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I entered Central Park at 90th St around dusk last night, just as a flock of about 15 migratory geese were joyously honking and flying out! They flew directly over my head -- but too fast and too dark to photograph.
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There were about 80 new migratory geese on the water. I figured some would leave and waited around a bit, but after a while I moved to Harlem Meer to see and insure "my" domestic ducks were OK. (They were.)
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When I returned to the Reservoir, about half of the geese had indeed left, but around 35 to 40 still remained and roosted on the water for the night.
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So, I returned at sunrise to the Jackie Onassis Reservoir this morning.
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Sure enough, the roughly 40 geese were organizing in the water. They moved very slowly and deliberately and appeared reflective -- almost like humans in deep prayer.
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Though appearing from a distance as one large flock, the geese actually gathered into carefully designated groups (most likely, family).
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The excitement and anticipation were palpable. Every now and again, a goose would rise up in the water and rustle wings. "Its almost time! Any minute now!"
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Back and forth the geese went in the water, but ever so slowly. As if waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect wind direction and the perfect spot to take off.
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I waited and waited. Knowing for sure, they would leave, but not exactly when.
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Previous flocks would leave a half hour after sunrise.
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But this flock was particularly deliberate and fussy. Perhaps the winds were a bit too gusty early on. Perhaps the sun wasn't the right place in the sky. To this group, everything had to be perfect!
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Finally, about an hour after the sun had risen, there was a sudden, loud chorus of honks and almost all the geese took off!
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They flew a full circle around Reservoir (warm up?) and then flew out of Reservoir at the most northern point, over the trees and over the park.
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(Geese either leave at most north eastern part of Reservoir or sometimes more east, directly out of park and towards Queens and Long Island -- presumably to avoid mid town, Manhattan high rises.)
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But, a pair of geese remained on water!
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The pair waited until the other geese had left and then took off, following the exact same path.
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(Surprisingly, some migratory geese actually fly in pairs, choosing apparently to follow main groups. Perhaps this is to be especially cautious? This could prove advantageous, if for example, the main skeins were to be confronted by hunters or other predators. The pair would be sufficiently behind to suddenly change course.)
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Though my hands nearly froze over the hour I was standing and waiting for the geese to take off (I wasn't appropriately dressed for non-activity in 47 degree temperatures), I managed to get off some photos that are posted in sequence on Facebook:
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Though I had believed that most of the migratory Canada geese had already passed through New York City a couple of weeks ago on their journeys south, apparently, that is not entirely accurate.
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It seems rather, that the geese migrate in waves.
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Much apparently depends upon where exactly the geese originally emanate from, weather conditions, wind directions, phases of the moon and other factors.
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Nor, do all the migratory geese leave the Reservoir shortly after sunrise.
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Many gaggles elect to do their take-offs and flying at night. -- Usually, but not always, shortly after sunset.
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Canada geese are not that easy to figure out. Just when you think you can predict their actions and behaviors, they turn around and surprise you. -- The pair of geese leaving behind the others, for example.
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The geese may have small brains, but there is in fact, much calculation and forethought that apparently goes on inside the heads of Canada geese (as other animals).
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The only thing I know for sure, is that the geese are endlessly fascinating and wondrous to observe.
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And every time I see a skein of geese rise from the water, formulate their perfect "V's" over the buildings and trees of New York City to eventually disappear from view, I could swear they are soaring to touch the face of God -- Something we humans can never do, despite the mechanics we devise. -- PCA
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