Anticipation of the New Year and the Return of the Geese!

Same family of geese observed at Harlem Meer this time last year have again returned this year.

Scene at Jackie Onassis Reservoir last January as a couple of hundred migratory geese and ducks sought open water.  Will the same occur this year starting on the New Year?

It is two days before the new year. 

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I am eager to observe if the same scene that occurred last New Year's Eve in Central Park will repeat itself this year?

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http://talesamptailsofnewyork.blogspot.com/2013/01/and-swan-and-goose-shall-graze-together.html

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Certain things have changed over the past year.

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For one matter, Hector the swan has not been observed since leaving Harlem Meer last spring.  It is suspected he was harassed out by Geese Police at the time and perhaps might have been harassed again this fall when trying to return to the Meer.  Or, Hector might have perished since leaving the Meer -- especially if venturing to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, where mute swans are now targeted for death by USDA WS as the geese already are.

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Two of the domestic ducks previously written of (Wiggy and Honker) died this past spring -- likely due to dog attacks.  And the other four were recently rescued from Harlem Meer and are now thankfully, living the good life at last.

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But, during the past ten days, there has been a family of 8 geese at Harlem Meer and it is presumed these are the same geese (including Jesse) who were there exactly a year ago as the general behavior is identical and the geese remember me.  They seem to be well acclimated to Harlem Meer and Central Park in winter and are obviously local, as opposed to migratory geese.

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But, migratory geese (and ducks) have been arriving to the Reservoir over the past couple of weeks, some of which actually winter there.

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Many more are expected in the next couple of weeks as upstate lakes and ponds freeze over forcing the birds to fly south to seek open water.

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Fortunately, the Jackie Onassis Reservoir rarely freezes entirely over -- especially with hundreds of waterfowl on it.

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So, while hundreds of people will gather tomorrow night at the Reservoir to observe the fireworks occurring some distance away, I will join them -- but not with particular interest in pyrotechnic displays.

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I will be watching for the real show in and from the water. 

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Hopefully, the glorious sounds and sights of newly arriving Canada Geese.

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Welcome to the geesies and a Happy New Year!  -- PCA

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