my camera last night, hoping to get a few new photos of geese.

 

But, as soon as arriving to the hill that overlooks the Meer, I knew the geese weren't around, once again, by the tell-tale behavior of the mallards.

 

From a distance, the lake appeared very quiet and subdued with no visible mallards along the south embankment.  That in itself, was indication the geese had taken off.

 

But, once walking along the embankment and securing my two dogs to the familiar park bench, the group of "regular" mallards and Brad quickly made their way to me from the middle of the lake.

 

"OK, your steadfast devotees are here!  Where is our reward tonight?"

 

Rather than dwell on disappointment about my once again, "fickle" or "camera shy" geese, I decided to closely observe the ducks and their behavior in order to determine if it in fact, is really "different" when geese are not present, as opposed to when the geese are there.  

 

Or, were my previous reportings about goose and duck behavior, figments of an overly active imagination or worse, (that dastardly phrase!), "anthropomorphism?"

 

The 25 or so mallards casually waddled around in the grass softly chattering and nibbling at the sunflower seeds and cracked corn tossed to them.

 

Brad came to eat from my hand, but with more nervousness and hesitancy than when the geese are present.  The slightest move or sound would make him jump back and temporarily retreat.

 

The mallards too, were far more subdued, jumpy and cautious than those nights geese were there.

 

Though calm and relatively peaceful, the general atmosphere lacked the same "party-like, devil may care" antics of the nights geese were around.

 

If one could compare the mallard behavior to humans, one would say it is like the difference between totally sober people and those who have had more than a few belts of the liberating, funny juice.

 

Yesterday, I described the mallard behavior when geese are present to "lacking inhibitions" and usual caution and yes, that appears to be the difference.

 

The ducks are, simply put, far more embolden, care-free, liberated and "show-offey" when geese are mingled among them as opposed to when the ducks are forced to fend for and protect themselves exclusively.

 

I believe mallards perceive the geese to be (rightly or wrongly) their security bases and protectorates, though the geese don't appear to see themselves that way.

 

The difference is in fact, quite subtle and perhaps only perceptible to those who would closely observe and compare differences.

 

But, there is no doubt, the fascinating connection and unusual relationship between these two waterfowl species.

 

The bottom line is that though mallards can survive without geese, they appear to be much happier and far more vocal, confident, emboldened, and liberated when geese are mingling in their mists.

 

But, getting back to the geese, they don't appear to be much dependent upon mallards for their needs and desires, though they occasionally may take "clues" from mallards pertaining to the safety of a location or action.

 

But, geese appear to rely almost exclusively on each other for their safety and survival. Their organization, loyalty, sentry and communication skills are what keep them constantly in touch and aware of where each one is and what they are doing. As stated many times previously, there seems to be an "All for one and one for all" kind of mentality among the geese that one doesn't readily see in other animal species, including to some degree, mallards.

 

Though similar in certain biological aspects, geese and mallards are remarkably different behaviorally.

 

But, all this is not to say the mallards aren't endearing in their own right.

 

They, like geese recognize their human friends and take not only to welcoming greetings, but also departing gestures.

 

I cannot help but smile, each time the group of about ten very charming mallards follow me each night to the edge of the lake to say "goodnight."

 

That is extraordinarily sweet.

 

Walking home last night, I felt a twinge of disappointment of again not seeing my flighty or chameleon-like geese and for apparently lugging my camera along needlessly.

 

But, the camera actually came in handy.

 

Running up a tree when seeing my dogs were two raccoons.

 

One of them perched on a lower branch and stared down.  I was able to quickly snap a photo which is posted at the top of this entry.

 

Like geese, raccoons aren't animals one is lucky to see all the time.

 

When the opportunity comes along, its good to have the camera.

 

So, while thinking of the old Culture Club song when considering my now, very "come and go, Karma Chameleon" geese, I am also reminded of a Stephen Stills tune when fortunately seeing my mallards and the beautiful raccoons:

 

"If You Can't Be With the One You Love, then Love the One You're With."

 

Hopefully, the chameleon-like geese return tonight. 

 

I will be sure to leave the camera at home.  - PCA

 

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