(Photos: 1-- Brad, Piggy and Wiggy in the forefront of the escort parade last night. 2-- Daffy, once again marching with the ducks and near front of parade. His family members watchfully following behind.)
Some reasons to celebrate today!
Apparently, the goose harassment being conducted at Prospect Park over the past few weeks has been suspended.
It was important to protest the lunacy of harassing mostly migratory birds in the winter and thankfully, some people did that.
It proves once again that when people are willing to take a stand for what it right, justice and reason eventually prevail.
Hopefully, the geese at Prospect Park can relax a little now and build up their strength and fat reserves for the challenges of migration that will soon be upon them in another month or so.
The warmer than normal winter and its effects upon migratory birds wintering further north has been confirmed in several recent newspaper articles, the most interesting of which is this piece today from The Boston Globe:
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Unfortunately, it seems the leadership of Prospect Park (and other areas) was unaware that more geese would winter in New York City due to the warmer climate and lack of need to fly further south. Rather, the Prospect Alliance used the excuse of a higher number of geese (than last year) to justify unwarranted and wasteful terrorizing of the birds.
Its amazing the lack of knowledge and common sense of many in charge of city parks -- not just in New York City, but elsewhere.
One has to be grateful that the leadership of Central Park did not engage in such cruel and pointless practices this winter as it did last.
Migratory birds have it tough enough getting through any winter, while at the same time, conserving energy and trying to build strength for the arduous journeys of the spring and fall. --Journeys that often require the geese flying thousands of miles, while also trying to avoid hunters.
But, at least for the time being, the geese and ducks of our city parks have it comparatively easy. -- Something not lost in the casual observances of the geese and ducks at Central Park over the past couple of days.
Above freezing temperatures over the past few days has resulted in almost all of the ice naturally melting at Harlem Meer (and presumably other Central Park watercourses). The geese and ducks have taken full advantage of this winter respite to either relax or take on new adventures.
The other night when walking to the Meer, I heard what sounded like a couple of gaggles of geese flying low over the park.
Apparently, they were "pond hopping."
Sure enough, there were not quite as many geese at Harlem Meer.
My guess is that a good number of the migratory geese, (having cooperated and worked so hard with the other birds at the Meer to keep an open pool of water through the freezing spell) decided to enjoy a "night on the town" with the warmer, spring-like temperatures.
"It's a marvelous night for a moon dance! We don't have to hunker down and work the water! Let's check out the other watercourses and lawns. Maybe there is still some good grass-eating around!"
But, Buster and his charges loyally remained at Harlem Meer, as did Daffy and his family.
I have been blessed with the company of both resident goose families over the past two nights.
I have also been the lucky recipient once again of the "duck and goose escorts" when leaving the Meer at night -- with the Bradly Brigade typically leading the parade.
But, last night, Daffy (pictured) was also in the forefront of the parade marching with the ducks, while his family members followed some paces behind.
And I could swear I heard all the geese and ducks singing to the famous Van Morrison song:
Yes, "It's a marvelous night for a moon dance!" -- PCA
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