Bozi -- An Uncertain Future for the Loner Goose of Central Park

Bozi -- Sad remembrance of Cago.

One of the matters of concern in the aftermath of goose harassment, death and egg destruction in Central Park are the prospects for Bozi, the gander who recently lost both, his potential offspring and his mate, Floozie.

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As flock birds who mate for life, long term survival chances for the "loner" goose who has neither flock nor mate are not good.

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Unfortunately, with so few geese in Central Park now and all those present already paired up, the future is appearing bleak for Bozi.  -- That is unless a couple of small goose flocks fly into and return to CP just prior to the molt, (as they did in previous few years).  In such case, it is hoped that with time, Bozi could slowly assimilate himself into one of the molting (i.e. grounded) goose families.

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But, even that is quite literally "up in the air" right now.

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One has to suppose that any goose flocks flying into Central Park for the molt will be hastily harassed out by Geese ("Get the Flock Out!") Police who still patrol CP every morning.

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And of course there will be still another round of USDA "Wildlife Services" goose slaughters occurring around New York City in late June and early July.  The WS vans have already been spotted around NYC as they do their "surveys" this time of year in preparation for the slaughter.

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I am thus not optimistic for Bozi. -- Anymore than I was for the long term survival of Cago, the loner female goose at Harlem Meer last summer.

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The few geese flying into the Meer then were quickly harassed out and in the end, Cago herself perished in the early fall, more likely due to a broken heart and lonliness as much as anything physical.

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Although my friend  and I were able to rescue Cago in her last and rapidly declining days, rescue came too late and she later died at the Wild Bird Fund.

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I don't know quite frankly, that any medicine or treatment could have saved a goose who, over the previous four months had lost her mate, her family and any and all chances of trying to make it into another goose alliance. The one time Cago appeared to take under her wing, two young geese who ventured into the Meer in late summer, they were quickly harassed out after only a few days.

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Following that, Cago rapidly went downhill as she was again, utterly alone and dealing with still another loss.  

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Strength and resolve seemingly drained from the "loner goose" who, with the departure of  two young proteges had appeared to also lose her last and only hope. Cago's immune system then crumbled, leaving her susceptible to whatever opportunistic disease was there to descend.  Since a necropsie was never conducted, to this day we don't know what actually killed Cago -- anymore than we can know with either Camille or Floozie's recent deaths.   Central Park and New York City appear to take the attitude that, "The only good goose is a dead goose and we don't want to know why."

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I now wonder if it will be the same type of sad scenario for Bozi?  Its impossible to predict, but so far, all the signposts are the same as they were for Cago.

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Harassment is the same.  The killing program is the same. And goose numbers are even lower in Central Park than they were last year at this time (15).

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So, no it is not looking good for Bozi who currently now shares the Reservoir with two mated goose pairs -- he being careful to stay out of their way and spaces.

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I do see Bozi most evenings. When recognizing me, he usually comes in familiar and commiserate greeting.

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Usually Bozi is wandering alone along the east side of the Reservoir (where he and Floozie attempted to nest) and sometime he is at the north side of the watercourse -- a neutral space from the two mated and territorial goose pairs.

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And sometimes Bozi is simply out in the middle of the water, drifting, searching and calling out. (He doesn't come to me those times.)

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That is when my heart sinks for Bozo. -- Especially in thinking about his future.  

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I have to hope this is not deja vu all over again -- but regrettably believe that it is.  -- PCA 

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