Tales, Tails and Feathers of New York -- PCA

"It's a Marvelous Night for a Moon Dance!"

2012-01-26T12:17:00.000-05:00

(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:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/01/26/inconcordagoosefrom

_greenland_may_signal_the_advance_of_global_warming/

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

************

Brief Respite

2012-01-24T15:45:00.002-05:00

Buster was right.

With the wild variances in temperature in New York City, all the geese and ducks had to do at Harlem Meer was work, work, work and wait out the storm.

In the past two days, temperatures have bounced from a bone-chilling 19 degrees

back up to the low 50's -- a thirty degree swing.

It was surprising Sunday night to find a large pool of open water at Harlem Meer considering the snow on Saturday and single digit wind chills through the early part of Sunday.

But, the geese and ducks had been working hard and consistently to prevent further icing of the lake.

That meant almost constant swimming, ducking and diving on the water and organizing into teams. -- Rest and eat for brief periods and swim for most of the time.

It seemed at no period was the available water not being moved and kept warm by geese and ducks seemingly working in shifts.

Meanwhile, apparently sensing a warm-up in temperature, many of the migratory geese had returned to the Meer after a brief stopover at the Reservoir for a couple of days.

If the pool of open water is bigger this year despite radical temperature changes, there is little doubt that is mostly due to the large number of geese and ducks constantly working it.

I noted on Sunday night that the small area near the Dana Center where last year, Brad and a handful of ducks "worked" to keep a tiny (bath-tub size) pool of water open is this year, entirely frozen over.

The open water this year is almost Olympic size and located more to the middle and western portion of the lake.

There are obviously many more birds to work it.

But, Brad, having experienced such adversity and challenge last year is not a duck this year to take anything for granted (despite the warmer temperatures and many more birds to work the water).

Perhaps Brad knows that things can change on a dime and unlike Piggly, Wiggly and him, the geese and mallards can fly and take off if the lake entirely freezes or conditions become too precarious. More than any other bird on the lake, Brad takes personal responsibility for maintaining open water as if it is written in stone.

Just like last winter, Brad quickly comes to me at night for several handfuls of sunflower seeds and then immediately returns to the "job" of constant swimming. (That was even true last night, though the temperature had boomed up to a spring-like 50 degrees.)

Like last year too, Brad is however tolerant and understanding of the need of his flock mates for more food and greater rest. I remember times last winter, when Joey and Angelina would take brief rests on the ice, Brad would relentlessly work the water. ("Rest" is something that doesn't seem to exist in Brad's vocabulary -- at least in winter.) This year, Brad returns to swimming while his flock mates, Piggly and Wiggly sometimes remain eating and then return to him later. The three ducks seem to have an understanding and agreement on this.

Meanwhile, the geese apparently have their own leader in Buster -- the resident gander at Harlem Meer.

Depending on weather and conditions, Buster sometimes comes to me and sometimes not.

Last night he came seeking treat because it was so warm and there was no need to act as obsessive "drill sergeant" on the ice.

But, during the previous few nights, Buster remained on the edge of the ice, watched from a distance and called back the rest of the geese (and ducks) when it seemed they were taking too much time away from duties to eat.

"Drill sergeant" is the right term for Buster.

When he sends out the order honks, all the other birds listen and immediately respond.

Last night, when Buster had eaten his fill and returned back to the open water, the other geese obediently followed without even being ordered to.

It was funny to see them all walking back carefully on the ice. (See photo)

Apparently, the geese learned quickly that gingerly walking and "skating" on the ice was a far more proficient means to deal with thin ice than by flying across and skidding on it -- which, in some cases, resulted in geese falling through it.

But, the geese seem to have the thin ice down to a science now:

"Walk softly and slide feet to test."

Perhaps Buster had instructed them on that, too.

Had I not felt the warmer temperature last night or heard it on the weather report, I would have known it just by the sight of the geese and ducks at Harlem Meer when first arriving.

Though some were lazily swimming around in the pool of open water, most were gathered and resting on the ice surrounding the pool.

Even the workaholic Brad was temporarily standing on the ice along with his pals, Piggy and Wiggly as if to say, "Ah, feel the warm, spring-like breeze! We can at last relax for a few minutes."

But, when I left last night, Brad was once again back in the water with his two help mates.

"But, not to take anything for granted." --PCA

*********

Battles of the Ice

2012-01-22T05:18:00.000-05:00

(Photos -- 1--A mostly frozen Harlem Meer. The geese and ducks constantly swimming to maintain small, open pool. 2--Ducks and few geese grabbing treat yesterday. 3-- Geese seeking safety and open water at Reservoir.)

Probably the main reason we have a higher number of Canada geese in Central Park this winter than last is because of the warmer weather and the fact that up until now, most of the ponds and lakes remained open and moving.

That seems to be confirmed in this hunting article from Kentucky that basically bemoans the "low" number of geese to shoot at:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120121/SPORTS09/301210071/Winter-weather-s-too-fair-fowl?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cs

If not forced to fly thousands of miles south due to harsh northern winters, the geese can attempt to stay further north provided there is open water -- and they are willing to work for it

"Work" is exactly what the geese and ducks have had to do at Harlem Meer over the past week or so.

Temperatures have been well below freezing for almost a week now and yesterday, more than 4 inches of snow fell in New York.

It was very surprising the other night to discover that, (between the two species working together), the geese and ducks succeeded in keeping a large pool of water open at Harlem Meer despite temperatures dipping down into the teens and 3/4 of the lake freezing over.

But, it is not work to be taken lightly.

If Brad, the domestic Rouen duck has been reluctant to leave the constant swimming and diving duties -- even to eat -- that is nothing compared to the geese!

Friday night, I noticed several gaggles of geese constantly swimming in the open pool of water, along with the Bradly Brigade and numerous mallards.

But, when I tossed out seeds in the usual spot across from the pool, only the mallards and three domestic ducks came for it. (The mallards flying across the ice and Brad, Piggly and Wiggly running across it like accomplished ice skaters.)

Only when most of the treats were gone, did one gaggle of geese finally leave the water and come flying and skidding across the ice.

It was Buster and his group of six geese.

But, like Brad, the geese were reluctant to leave their duties and seemed in a hurry to eat and get back to "work."

I only had a couple of handfuls of seeds for Buster, but it didn't seem to matter much anyway. Buster and his troupe only stayed a few minutes and quickly returned back to the pool.

The same was true of Brad, Piggly and Wiggly.

No "departure rituals" over the past couple of nights.

It seems the geese and domestic ducks are afraid that if they are away from the pool anything more than five minutes, it will entirely freeze over like the rest of the lake!

Yesterday was the same story.

Only this time there was the snow, even more frigid temperatures and the open pool of water was considerably smaller.

Some of the migratory geese and mallards obviously left Harlem Meer for the totally open water still at the Reservoir.

Perhaps the dangers of thin ice at Harlem Meer became too much for them -- especially the geese.

Because they are larger and heavier than ducks, the geese, when skidding across thin ice, sometimes fall through it.

It is then a struggle for them to pull themselves out of the tiny circular pools.

One could imagine the conversations among the geese when debating whether to stay or leave the Meer.

"Look, this ice is getting dangerous! Its thin and unstable. If we fall through a hole, it is not easy getting out. The Reservoir is totally open. We should hop over there until this stuff either hardens or melts."

But, Buster obviously had a different take on the situation.

"We just have to be willing to work to keep an open pool! We should not move around on the ice. We fly if we have to get some place. The food is better here than the Reservoir. I say we just stay and work!"

The result of this imaginary debate is that there were about 30 geese still bravely hanging in at Harlem Meer yesterday.

And a "new" group of about 40 geese at the Reservoir.

Almost all of the geese were busily swimming in the open pool when I arrived at the Meer yesterday, along with the Bradly Brigade and about 30 other ducks.

But, unlike the ducks, the geese refused to leave their duties even when I showed up with sustenance.

Only when most of it had been distributed to the mallards and the three flightless ducks, did a few geese break away from duty to fly and skid across the ice. At least two geese fell through the thin ice, but they managed to pull themselves out.

About five geese finally made it to the embankment and a couple started to grab at the remaining seeds in the snow.

But, it seemed no sooner did they arrive when loud honking emanated from the open pool across the lake.

"Get back here immediately! This water is starting to freeze over! We need you to pitch in and start swimming!"

Every goose AND duck immediately halted the eating and headed -- like they were shot out of a cannon -- back to the pool.

I never got the chance to figure who the 4 or 5 geese actually were who dared to break away for a few minutes to grab a snack.

But, I was quite sure the goose doing all the honking from across the lake was Buster.

(Most likely the "rebels" were Daffy and his beleaguered family trying to keep tabs on and protect him.)

Buster was none too pleased.

All the ducks and geese were finally back in the pool and dutifully swimming.

But, after a few minutes, a few of the more cantankerous and rebellious mallards chucked the grind of constant work and returned back to the embankment to grab up what few seeds remained.

But, Brad, Piggly and Wiggly were not among them.

Brad is of course, every bit the task master that Buster is.

Winter finally arriving to New York City has been hard on the geese and ducks -- perhaps harder than last year because the weather has been so variable and hasn't really prepared them for sudden and drastic change.

Even the ice that has formed on the lake is the thin and dangerous kind as opposed to being rock solid.

Perhaps it is thus not surprising that a number of geese left Harlem Meer for safety reasons.

But, for those (like Buster and his troupe) who remain and wade it through the battles of the ice, "rewards" will come next week when temperatures are predicted to rise again back into the 40's.

Mother nature will once again aid in melting the ice.

In the meantime, it is duty, organization, cooperation and constant, unrelenting work..

And hope like hell, you or one of your family members doesn't fall through thin ice. -- PCA

****************

Daffy -- The "Black Goose" of the Family

2012-01-20T05:49:00.000-05:00

(Photos: 1-- Daffy arriving with the mallards. 2-- Brad figuring strategy with Wiggly and Piggly 3-- Daffy, "What you got for me?" 4-- Beleaguered flock mate of Daffy keeping sentry watch.)

Every family has one. The one "black sheep" that dances to a different drummer and gives the family more than one case of heartburn.

But, more about that later.....

It apparently wasn't just me "getting old and feeling the cold" Wednesday evening.

The drastic slide in temperature and relentless winds were enough to ice over almost the entire lake at Harlem Meer in less than 24 hours.

But, due presumably to the healthy number of working geese and ducks, two large pools of water remained open.

When arriving to the nearly frozen Meer last night, almost all of the geese and ducks were clustered around and/or earnestly swimming in the two existing pools.

While no "expert" it seemed from observation, that the ducks and geese took turns either resting at intervals or "working" the water.

Once again, the waterfowl had their work cut out for them. But, there seemed to be both organization and determination in maintaining the two open pools.

Recognizing me, a bunch of mallards quickly made their way from the north side of the lake to the familiar south embankment where I immediately tossed seeds to them.

Piggly, Wiggly then came trotting across the ice, followed by the forever diligent Brad who seemed reluctant to leave his swimming and diving duties -- even for the sake of a meal.

Brad ran immediately up to me to quickly gather seeds from my hand, but I could almost hear his mind rumbling over and over, "Gotta get back to the pool....gotta get back....."

As fast as I could, I filled several handfuls of sunflower seeds for Brad and tossed the rest to his flock mates and the mallards.

I was surprised that the geese weren't coming my way.

But then, I noticed one goose leaving the rest and gleefully trotting across the ice.

That's odd, I thought.

The wayward goose eagerly hopped on the embankment and cautiously walked up to me.

Is it Buster? But, where is the rest of his gaggle?

But, I knew he wasn't Buster from the awkward and tentative way he took the seeds from my outstretched hand.

"Ouch! Take it easy there, fella! You need to be gentler."

A quick learner (or understanding English) the goose was softer after that.

But, the scene looked bewildering and borderline funny.

One goose in the middle of a bunch of ravenous mallards and three domestic ducks! (I whipped out my camera and took a photo.)

Meanwhile, Brad having quickly filled his belly in record time, gathered his two charges, Piggly and Wiggly and seemed to have a word with them. (I took a photo of that, too.)

"Look guys, I am heading back to the pool to work on the water."

"But, we're still hungry!"

"Well, OK, you can stay for a bit longer. Grab what sustenance you can, but you need to get back to pool and back to work. We cannot have this entire lake freeze over!"

"We will be quick! Be back within ten minutes! We promise!"

And with that, Brad trotted quickly on the grass to the closest point to the pool across the lake. He then jumped on the ice and practically ran back to the open pool and immediately started swimming.

Brad is not one to ever slack off when there is important work to be done.

Piggly and Wiggly returned back to me and quickly ate like there was no tomorrow.

Meanwhile, two other geese walked determinedly across the ice in my direction.

But, it wasn't me they were coming to see. Nor were they seeking treats or handout.

They were apparently flock mates of the "wayward" goose who was still clumsily snatching treats from my hand.

Arriving to and hopping on the embankment, one of them approached the still munching goose and loudly honked.

"What the hell are you doing over here? Are you daft hanging out with the mallards and a human? We thought a dog or coyote got you! How many times do we have to tell you NOT to wander from the gaggle! There is work to be done!"

"Oh, come on! I didn't wander far! Cut a guy some slack. I was hungry!"

But, the other two geese weren't satisfied.

"Daffy, you are gonna get yourself in real trouble one day! We cannot keep running to fish you out! Mom and Dad are furious!"

But, the rebellious Daffy wasn't listening to lectures.

Instead, he returned to gather the last of the treats.

His two frustrated, but loyal flock mates took up sentry position on the edge of the lake and watched across to the pool where presumably the rest of the family was busily working.

Meanwhile, having finally satisfied their appetites, Piggly and Wiggly trotted along the embankment and hopped on the ice to quickly return to Brad as promised. All three ducks were then reunited and vigorously swimming in the open pool of water.

My bag of treats finally gone, it was time to gather my dogs and begin to head home.

The remaining mallards and Daffy began to follow me.

Behind them, the two flockmates of Daffy reluctantly turned and also began to follow.

But, that had nothing to do with "departure rituals."

The two geese were apparently assigned the duty of looking after their wayward brother. Presumably, they would eventually get Daffy back into the fold. But, it was obvious they were not happy with their independent and rebellious brother who didn't seem to take duty, protocol and family obligations all that seriously.

Oh well. I guess every family has them.

That one "black sheep" (or, in this case,) goose who dances to a different drummer and causes the family more than one fleeting case of heartburn.

Hopefully, Daffy returned with his siblings and helped to break up at least a ruler-sized slab of ice. -- PCA

***************

"You Don't Need a Weatherman...."

2012-01-19T05:37:00.001-05:00

(Photos: 1-- Buster leading his gaggle of six to greet yesterday. 2--Ducks and geese fueling up for a cold night ahead. 3-- The "departing parade.")

In the past 24 hours, the temperature plummeted in NYC 31 degrees from a high of 54 yesterday morning to a frigid 23 degrees now.

Knowing of the forecasted drop, I headed to Central Park a little after 4 PM yesterday. The temperature then was at the freezing level. But, with the 25 MPH winds, it felt like 20.

Once again, my hands were popsicles through gloves and the relentless wind was loud enough to almost drown out the music through my headphones.

With such radical rises and drops in temperature, it was impossible to predict what state the lake would be in at Harlem Meer.

The previous night it was a thin, dark pane of icy glass that shredded and shrieked as geese carefully plowed their way through it and ducks swam in circles once an open pool of water was established.

It's fascinating how geese and ducks seem to coordinate and work in tandem to deal with watercourses partially frozen over.

The geese, being larger and more powerful birds are able to painstakingly "plow" through thin sheets of ice, breaking it up, while the more energetic and faster moving ducks are better proficient at maintaining an open pool of water once it is created.

Perhaps this helps explain the intricate relationship between the two species of birds and their semi-reliance upon one another from everything to safety warnings to breaking up ice.

Both, the geese and ducks seemingly bring special and different skills in order to deal with the harsh challenges of winter.

Much to my surprise, (despite the rapidly diving temperatures) the lake at Harlem Meer was almost completely unfrozen yesterday!

The brief warming trend and the coordinated efforts of both the geese and ducks had succeeded in transforming the solid block of ice into a once again, moving body of water -- all within two days!

It was quite an impressive feat.

Similar to the previous night, most of the geese and ducks were scattered in small flocks all around the lake.

But, unlike Tuesday, the birds were much more relaxed yesterday. The grueling work of the night before done and their mission accomplished, their main quest yesterday was to battle the winds and try to find what food was available.

There is of course, very little green grass anywhere in the park these days.

But, there are apparently enough water plants, seeds, raggedly grass and marshes around to keep hungry flocks going -- particularly at Harlem Meer.

Nevertheless, when I show up these days, I am immediately swarmed by a barrage of hungry waterfowl.

Thank God, most of the migratory birds don't come to me. But, the ones that do are seemingly so famished that whatever is tossed out is seemingly gone in seconds.

My main priorities of course are Brad and his helpmates, Piggly and Wiggly. But, I try to get some treats to the others -- especially the mallards who are always scrambling at my feet and appear to be so much more desperate than the more independent and dignified geese.

But, even the geese weren't so "dignified" yesterday. They too, crowded around me to the point it was easy to pet and stroke about 5 or 6 of them.

That was of course, Buster and his gaggle.

"Where were you last night, Buster?" I asked the polite goose who, as usual gently took treats from my hand. "A goose I thought might have been you almost took my finger off!"

Buster offered a low honk which I interpreted to be some sort of apology or explanation.

"The newbies here don't know anything about manners or protocol! Now do you understand why I always have to teach and correct them?"

Apparently Buster was at the west side of the lake barreling through ice the night before. Or, at least that is what he told me.

Almost frozen in place and the treats quickly gone, it was time for me to leave.

Since there was no ice to "work," Brad quickly gathered up Piggly and Wiggly and the rest of the duck and goose patrol to escort me out of the Meer once again.

It was nice to return to the old tradition.

It makes me feel like a spoiled princess.

Walking up the hill against a brutal wind, I waved back and advised Brad and company to "Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be a bumpy night!" (A famous line from a favorite Bette Davis movie.)

My legs feeling stiff from standing in the biting cold, I could finally understand why there are so few runners in the park during the winter cold.

"Come on, Tina and Chance. We need to move quickly to loosen up!" I said to my two dogs as we exited the Meer.

Walking home along the bridal path and the Reservoir, I was surprised to see a couple of clusters of sparrows and what appeared to be a fairly large group of ducks and geese hunkered down near the spout at the Reservoir.

Apparently, the birds figured it would be a comparatively warm winter here in New York City.

And though it has been a roller coaster in fluctuating temperatures, so far they have been right.

After all, we still haven't had any substantial snow this winter and the geese and ducks have been successful in preventing -- and even breaking up an icy lake.

They are apparently far better "weather forecasters" than we humans with all our sophisticated technology and equipment.

I anticipate, based on the behavior and the numbers of migratory geese, ducks and other birds being observed now, it will quickly warm up again. -- PCA

**************

Smash the Glass! -- Hail, Hail, The Gang's All Here

2012-01-18T06:01:00.003-05:00

(Photo: Geese taking rest after "smashing through the glass.")

It could have easily been New Year's Eve last night.

But, instead, it was a dreary January day in New York City with rising temperatures and falling rain.

But, there was a kind of "party" in at least one part of town......

Once again, I did not know what to expect when heading to Harlem Meer last night.

When I left on Monday night, there was a total of 12 resident geese and about 15 ducks who were working their tails off to keep an open pool of water in a lake that had otherwise completely frozen over.

The large flocks of migratory geese and ducks (who had been at the Meer for more than a month) had apparently vacated the iced over Meer in favor of the totally opened Reservoir which was slightly less than a mile away.

But, yesterday temperatures warmed up significantly -- into the mid 40's. Additionally, there was light rain throughout the day.

Would that be enough to melt the ice that had enveloped Harlem Meer over the weekend?

I didn't know for sure and did not want to venture a guess.

As usual, I would just have to go and check out the scene that lately, seems to change radically from day to day.

From a distance, the lake looked neither like pale frozen ice or moving water.

Rather, it appeared like a dark pane of glass.

But, I could make out many bird forms scattered upon it.

Descending the hill to the Meer, I noticed a number of small pools of moving water surrounded by large, thin veils of black ice.

But, what caught my attention more was the large number of geese and ducks!

Either word got out to the geese and ducks at the Reservoir that the ice was melting at Harlem Meer or they speculated it themselves due to the change in temperature.

And not only did the Harlem Meer migratory geese and mallards return, but they seemed to bring a whole lot of new stragglers and hangers-on with them!

I couldn't really do a count of the entire lake, but there had to be at least 100 geese and mallards at the Meer last night!

Only it seems they might have miscalculated or slightly jumped the gun.

The geese clearly were not having a good time trying to navigate through the mixture of moving water and breaking ice.

It seems they couldn't figure out whether to try and walk on it or swim through what sounded like shredding and breaking glass.

I, in fact, have never heard sounds like that and at first, couldn't figure out what they were.

A sheering, almost ringing or sizzling sound that one would normally associate with some kind of machine. Sissssshhhh.......sessssissssshhhhh....sissshhhhhssss.

But, it was the sound of the ice breaking apart as the geese attempted to cautiously and tentatively swim through it.

Not only did the lake look like a dark pane of glass, but it sounded like glass as well. -- Shredding, tearing glass, that is.

I could almost hear the geese thinking, "Geeze, we didn't bargain for this! How does one get through this mess and still maintain dignity?"

But, the mallards and barnyard ducks weren't quite so concerned about "dignity" and pride.

No sooner did I turn around when Brad, Piggly and Wiggly were already on the embankment -- along with at least 30 other ducks loudly demanding treat!

Cluck, cluck, chatter, chattter, chatter! All the ducks were extremely chatty and vocal last night.

I have no idea what all the conversation was about.

I whipped out the treat mixture of sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn and small bits of whole wheat bread from a zip lock bag and began tossing as fast as I could with one hand and hand feeding Brad with the other.

It seems the hungry mallards were grabbing most of it before it even hit the ground!

Meanwhile some of the geese, still struggling to break up black ice and flutter through the water began to make it to the embankment.

Hopping up and fluffing out their feathers, it was as if to say, "OK, we made it through that. Now, we can breathe and hold our heads up!"

About half a dozen geese actually walked up to me and shyly beseeched some treat. But, they were not Buster and his gaggle. Too unsure of themselves and too tentative. A couple of the geese had leg bands, indicating they were migratory birds from somewhere other than Central Park.

One of them brazenly attempted to take some treat from my hand, but he was rough and inexperienced.

"Ouch!!! You are definitely NOT Buster! Sorry, Buddy, but you have to take it from the ground."

I am not sure where Buster and his gaggle were last night.

There were so many geese scattered, particularly along the western part of the lake, that it was impossible to tell who was who.

A number of geese however, having made it through the sharp edged ice, took up position along the south embankment as if seeking rest and respite from the temperamental lake.

"We're just going to wait it out.... the ice will melt by itself anyway. No need to wear ourselves out with this. We will need the energy later to migrate."

In fact, there was a whole lot of honking and presumed communications along these lines occurring between the geese on the ground and those still attempting to navigate the lake.

"Honk, honk,.....Honk, honk, honk......Honk......

"We need to conserve energy. No need to take this on at this time. Wait it out...."

So it seems the ultimate decision reached by all parties of the geese was to hunker down for the evening and let the temporary warm weather take its course on the ice. While a few adventurous geese could be seen walking on the ice, most of them settled down to either rest on the lake or along the south embankment.

Perhaps the geese didn't ultimately appreciate the sounds and pains of "shredding glass" -- or their undignified and clumsy appearance in trying to navigate through it.

But, pride, dignity, rest or conserving energy were not things concerning Brad or his help mates, Piggly and Wiggly.

On the contrary, all three ducks, having filled their bellies, immediately jumped back in the still half frozen lake and found a hole in the ice to "work on."

As I began to head out of the Meer with my dogs, the Bradly Brigade had summoned about five other ducks and all eight of them were vigorously swimming around in a clearly organized circle to create another pool of open water.

"No rest for the weary!" as the saying goes.

Walking home from what seemed like a kind of New Year's Eve party complete with smashing glass and large noisy "crowds" of geese and ducks, I had to marvel at how quickly Piggly and Wiggly learned to navigate and deal with ice and how efficiently Brad had taught them to "work it." Considering they are domestic ducks and its their first winter in a public park, its truly miraculous they have survived so well (with the important aid and teachings of Brad of course).

No one should every think geese or ducks are "dumb."

On the contrary, they are highly communicative, adaptable and intelligent.

"Hail, hail, the gang's all here."

It was good to see the migratory geese and ducks all back again last night -- despite the difficulties of having to break through and smash glass ceilings. -- PCA

*******

The Purpose Driven Life -- As Defined by a Duck!

2012-01-17T04:13:00.003-05:00

Snow flakes were falling last night and small sheets of ice had formed around the perimeter of the Reservoir.

But, it might as well have been spring as far as I was concerned. The balmy 34 degree temperature -- compared to the previous three nights -- felt like a heat wave.

Nevertheless, the dangling icicles hanging from rocks and twigs, should have been sign to me of other surprises to come.

From the top of the hill overlooking Harlem Meer, I could immediately discern that the lake was unmoving and frozen.

Perhaps due to the abnormal warmth of the winter so far, I had grown complacent in the assumption that the lake would not ice over this year.

The image therefore greatly surprised me -- especially in view of the rising temperature.

Apparently, however, the three previous days of below freezing temperatures is all that was necessary for virtually the entire lake to freeze.

Wondering where the geese and ducks were, I quickly descended the hill and could immediately see a group of ducks and geese standing on and huddled together in the middle of the pale colored ice.

Recognizing me, the group immediately began to head in my direction.

How funny they looked skidding across the ice -- like little human ice skaters!

When they finally arrived, I recognized Buster and his gaggle of six geese and a few of the mallards I am used to seeing. There were four other geese with Buster's group and I guessed them to be part of the secondary family of resident geese.

But, where was the Bradly Brigade?

Looking briefly across the ice, I could not make out any more ducks or geese on it.

Apparently, all of the migratory geese and ducks had left with the freezing over of the lake!

The ice appeared like a pale, empty slate.

A little nervous over not seeing Brad, Piggly and Wiggly with the other birds, but not alarmed, I tossed some seeds and treats to the hungry troupe. Unlike the previous two bitter cold nights, the geese and ducks hopped around to quickly grab treats without squatting down for heat. Buster walked up to me and gently swooped seeds from my hand like everything was honky dory.

After emptying more than half the bag, but still not seeing Brad or his two charges, I became concerned and moved further along the embankment to check out the rest of the frozen lake.

Over towards the northern part of the Meer, I could then see a pool of open water about 20 feet in diameter -- and three ducks vigorously swimming on it!

"Brad! Brad! Is that you?"

Hearing my voice, all three ducks immediately responded by hopping out of the water and quickly skidding across the ice.

No doubt then. -- It was the Bradly Brigade!

Brad had some trouble when trying to climb the embankment and hitting some thin ice. For a moment, I thought I might have to attempt a rescue of the struggling Rouen duck.

But, Brad bravely made it out and as usual was anxious to swoop treats from my hand.

Piggly and Wiggly, standing nearby quickly grabbed what escaped from Brad's beak.

Meanwhile, a goose from the second family had returned to the ice and walked in the direction of the open pool.

Upon finding it and jumping in the water, s/he began to honk loudly presumably as a signal to the birds still on the ground.

"Hey, Buster, there is some open water here! You'd better bring the rest of the guys here so we can work to prevent it from freezing over!"

Buster honked back.

"Not to worry! I know about it. We will be there in time!"

Buster and the rest of the geese and ducks continued eating without a care in the world.

But, Brad would have none of such overindulgence!

Having had his fill of treats, Brad walked to the edge of the lake and started "talking" to his charges.

"Come on, guys, its time to get to work! We cannot afford to pussy around tonight!"

All the ducks and geese immediately stood to attention and chatted among themselves.

Brad then hopped on the ice with Piggly and Wiggly quickly joining him.

And then in groups of two and three, the rest of the ducks and geese followed.

In a slow kind of procession, the geese and ducks tiptoed gingerly on the ice together and headed towards the open pool. One by one, I could see them from a distance plopping in the pool to join the one goose who initially called out.

But, of course, it was Brad who had already known about the open pool of water. -- Indeed, it was probably he who created it!

And its likely that Brad and his two "trainees" had worked diligently all day to prevent the pool from freezing over with the rest of the lake.

Whether Buster and his gaggle (or any of the other geese or ducks) had previously helped the Bradly Brigade, I have no way of knowing.

But, at least they headed over last night to help.

It reminded me of the common scenes from last winter:

Brad, always working hard to keep a small pool of water open with the then help of Angelina and Joey.

When they were in the "mood" some of the mallards and geese would help. But, more often than not, the lazy mallards and geese typically loafed on the ice and watched Brad literally duck and dive his tail off. Their attitude seemed to be, "Let him do all the work. He can't fly. But, if the going gets too tough, we can always take off."

And indeed, most of the geese and ducks had taken off yesterday with the freezing of the lake!

Only the resident birds stayed -- or at least the ones I have been bribing to stay.

There was a total of 12 geese and about 15 mallards last night. -- The same ones that come to me every night for handouts.

"Lazy" or not, I was happy they at least stayed and therefore, did not regret the bribing. Buster and company are after all, better than nothing.

Last night was the first night "my flocks" of ducks and geese did not escort me from the Meer to ask why I was leaving or say goodnight..

But, Brad is the taskmaster. And he had made it clear to everyone that it was time for work and not "pussy footing" around..

A little "hurt" I managed anyway to find my way out of the Meer, sans the usual good night and advice to Brad and the gang.

But, Brad is the last creature on earth who needs advice anyway.

Walking home via route of the Reservoir again, it did not take long to discover where the rest of the geese and ducks from the frozen Harlem Meer had flown.

A huge group of them were gathered and relaxed in the open water of the Reservoir near the water spout. (No need to "work" at the Reservoir which rarely ices completely over.)

Yep. "When the going gets tough, the flying geese and mallards leave." And the Reservoir is the place to go -- only a "pond hop" from Harlem Meer.

But, Brad can never leave the Meer regardless of what the conditions are.

And so, he works his tail off and becomes the "taskmaster" to the rest of the ducks and even the resident geese.

Brad is the epitome of the "purpose-driven life!". -- PCA

************

Winter Ponderings and Quick Takes

2012-01-16T16:59:00.000-05:00

(Photos: 1- Brad, "hunkered down" last night with other ducks to deal with cold. 2- One of Buster's clan answering the call.)

An interesting article today from New Jersey:

http://www.app.com/article/20120116/NJNEWS/301180002/New-Jersey-s-tainted-waters?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Note the photo of two geese swimming amongst garbage and pollution.

New Jersey, like New York, has been targeting and killing geese for some years now.

Its interesting that we address our pollution problems by deliberately destroying the waterfowl who naturally live on lakes, rivers or ponds.

Its like declaring a war on fish to address polluted oceans.

This piece makes me think about Prospect Park.

As previously noted, Prospect Park (particularly in the summer) is a site of monumental garbage, discarded fishing lines and BBQ runoffs. Its grassy lawns quite literally become a "graveyard" for dead chickens and their bones during the warm weather.

And yet the entire population of resident geese was deliberately "removed" and gassed in July of 2010 and most recently, Prospect Park launched operations to "harass" the migratory geese who apparently made the mistake of attempting to winter in the Brooklyn Park.

This would all be quite funny were it not instead so barbaric, irresponsible and downright "crazy."

Instead of addressing pollution and toxicity problems at their sources of human development, we scapegoat and kill the natural wildlife that dare to attempt survival on garbage-strewn watercourses.

And then we claim "donation" of the chemically-leaden and slaughtered wildlife to "food banks."

Way to go for a healthy American future!

----------

It seems all of New York City was "hunkered down" last night as temperatures plunged once again to the teens. Weather forecasters warned people "not to stay out too long" in the single-digit wind chills due to the dangers of frostbite.

Although venturing outside in the early evening, city streets were virtually deserted and I saw a grand total of only three people in Central Park. Two young boys took advantage of the empty park drive to practice skateboarding and a woman walked two dogs.

Dressing in layers last night (including tights under jeans), I was reasonably prepared for the cold -- though I seemed to fight a losing battle in protecting hands from the piercing winds.

Gloves were about as useful last night as a hoola hoop under the circumstances.

Arriving to Harlem Meer, I was not surprised to see what appeared at first glance, an empty lake.

But, I knew the geese and ducks (like humans) were simply "hunkered down" trying to hide from the bitter cold.

I called out to the Bradly Brigade:

"Brad! Brad! Where are you? I am not walking around the lake tonight! If you guys are hungry, you'd better come out from hiding!"

Almost as if on cue, I suddenly saw three ducks quickly swimming across the lake!

Thank God, I thought.

Brad, Piggly and Wiggly immediately joined a hand-full of other ducks who were sitting down (for warmth) and grabbing tossed seeds from the ground.

Though hand feeding Brad some treats, my hands could not tolerate the exposure and even Brad preferred to squat down to sift the seeds from the raggedy grass.

It was simply too bitterly cold for games or anything requiring time.

Although I had brought a full bag of sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn and some small bits of bread, it was disappearing almost as fast as I could get it out. This, despite the fact there were less than a dozen ducks squatting down and swooping it up!

I wondered where Buster and the geese were?

Out of the question to walk around the lake and survey other ducks and geese, I instead, walked a few feet and called out to Buster:

"Buster! Buster! If you want any treat tonight, then you'd better move your snowy white ass! I am leaving!"

Suddenly, seven geese came scurrying across the water and hopped up on the embankment!

"Not a whole lot left for you guys." I said to Buster, while pointing my hand down to remaining seeds on the ground. "You are going to have to scavenge like everyone else!"

Buster seemed to understand the situation and he and his gaggle immediately started to graze and pick up what few seeds remained.

Meanwhile, I grabbed my dogs and hurriedly started to make my way out of the Meer. My hands very frostbitten, I tried to alternate them between holding my dogs and cramming into jacket pockets.

Having stuffed their bellies, Brad, Piggly and Wiggly (along with the few other ducks and the geese), hopped into the water and began to follow me to the edge of the lake.

"Hunker down, guys!" I said to Brad and the others while embarking up the hill that leads away from the Meer. "Tomorrow is going to be a better day!"

And indeed, today is "better" -- if one wants to call 34 degrees a picnic. It's at least two degrees above freezing. -- A virtual heat wave compared to the last two days.

-----------

Finally arriving home last night from my "date" with the birds, I defrosted my hands by holding them under warm running water for about ten minutes. (Boy, did that feel good!)

My hands finally thawed, I then turned on the TV to catch some of the Golden Globes awards.

Jane Fonda walked on stage for some presentation and I have to admit to being totally awed.

The 74-year-old actress looked smashing in elegant evening gown and sporting a figure that would rival that of a 25-year-old!

Then again, Fonda admits to a hip replacement and having some "work" done.

I thought to myself smugly, I could wear that dress!

And although nine years younger than Fonda, I've had no joint replacements or "work" done.

Having a penchant for geese and ducks and walking two miles a day must be good for one's joints and figure.

Fonda and I seem to have a love for exercise in common.

Perhaps if she take up a love for wildlife, she won't need any more surgeries -- plastic or otherwise. ;) -- PCA

********

The Dog Days of Winter

2012-01-15T16:32:00.006-05:00

(Photos: 1-- Goose squatting down for warmth on cold night. 2 - Wiggly,Piggly and Brad leading departure parade. 3-- Buster and gaggle following in water. - "Why are you leaving?")

The angry, bullying winds of Friday subsided substantially last night.

But, the cold left behind in their wake was in some ways, more insidious.

It was the kind of frigidity that is at first, deceptive.

"Ah, its not so bad out tonight!" one thinks when initially going outside.

But, walk around in the cold for a while and that perception eventually changes.

Because, its the kind of stony iciness that gradually seeps through clothes, gloves and bones.

So much so, that by the time you return home, nothing but a long hot shower is the only thing to warm you up.

Animals in the wild obviously don't have the option of hot showers to thaw the body, bones and spirit.

Rather, they seek refuge in trees, vines, weeds, marshes or water.

I therefore, should not have been surprised when arriving to Harlem Meer last night to not find "my" resident geese and ducks in their usual spot.

But, with the news in recent days of goose harassment at Prospect Park, my first (paranoid) suspicion was that the goose chasers had invaded Central Park and sent all the birds packing.

"Oh my God, where is everyone? Don't tell me......!"

But, then remembering back to a couple of weeks ago when, during a brief cold blast, most of the ducks and geese had taken refuge in weeds and marshes surrounding the Meer, I realized I would have to walk around the entire lake to actually know what the situation was.

Something I did not exactly relish considering my hands and thighs were slowly turning into frozen entrees.

But, hearing some goose honks emanating from the west side of the lake and feeling both, relieved and inspired, I decided to trudge on with my two dogs, Tina and Chance.

"Onward Christian soldiers!" as the adage goes.

Leaving some sprays of millet seed for the few mallards who had gathered in the usual spot, my dogs and I set on our relatively short journey around the lake.

Sure enough, three gaggles of geese were gathered on the west side of the lake, along with about 15 to 20 mallards. They were huddled and somewhat hidden from easy view among the tall plants and marshes.

Seven geese and a small group of the mallards approached me along the marshes. I quickly tossed some black sunflower seeds upon the rocks and weeds and the birds eagerly went for them.

But, of course, I was mainly looking for Brad, Piggly and Wiggly, the three domestic, flightless ducks.

Walking further along, I encountered a number of people walking with their dogs and it occurred that on this very frigid night, the only runner seen on the entire trip to the Meer was a young man running with his dog around the Reservoir!

Apparently cold weather brings the dog people out and sends the joggers and cyclists to the indoor gyms.

An odd kind of realization considering that running (next to hot showers) is the best way to quickly heat up.

But, in New York City, it seems the hotter and more humid and miserable the weather, the more runners and cyclists in the park! But, the minute the temperature plunges, the exercisers become an extinct species in the outdoors.

I don't think I will ever understand that.....

After engaging in some pleasant talk with fellow dog people, I continued on the trip around the lake.

Small groups of other ducks and geese were also near the outer edges of the lake. (I counted about 40- 50 geese in all and about a similar number of mallards.) Watching the shy geese move towards the water as I approached, I figured them to be among the migratory population.

Finally, I had almost circled the entire lake and still not found the "Bradly Brigade!"

But, as I neared the point of entry to the Meer and the "usual" meeting spot, there were the three ducks swimming around and looking indignantly at me as if to ask, "Where the hell have you been?"

And no sooner did Brad and his two charges eagerly hop the embankment demanding their treats, did Buster arrive, loudly honking with his gaggle, seemingly demanding answer to the same question.

"Well, its not MY fault that you guys weren't here when I showed up! Thanks for making me walk all around the lake on a freezing night! I shouldn't give you guys one pumpkin seed!"

But, of course I did. Or, rather what was left of the seeds and other treat. Much of it I had already tossed to some of the ducks and geese encountered around the lake.

But, boy were the birds hungry last night!

Buster and Brad grab at and shared the treats in my hand as the other ducks and geese practically trampled me in getting to the seeds on the ground.

Even the few sprays of millet I had earlier tossed were completely wiped clean and normally the geese and ducks aren't crazy about those.

I regretted that I had not brought more.

The food quickly gone, I took out my small camera to shoot some photos of the geese and ducks squatting down in sitting position (for warmth) and stretching necks to eat seeds from the ground.

Buster, still hungry, pecked at my camera.

"You silly goose! This isn't food!"

(I guess we now know where the expression, "silly goose" comes from.)

My hands frostbitten at this point and the food entirely exhausted, I quickly grabbed my dogs and began to move away.

And once again, Brad gathered Piggly and Wiggly and Buster, his loyal six and they all began to follow me out of the Meer.

A colleague informs me that this is the birds way of questioning why you are leaving.

And yes, I have to admit that makes a great deal of sense and jives with the behavior observed.

The geese and ducks apparently consider those humans who know and feed them to be members of their flocks!

Flock members don't leave.

But, freezing humans do have to leave.

We are anxious to return to our heated homes and hot showers.

I am still amazed that wildlife is able to withstand and survive the brutalities of extreme weather without the amenities that we humans have become so accustomed to.

As I slowly thawed out later under the rushes of a steaming shower, I wished that I could have shared some of that warm water with the ducks and geese.

"Old Man Winter" has arrived to New York City.

And while it may be temporary fun for some long-haired, fluffy dogs, it is not fun for the ducks, geese and probably most wildlife who actually have to live in it. -- PCA

**********

Blistering Winds and "Escorting" Geese and Ducks!

2012-01-14T18:04:00.002-05:00

As has been typical of this roller coaster winter so far, temperatures took a dive yesterday and whipping winds tore into the city at up to 50 MPH.

A large billboard crashed onto to the Brooklyn Queens expressway in what was attributed to high winds. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Walking along the normally calm Jackie Onassis Reservoir last night, it was incredible to note white caps on the water and what appeared small waves crashing along the rocks. It was almost like a little ocean yielding to sweeping, bitter winds.

Small wonder few birds have taken refuge in the Reservoir this winter. With its open space, the Reservoir gets hit with stronger wind gusts than other areas of Central Park and so far (due to a warmer winter than normal) other watercourses have remained open.

As I struggled to maintain balance in the cutting wind, I wondered about the geese and ducks at Harlem Meer?

The incredulous news over the past few days of harassment being conducted on geese at Prospect Park made me question if such senseless and cruel tactics would spread to Central Park (like some insidious disease)?

Once again, I didn't know what to expect when arriving at the Meer. Would I only find the three flightless ducks (Brad, Piggly and Wiggly) there?

Fortunately, all the geese and ducks were still present with what even appeared to be a few more geese than what's been normal over the past six weeks or so.

Most of the birds were in the water. But, as usual when arriving, Buster sounded out a greeting goose "honk" from the middle of the lake and Brad quickly gathered his two duck charges to come and meet me at the usual spot.

Within a minute, the "parade" of about 15 resident ducks and an almost equal number of resident geese came to greet me along the south embankment.

The rest of the non-resident and presumably migratory geese either remained in the water or gathered further west along the lake banks. As always, they kept their safe and somewhat aloof distance.

The "resident" Harlem Meer geese consists of Buster and his six followers and another family (or gaggle) of about 8 geese. They represent what I am estimating to be about 20% of the geese currently at Harlem Meer. The rest of the geese are presumably migratory. (However, that can be difficult to discern with certainty considering harassment occurring at one local and known NYC park.)

The other family shows respect around Buster so as not to tread directly on his "space," but at the same time, they are not intimidated by him.

Several of the geese from the second family walk cautiously up to me and take seeds gently and confidently from my hand. But, they are careful not to step over the invisible line that Buster has apparently drawn in the sand.

Its fascinating to actually observe the intricate, but at the same time, simple relationship among the geese. One born of hierarchy, dominance and knowledge, but at the same time, respect and cooperation.

Though several members of the other goose family boldly venture treats from my hand, none of Buster's charges ever do. Though Buster's gaggle members come very near, its as though they fully expect an admonishment from Buster if daring to take anything directly from me. And indeed, the few times one of them did venture a mouth too close, Buster immediately "corrected" them with a hard peck to the back.

The "rules" have been set down and they are rarely, if ever broken or even challenged.

Meanwhile, Brad swoops sunflower seeds from my hand as Wiggly has quickly learned that by standing directly under me, she gets all that escapes from Brad's beak. That, as noted last week, leads to other mallards standing literally on my shoes to quickly sweep up the fluttering treats. (I have since switched to black sports boots)

Wiggly on the other hand (having had such a tough initiation to the Meer from the rejecting mallards), has learned that his lightening fast darting skills enable him to grab what is tossed out to the geese and other ducks and immediately jump out of the way of any annoyed pecks.

Both, Piggly and Wiggly are fast learners, though of course they now have an expert leader and teacher in Brad who protects and looks out for them like they are his own kids.

(I think we now know the origin and inspiration for the phrase, "taking under wing." It is one directly taken from nature.)

As noted previously, out of a seeming respect for the leadership of both, Buster and Brad often eat from my hand together, neither one, trying to "correct" or intimidate the other.

Last night, it was particularly funny that while both birds ate from my hand, one of Buster's gaggle members squatted underneath them and some falling treats landed on his/her back!

(That would have made a hilarious video but unfortunately there wasn't a second party to film it. -- A duck and goose forming a "bridge" to grab treats while a second goose, [under the bridge] grabs what falls!)

Although members of Buster's family do not dare to take treats from my hand, apparently neither he nor they have objections to my petting them!

Lately I have been able to "pet" several of Buster's charges (including the one "under the bridge" last night). It's amazing how hard and powerful their wings feel. -- like steel grids! (One doesn't get that impression from merely looking at the geese.) Then again, it makes sense considering the thousands of miles these birds are capable of flying. The wings obviously have to be very resilient and strong.

Finally exhausted of treat, I gingerly moved away to get my two dogs (being careful not to step on Wiggly or other still nibbling ducks)!

Brad once again, gathered his two charges and began to form the "parade" of which Buster and gaggle are a part, to escort me from the Meer.

I always have to laugh at this -- but still haven't figured out what it means.

I honestly think these birds have no faith in the ability of humans to be smarter than they are in navigation skills!

And perhaps they are correct in that. Surely, I could not find my way to Canada like the geese do!

But, I can find my way out of Central Park. -- Even though it was particularly tough last night considering the hard, blistering winds.

Perhaps Brad, Buster and their charges should have escorted me home last night to be sure I wasn't blown over. -- PCA

********

The Shameful Legacy of Prospect Park -- Animal Cruelty

2012-01-13T14:36:00.000-05:00

I remember the first time I visited Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Friends invited me one Sunday for brunch at their home and a walk in the park.

It was a warm, sunny day in late June of 2010.

As soon as we entered the crowded park, the smoke from Barbeques was enough to choke and knock one over. Garbage was overflowing in the cans and much of it littered the grass and pedestrian paths.

"Yes," my friends said. "The Barbeques are unsightly and smelly. Let's walk to a different area. There are many geese and ducks here."

We walked to the lake, where, as promised, there were many beautiful geese, ducks and swans.

Children and people were hand-feeding the tame birds who walked right up to them. -- Especially, the geese and swans. I whipped out my camera and took photos.

The beautiful wildlife was indeed, the highlight of the park. And it was wonderful to see so many people positively interacting with them.

Later walking through some of the park lawns, it was shocking to note the grass completely littered with discarded chicken bones.

"How can you walk your two dogs through here?" I asked. "Don't they try to grab the chicken bones?"

"Oh, we don't walk our dogs on the grass," my friends laughed. "We wouldn't dare!"

Though I did not want to insult my friends or their local park, I could not help but think that with the exception of the geese, ducks and swans, Prospect Park was the ugliest park I had ever seen.

I could not wait to leave it and vowed to never return.

But, of course I have returned to Prospect Park several times since. -- To attend rallies held to protest the massacre of the geese I had so joyously viewed that day.

Exactly two weeks following my visit, all 368 geese and their goslings were rounded up by the USDA one Thursday morning in early July, trucked to Kennedy Airport and gassed.

It was unbelievable and ironic to me both then and now that of all the truly ugly sights and occurrences at Prospect Park, the thing that park and government officials chose to target and destroy was one of the few elements of beauty -- the park's Canada geese!

Since that time, I have learned a great deal more about Prospect Park.

I have learned that it has been a repeated site for animal slaughters, including mutilated chickens and goats whose remains have been discarded and scattered around the park.

In the spring of 2010, a goose was shot with an arrow at Prospect Park and walked around for several weeks with the arrow sticking out of his neck. Park Rangers were unable to capture the injured gander. But, two weeks after removing the arrow himself, "Target" was rounded up and killed by USDA along with the other 367 Prospect Park geese.

"Mercy" existed for NO geese at Prospect Park -- even a "celebrity" goose.

I have learned that dozens of Prospect Park animals, including swans, cygnets, geese, a cormorant and even turtles have been continually ensnared in fishing lines and required rescue.

And I have learned over the past few days that harassment is being conducted on the mostly migratory Canada geese attempting to rest and gather strength at Prospect Park over the winter months.

http://www.prospectpark.org/environment/wildlife/WildlifeManagement

According to the Prospect Park Days blog, the harassment is apparently occurring daily.

I am reminded of my personal experience with goose harassment at Central Park in December of 2010 and my blog entries during that period:

http://talesamptailsofnewyork.blogspot.com/2010/12/bad-news-good-news.html

"Geese Relief" the agency then employed by Central Park Conservancy for goose harassment was immediately fired when the Conservancy learned that canister blasts were used. Geese Relief was also terminated for the fact of scaring other birds away, including the shovelers and one swan.

"They are supposed to immediately cease operations if scaring off other birds." a Central Park Conservancy official told me at the time.

According to the "Prospect Park Days" blog today, the swan family at Prospect Park appears to be broken up now and in different areas.

http://www.prospectparkday.blogspot.com/

One cannot prove that the disbursement of the swans is due to the goose harassment currently being conducted at Prospect Park. But it is suspicious, especially in light of what occurred at Central Park in 2010.

It is not clear why Prospect Park would elect to conduct harassment on the birds in the middle of January when human use is at a minimum and most of the geese are temporary.

Obviously, they are not in communication with Central Park Conservancy or CP Park Rangers.

A Central Park Ranger told me in 2010 that harassment of geese in winter was a "waste of resources" considering most of the geese were migratory and would return in spring to Canada and Nova Scotia.

I suspect that the Prospect Park Alliance has been fed a "sales pitch" by Goosebusters.

As recently noted in this journal, many "goose harassment" companies have overstepped the bounds of what is truthful and humane in order to promote and sell their services.

I can still recall vividly the borderline sadistic grin on the face of the woman from Geese Relief in Dec of 2010. It was as through she got some perverse pleasure from terrifying all the birds on a mostly frozen lake.

In their "Wildlife Management Plan" the Prospect Park Alliance states harassment to begin in January "just before the breeding season."

Geese don't begin to "breed" until late March or early April.

Where is the Alliance getting their information?

Apparently from Goosebusters.

The real lunacy and injustice in all this is that at a time the geese should be resting up and reserving energy for the challenge of spring migrations, they are instead being harassed on a daily basis and continually stressed.

That will seriously deplete their condition for the stresses of migration and could actually result in more geese being forced to stay in NY, rather than migrate in late Feb or early March as would be normal. This is especially true if the weather should change and become suddenly hostile and cold as is expected during the next week.

I obviously don't know the rationalizations or sources for this pointless, cruel and wasteful exercise to harass birds in winter on the part of the Prospect Park Alliance.

I just have to hope it doesn't spread to Central Park like some infectious, fatal disease.

"Goose-a-phobia" spreading all over NYC and the country.

Or, perhaps it simply is that the legacy of Prospect Park is endless and senseless animal cruelty.

I hope I never have to return to it and I hope Prospect Park's shameful, disgraceful legacy doesn't spread to other NYC parks -- especially, Central Park. -- PCA

******

No Safe Place and No Safe Time

2012-01-12T18:36:00.000-05:00

For the past month I have been speculating that most of the geese recently observed at Harlem Meer are migratory visitors from the north.

But, I have recently learned that it's quite possible that some (or many?) might have actually "migrated" from as near as Prospect Park in Brooklyn!

According to the woman who writes a Prospect Park blog, goose harassment has recently been used at Prospect Park and there are currently few geese there:

http://www.prospectparkday.blogspot.com/

(This news has apparently also been confirmed from the Prospect Park Alliance.)

It is disturbing to learn that harassment would be used in any NYC park at a time many of the observed geese would be migratory.

Geese migrating from Canada to New York City for winter generally leave during the late days in February to return to their northern breeding grounds and birth places.

(What possible reason would there be to thus "harass" migratory and other birds -- especially during the times that park usage by humans is at its lowest points?)

The news about goose harassment currently occurring at Prospect Park is disturbing on many levels, not just the fact of terrorizing migratory and resident birds for no apparent or economically sound reason.

Though quite evident that most of the geese at Harlem Meer now are non-resident geese, the question that has to be considered is whether some are Prospect Park geese who have simply been chased and escaped to Central Park?

If that is the case, then those geese would not "migrate" back to Canada next month, but would likely attempt to find safe sanctuary and stay at Central Park.

And that could have dire and deadly consequences for ALL the geese still in Central Park over the spring.

It could mean Central Park being put on the USDA list for "goose cullings" in the summer as it is actually closer to an area airport than Prospect Park in Brooklyn..

I am worried now......

Of course there is no way to tell at Harlem Meer which geese are actually migratory or which might have been chased from Prospect Park or other "harassment" locations.

It is virtually impossible to decipher much of anything -- much less "predict" which geese will leave or which might attempt to stay in the spring.

In following up on the blog post from the other day, this appears to be just one more example of goose "harassment" being perverted from its original intent (i.e. to "shoo" geese off of heavily used park lawns, ball fields or golf courses and direct them towards watercourses such as shown in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FKmXkF1NCE) to something far more sinister and irrational:

The endless persecution and eradication of, not just "resident" geese, but migratory geese as well, any time of the year.

These birds truly have no safe place to go where they will not be shot at, rounded up and killed or endlessly harassed.

I am just grateful for the geese I am still able to see each day at Central Park and pray that they can miraculously find some safe sanctuary come the spring -- but, I have no idea where that may be, especially in New York City. -- PCA

************

Perceptions and Realities -- Burns Park, Arkansas

2012-01-10T13:54:00.002-05:00

They have clever and catchy names:

"Goosebusters, Lose-A-Goose, Geese Relief."

The names are designed to attract clients and depict the geese in as demeaning and negative a light as possible.

As any good business person knows, the more you can convince others of the "need" for your product or service, the more successful you will be and the more money you will make.

The companies listed are "goose harassment (or hazing)" operations that usually use trained Border Collies or other means to non-lethally scare and chase "unwanted" Canada geese from lakes, ponds, parks and other properties.

Often they are promoted and supported by animal advocates and humane organizations as humane and non-lethal alternative to goose killings.

This is true of course.

However, the question to ask might be, "When does something designed to address a problem humanely become part of the problem itself?"

"Better harassed, than dead" is the true and logical thinking.

But, sometimes things are not quite as simple and clear-cut as they might appear.

A few days ago, news reports and videos of "goose hazing" at Burns Park, Arkansas aired on local TV as humane alternative to a planned pre-Christmas hunt that had been canceled due to public pressure:

http://www.katv.com/story/16457257/dogs-begin-hazing-geese-at-burns-park

While most animal advocates viewed this as a very positive development, there were several things from the videos and news coverage that disturbed me -- the main grievance being that they seemed to exude and promote intolerance for the geese and depicted the animals in a substantially negative light.

That is in fact, my problem with goose harassment companies in general.

In effort to convince others of the needs for the service, there seems to be marked tendency to exaggerate and demonize the geese as much as possible.

It is common, for example, when checking out goose harassment company web sites to note the geese accused of everything from "aggressiveness" to health threats to taking down airliners. Other times the animals are simply portrayed as "nuisances" that need to be "gotten rid of" for the sake of wearing "low cut golf shoes."

While the gentleman operating "Lose-A-Goose" in the video doesn't actually say these things directly, the implication is clear.

And while the footage of the Border Collie chasing geese off a pond doesn't show egregious cruelty to animals, one has to question the hidden message and the perceptions it helps to perpetuate.-- That is, that even 30 geese on a 1,700 acre property (twice the size of Central Park) cannot be tolerated.

As the Parks and Recreation Director says in the clip, "Hopefully, the geese will relocate somewhere out of the country." (Or, in other words, some remote area where they can be shot.)

It is obviously not enough to simply chase geese from a heavily used golf course or soccer field to a less used area of a park or to a lake.

The real message (and goal) seems to be that the geese will not be tolerated anywhere other than a hunting site.

The goose harassment companies are not of course responsible for the negative attitudes of Parks Directors, politicians or others who disdain geese, but they do help to foster, cater to and perpetuate them. (Indeed, they make a living from them.)

Moreover, while chasing the geese from a park is far preferable to holding a canned hunt in the location, one has to realize that the result of both actions is to empty the location of ALL geese and that the probable result is that many, (if not most geese) will ultimately end up dead anyway. The true goal of hazing (apparently) is to chase the birds into hunting or culling areas.

While I initially viewed the cancellation of the pre-Christmas canned goose hunt at Burns Park as a victory for the geese (and goose advocates), I was less enthusiastic when seeing the news clips and videos of the harassment. Rather, they gave me cause for concern due to the attitudes of intolerance they seemed to promote and perpetuate.

Others argued on this point. "Better harassed than dead. At least the geese will live." etc., etc.

But, the real question to ask in my judgment is, how long will the geese live?

Was the true political objective simply to get the geese out of the glare of media spotlight and a public setting? A "stay of execution" so to speak -- past the holiday season?

Set the dogs on the geese to chase them from a public park to a more remote location where the geese can be hunted legally without the scrutiny of media?

Those were my questions because, in my view, the perpetuation and promotion of negative attitudes and perception towards animals is never going to have ultimately positive result regardless of whatever "good intentions" might have prompted the particular action in the first place.

The intentions (and actions) of goose harassment companies may be noble and actually humane. But the attitudes of intolerance and vilification that most goose hazing companies indulge in and perpetuate for the sake of business are ultimately destructive to the geese.

It therefore did not surprise greatly to read on the Coalition to Save the Burns Park Geese FB page (37) Coalition to Save the Geese of Burns Park

the other day that the Mayor of North Little Rock was then trying to get a legislative ordinance passed that would have allowed for "hunts" of any "nuisance" animals (most notably, geese) in the park at any time with just 3 days notice to the public. -- This after promising the media and the public that non-lethal goose management methods would be used for at least six months before any hunts would be considered (as long as the Coalition was willing to raise and provide half the funding for non-lethal measures).

Many people, including myself, contributed money to the implementation of non-lethal management only to later learn that apparently, not only would the geese be harassed at Burns Park, but they could still be shot as well!

It seemed that we merely contributed to add to the geese's misery, rather than alleviate or prevent it.

And so yes, one has to look at the attitudes and perceptions that are perpetuated by harassment companies (and inadvertently supported by animal advocates) and not just a specific action.

Any time we as "advocates" for animals find ourselves in the position of agreeing to the depiction of said animals as "pests" that need to be "gotten rid of" (one way or the other), we essentially sign their death warrants even if not using a pen, typing the words or saying aloud.

It is, after all, a very small leap from merely "harassing pest animals" to killing them.

(The key words are, "pest, nuisance, unwanted and getting rid of.")

It is one thing to chase 100 geese off of a small ball field or golf course to another area of the park or to a lake. It is quite another to chase a couple of gaggles of geese out of huge park with the hope and anticipation they can be shot or rounded up elsewhere.

Put simply, we as advocates for the geese should be very careful about supporting anything that disparages, demeans or adds to the already negative and grossly exaggerated perception of these (or any other) gentle and majestic creatures, regardless of how "desperate" we may be or how threatened.

To do so is to basically sell the geese down the river, regardless of otherwise good intentions. Perception becomes and is reality.

Since the announcement the other day of the Mayor's proposed "ordinance" to conduct hunts on "nuisance" animals (i.e. geese) in the park at any time, matters have once again, reversed.

Due to protests from the Coalition to Save the Geese at Burns Park and a threat to sever agreement to help fund non-lethal measures, Mayor Hays backtracked and did not put the goose hunt proposal on the table at last night's City Council meeting:

http://www.katv.com/story/16482690/nlr-mayor-withdraws-ordinance-to-shoot-nuisance-animals-on-city-property

That is good news of course.

But, it still serves to remind us of the delicacy, contradictions and unpredictability of our political struggles to protect these animals.

Most important among them is to be constantly aware of any negative messages or perceptions pertaining to geese we may be inadvertantly supporting in our efforts to "save" them.

Even the names of most goose harassment companies demean and depict the animals in extremely negative light.

Why can't they just rightfully refer to themselves as they are? "Humane Goose Management" or "Shoo a Goose?"

Not sexy or catchy enough?

Or, not demonizing and demeaning enough?

For the moment, I reluctantly "support" (while holding my nose) the goose chasing at Burns Park because it is obviously preferable to blasting the birds out of the sky.

But, I worry that in possibly bending over too far for "compromise," we ultimately show our asses and sell out the geese.

A "Goosebuster" I am not and nor shall ever be. -- PCA

************

Don't It Make My White Socks Black?

2012-01-08T15:26:00.003-05:00

(Photos: 1-- The Bradly Brigade last night. 2-- Buster honking, "Don't You Forget About Me!" 3-- "Crazy Mallards.")

"Those crazy mallards!"

I have found myself thinking the above more than once over the past few days.

But, more about that later....

In less than one week, we have gone in NYC from dressing for the Arctic to dressing for the Bahamas.

Temperatures have roller-coasted almost 50 degrees from as low as 13 degrees just a few days ago to a spring-like 62 degrees yesterday!

Likewise, the waterfowl at Central Park has transformed from the "hunkering down" posture of a winter cold blast to the liberating antics more closely associated with springtime.

Thursday night when returning to Harlem Meer, I was surprised to see a bunch of geese and ducks congregated along the south embankment.

Obviously, the rising 40 degree temperature was far more comfortable and conducive for fraternizing.

But, as I approached, the gaggle of about ten geese headed immediately for the water.

I had initially guessed the geese to be Buster and his flock, but was obviously wrong.

Buster and his shy six were on their way to me from the middle of the lake, honking their loud and familiar greeting.

"Honk... honk.....Here we are!"

Meanwhile, the migratory geese took a nearby position in the lake to casually observe from "safe" distance what was happening around them. Geese, it seems, are infinitely curious creatures, but safety is always their main priority.

Unlike the previous night when numerous ducks and geese squatted down on the ground (like cold humans tightly wrapping arms around body to keep warm), none of the birds sat in crunched position to conserve body heat. On the contrary, they were all quite animated.

Brad pranced up to me immediately to eat from my hand. His buddies, Piggly and Wiggly crowded around my feet to grab whatever Brad missed or rejected. (Brad mostly loves the black oiled sunflower seeds and tends to sift them out from the rest of treats.)

But, it wasn't just Piggly and Wiggly trouncing on my feet to catch what Brad missed or tossed aside.

A number of mallards did as well.

The result was I was almost cemented in place! -- Afraid to move a foot for fear of stepping on one of the ducks!

"Come on, guys! Step back a little so a gal can move!"

But, the ducks did not listen. They were apparently too high on life, warm weather and fluttering desserts.

Meanwhile, Buster walked up and honked to remind me of his and his gaggle's presence.

"What about us?"

(As if I could possibly miss this huge gander who towers over virtually every bird at the Meer!)

"Yes, Buster. Here is some for you. But, you have to share with Brad."

Buster is so accommodating and gentle with people and Brad. (I sometimes wonder if Buster likes people better than other geese and might makes a good pet?)

But, he is certainly not so sweet and gentle with the other members of his flock!

Anytime one of his charges moves a step forward and attempts to take a seed from my hand, Buster immediately responds with a hard peck on the goose's back!

"Mind your manners and know your place!"

The poor admonished geese immediately heed the warning.

I sometimes wonder why the members of Buster's gaggle put up with so much abuse and never dare to fight back?

Then again, such things are not for me to question. Obviously, Buster has been an effective leader in keeping his charges safe and finding food sources for them.

Lines drawn and physical reminders of those lines are apparently part of goose hierarchy and "family values."

Buster is just a very different leader and family head than Papa goose from the Boat Lake who always lets his mate and offspring eat first.

Obviously not all geese gaggles and families are the same. Perhaps this is another way Canada geese are remarkably similar to humans.

The evening being so pleasant and my small bag of treats quickly gone, I sat with my dogs on a nearby park bench for a few minutes to watch the scenes before me.

There was much animated "conversation" among the mallards, a few of which turned into the "bar room brawls" that one commonly sees during the spring and especially when geese are present to keep lookouts for any danger or threat.

Different pairs tosseled on the ground, usually with one duck chasing the other into the water.

"Crazy mallards!" I thought. "They are just like rowdy drunks in a bar!"

Meanwhile, the migratory geese still looked curiously to all the crazy shenanigans from their safe spot in the water.

One could almost hear them thinking, "This is a pretty wild place. Guess they don't call it, 'fun city' for nothing."

Most of the geese presently at Harlem Meer are, I believe, migratory.

They tend to mind and go about their business in a peaceful, dignified, but cautious way. It seems if they have any questions they honk them out to Buster and he responds back.

As Brad is the respected leader among all the ducks at Harlem Meer, Buster is the respected "resident" gander among all the geese as he so knows the environment and any real threats. -- You have a question, ask Buster. He presumably knows everything.

As the ground ducks and geese continued to graze and sweep up remaining seeds from the grass, I gathered my dogs to leave.

As usual, Brad, Piggly and Wiggly looked up and immediately began to escort me, as did other ducks and of course, Buster and his troupe.

The mysterious avian parade that I still cannot figure out.

"All right, guys. Thanks for the escort. I think I can find my way out now. You guys have a wonderful night and no more fights, you crazy mallards!"

Arriving home about 40 minutes later, I put on the TV and sat down to relax.

That is when I noticed my shoes and socks.

I normally wear light red sports shoes to the park with white socks.

But, the socks had streaks of black on them and the shoes were covered in brown dirt!

What the hell?

I took off the shoes to look at the soles, but the bottoms were clean! It was just the tops that looked like I had just walked through a major mid west, dust bowl!

And then it dawned on me.

The mallards standing and walking on the tops of my socks and shoes!

"Those crazy mallards!"

I then thought of the old Crystal Gayle song, "Don't It Makes My Brown Eyes Blue?"

The mallards had turned my white socks black!

Thank God, I have a washing machine.-- Which has been very busy over the past few nights.

"Crazy mallards!"

Maybe it is time to bring winter back -- at least for the sake of my shoes, socks and washing machine. -- PCA

*******

"Sitting Ducks"

2012-01-05T19:48:00.000-05:00

(Photos: 1-- "Sitting ducks" at Harlem Meer on a chilly night. 2-- Sitting goose, seemingly a bit startled with all the ducks.)

Last night, the balmy 25 degree temperature felt almost like spring compared to the night before.

I wasn't sure what to expect when arriving to Harlem Meer.

Would the lake be largely iced over considering the temperature had plunged to 13 degrees on Tuesday and was still below freezing?

Would the geese and ducks be "hunkering down" as most were the night before?

Would I again have to walk around the entire lake to find Brad, Piggly and Wiggly?

I tried not to have any expectations because as noted, nothing is truly predictable from one day to the next. -- Especially with the "up and down," weird weather we have been having in New York City over the past few months. Through brutally cold for a couple of days, this past fall and the beginning of winter have so far, been far warmer than normal.

Nevertheless, I was in for more than one surprise last night.

The first surprise was that the lake was mostly unfrozen, except for a fairly small section towards the east. (An area the ducks and geese usually don't frequent.)

The second surprise was that many of the geese and ducks were congregated along the south embankment!

Indeed, I did not have to look for the "Bradly Brigade" at all.

It was as though they and Buster and a whole lot of other ducks and geese decided that clustering together was a good way to ward off the cold.

"Hail, hail, the gang's all here!"

Though obviously more comfortable with the mid-twenties temperatures and lighter winds, the geese and mallards were still chilled.

Many of them sat down to conserve body heat when on the ground.

Quickly snapping a couple of photos of the "sitting" ducks and geese, I thought the scene gave new meaning to the old adage, "sitting ducks" and perhaps this actually explained the phrases' origin?

I tried to remember back to last year.

Although I recall seeing the occasional "sitting duck" (or goose) last winter, it seems more of a common phenomenon this year.

Is that because, due to the warmer than normal temperatures, the geese and ducks simply weren't physically prepared for the sudden cold blast?

That seems to be true for humans. Certainly, I wasn't prepared physically for sudden zero wind chills and mid teens temperatures.

Only last week, temperatures in NYC were in the mid 50's. People were walking around in sweaters and some joggers were running shirtless!

Less than a week later, one is having to don full winter gear and (at least at night) there is nary a jogger to be seen at all!

It seems the body gets used to one thing and then it is suddenly something else! What is a body to do?

Perhaps that quandary is true for wildlife, as well as it is for humans?

Again, remembering back to last year (and 2010), Harlem Meer was half frozen over by mid December and entirely iced over by early January (with the exception of the tiny pool of water kept open by Brad and a few other ducks and geese).

This year, the entire lake is still liquid and even the small section that iced over in the past couple of days can be expected to melt in the next few.

This has resulted in most the resident and many migratory geese and ducks electing to stay at Harlem Meer (and the other unfrozen ponds and lakes of CP) as opposed to being forced to move to the Reservoir or flying south.

As for the question of why the Meer didn't freeze over during the two days of sub-freezing temperatures?

Two days isn't long enough for the ponds and lakes to completely ice over and additionally, there are many mallards and geese at the Meer right now. The constant swimming, dunking and diving of so much waterfowl on the watercourse helps to prevent icing.

So, more questions raised last night.

But, at least one was (I think) answered.

The origin of the phrase, "sitting ducks." -- PCA

**********

13 Degrees of Separation

2012-01-04T13:58:00.001-05:00

Ah, the difference that 13 degrees makes.

In this case, the difference not only in temperature and degree, but more significatly, questions.....

Monday night, when going to Harlem Meer, the temperature was a balmy 30 degrees.

I like this kind of weather. Except for the inconvenience of having to wear hat, scarf and gloves, it is invigorating.

Apparently the waterfowl find 30 degrees invigorating, also.

As soon as landing my first steps leading to the Meer, Monday night, Buster sent out a loud greeting honk and suddenly he and his seven charges took off from the center of the lake and quickly flew to the south embankment -- the gathering site I usually feed the Bradly Brigade (Brad, Piggly and Wiggly) and a few random mallards and geese.

Apparently, Buster's honk alerted a whole bunch of other geese and ducks and I was immediately swarmed with a slew of hungry ducks and geese, including of course, the Bradly Brigade.

Although thinking I had brought a decent supply of sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn and some morsels of whole wheat bread, I went through the bag of nourishment in less than five minutes.

The birds were either really hungry -- or they were preparing to fill up while they could and then hunker down during the next couple of days.

Apparently, Brad, Buster and company knew the weather was about to radically change for the worst.

Depleted of my food supply in the blink of an eye, I gathered my dogs to leave.

Brad, Piggy and Wiggly followed me along the embankment, as did Buster and his motley crew of geese and a number of others.

I quite literally, had a parade escorting me from the Meer!

The image made me laugh.

I wondered if they were unsatisfied with the insufficient amount of food and expected more? Or was this their way of showing appreciation for what had been given to them?

Or, rather had Brad simply informed Buster that old ladies and old dogs need guidance to find their way around the park? "She just became a senior citizen some weeks ago. We have to watch out for her."

"Well, if that is the case (that you don't think I can find my way home), then shouldn't you guys escort me to my door?" I teased and laughed.

But, the ducks chirped in a language I couldn't understand. And Buster just offered an ambiguous honk.

Finally walking up the steps leading away from the Meer, I waved at the birds who were then all in the water near the edge of the lake.

"You'd better get ready to hunker down! The cold air is coming. Goodnight, guys!"

And, boy, did the cold air come!

Yesterday, running some errands in the afternoon, I could feel my legs freezing under my jeans.

I broke down and bought a pair of tights.

By the time I headed to Central Park last night with my thankfully "cold weather" dogs, the temperature had plunged to 17 degrees with near-zero wind chills.

And though I had bundled up in the usual attire, (adding tights under the jeans) I found myself alternating gloved, but freezing hands between pockets and holding Tina and Chance.

Even my eyeballs felt like they were freezing.

Arriving to Harlem Meer, I could not see any birds at all on the lake which at that point, was still mostly unfrozen.

Where is everybody?

Even the Bradly Brigade did not rush to greet me at the usual spot.

A small handful of mallards suddenly appeared and squatted down on the raggedy, frigid grass trying to quickly eat whatever was tossed in their direction.

None of the mallards actually stood up or walked around. I speculated the squatting down was a way to try and keep their legs and bellies warm. (This, despite the fact I have read that geese and ducks don't have blood circulation in their legs and cannot normally feel the cold. But, from what I have seen, they do feel cold in their legs and seek to protect them -- at least when on land.)

A little concerned when not seeing the Bradly Brigade or the geese, I realized I would have to start walking around the lake. -- Something certainly not desired last night due to the difficulty in preventing frostbite on the hands.

I then began to wonder if goose harassment had been used at Harlem Meer yesterday and the thought really pissed me off.

Would they really have the audacity and cruelty to harass the birds in the dead of winter and during a cold blast? If so, I will have to make some calls tomorrow!

But, then I heard some goose honks emanating from the west side of the lake!

Relieved, I immediately set out in that direction - despite the desire to just run home to my warm, cozy apartment.

Sure enough, it seems almost all of the geese and most of the mallards were gathered along the edges and marshes of the west portion of the Meer.

At least 6 or 7 of the geese were busy dunking and diving under the still unfrozen water.

They were quite literally, "working their butts off."

But, some of the mallards recognizing me, quickly swam to the edge of the lake begging treat. I tossed a bunch of seeds in the marshes which they immediately scrambled for -- and then moved on.

I still had not spotted the Bradly Brigade.

Eventually reaching the north east portion of the lake, I finally found Brad, Piggly and Wiggly huddled with a few other ducks amongst some marshes, presumably for protection from the punishing winds.

Recognizing me, they hopped up on an embankment and heartily ate the food as fast as I could toss it out.

Brad walked up to me and squatted down in sitting position to eat directly from my hand.

And suddenly, there was this brief moment when I considered how easy it would be for me to just grab Brad right there and then and make a run for it.

But, of course the idea was "crazy."

For one matter, I had two dogs who I had to hold on to and protect. For another, I had nothing big enough to put Brad into.

But, most importantly, to grab Brad would mean condemning Piggly and Wiggly to certain death as the two other flightless ducks so depend upon Brad now to survive.

And yet, despite the total failure of logic, the thought was so compelling when watching Brad squat before me in brave attempt to keep his belly and legs warm. -- Almost as if asking to be picked up and taken to warm sanctuary!!

"If only....."

But, if I wanted to play around or consider the idea further, the moment was soon gone.

All three ducks were quickly back in the water before I could entertain any further "heroic" rescue fantasies. (Apparently, the frigid water is still warmer for them than the zero wind- chilled land.)

Besides, at that point, my gloved hands were so frozen, they were probably useless for any attempted rescue....

Still, walking the mile home last night in the bitter frigidity with my dogs, I had to wonder if I would one day live to regret not making the "crazy" decision to try and rescue Brad?

He had briefly been sitting before me like a beseeching, abandoned pet. It would have been so easy to just.....

Ah, the difference that 13 degrees of separation makes!

In this case, a rare opportunity that only comes with the brutality of the moment. -- A moment quickly there and then, in a flash, gone.

By Thursday, the temperature is predicted to go back up to 40 degrees.

There is little time for regret -- but far too much time for wonder. -- PCA

********

Truce with a Goose and "Pretty Is As Pretty Does!"

2012-01-02T16:30:00.002-05:00

(Photos: 1- Piggly and Wiggly in a Brad-arranged truce with a goose last night! 2- Brad protecting his charges.)

It was "nightfall" by the time I made it to Harlem Meer yesterday with my dogs -- though it was only slightly after 5 PM. Among the changes that winter brings, are the short, nine hour blips of daylight. You blink your eyes and the daylight is gone.

But, change is of course a daily occurrence regardless of the season.

Unlike New Year's Eve, when most of the waterfowl were quietly lying low on the lake and seemingly invisible (due to heightened human activities?), last night there was a whole lot of avian activity, most of which was lively communications!

The first encounter with animated bird talk was when the Bradly Brigade came to greet me at the familiar south side of the Meer.

Brad, Piggly and Wiggly enthusiastically climbed the embankment, all three domestic ducks chattering and clucking away a mile a minute at the same time.

Hm, they are very talkative tonight! .

Of course, I could not make out what the Bradly Brigade were saying, but imagined it to be some mixture of both, greeting and demand.

"We're here and we're hungry! What have you brought for us tonight?"

A group of about 8 geese joined the scene. But, I did not recognize them as Buster and his crew or other geese I know. They were a bit cautious and unsure of themselves -- unlike the confident Buster who usually walks right up to and stands in front of me, beseeching treat.

I wondered where Buster was?

But, it did not take long to figure out the probable answer to the question.

It seems there was an important goose "community meeting" going on last night at the Meer.

Peering out over the dark waters, I could make out most of the geese gathered in a wide circle in the center of the lake. And there was much dialogue going back and forth among some of the members.

"Hey, Buster, what's the deal here?" a migratory gander asked. "We sense a cold blast coming in a couple of days from the Arctic. Is this thing going to freeze over? Do we need to gather our families and move on?"

"Well, that all depends." the top resident Harlem Meer gander answered. "If the cold snap lasts only a couple of days then only parts of the lake will freeze. But, if it goes longer than that, then yes, this entire watercourse will turn into a solid block. How are your ice-skating skills?"

"Ice skating? Ah, not that again! We haven't prepared the wee ones for that! We haven't had to."

"Well, what about dunking and diving?" Buster pressed. "Surely, you have prepared them for breaking up the ice! If we all pull together to dive and dunk, we can prevent most of this from freezing over."

"Oh yes, we have been practicing the diving for weeks!"

"Well then, no need to worry or fret! You guys will be fine!"

Buster was obviously busy calming the concerns of the migratory geese.

Meanwhile, back on the grass, Brad was having his own challenges.

It seems one of the novice geese became annoyed with Piggly darting in front of him (or her) and grabbing most of the treat. The goose gave Piggly a quick shove and peck.

"Come on! Begone with you! You are a little pest and thief!"

Infuriated, Brad lashed out and delivered a hard (this means business!) peck to the goose's butt!

"How dare you! You leave my pals alone! Its my job to fatten them up for the cold days ahead. They get first digs here! Remember the rules!"

The goose appeared utterly shocked when receiving this admonishment from of all things, a duck! Ah, such humiliation for a proud goose! But, s/he took the tongue and beak lashing with stride. After all, Brad just isn't any old duck. He is in fact, ruler of Harlem Meer.

The goose retreated slightly back and did not bother Piggly again. Unlike Buster, the newer geese at the Meer don't quite know all the rules yet. -- But, they are learning. Fast.

After swooping his nightly supply of sunflower seeds from my hand, Brad then took to the water to vigorously practice in earnest, his dunking and diving skills.

Brad doesn't require the migratory geese to inform him that a cold blast is on the way. He has long been preparing for it.

But, Piggly and Wiggly remained on the grass lazily finishing up the seeds and treats -- without any disturbances from the geese.

Finally, their bellies filled, Piggly and Wiggly joined Brad in the water.

But, they did no dunking or diving.

Instead, all three ducks followed me in the water as I began to exit Harlem Meer with my dogs.

Its important that they "show the way" each night. Apparently, Brad has no confidence that I (or my dogs) can find our way out of the Meer without direction.

Good night, guys! Brad, be sure to teach your charges how to dive and dunk! The cold blast is coming!"

As I turned back for one last glance, Brad was again busily diving, while his charges looked on curiously without so much as dabbing their pretty heads in the water.

Brad has a lot of "talking" and teaching still to do.

Walking home, I thought about some common bird phrases in the English language and how they are rooted in reality.

"Birds of a feather flock together."

I thought of all the months Brad was so alone, isolated and silent on the lake after his companion, Angelina vanished in the early summer (his status significantly lowered.)

And though there were scores of mallards and other wild ducks on the lake, Brad was neither welcomed by them or apparently even understood or could communicate in their language.

(To humans, all duck sounds might sound the same. But, as in humans, it seems the actual languages among difference breeds or types of ducks are different.)

But, now that there are two other domestic ducks at the Meer, they all speak the same language and "flock together" as the old adage proclaims. Moreover, due to Brad's knowledge, wisdom and experience at Harlem Meer, the three ducks together now appear to represent an established and formidable hierarchy..

The other adage, "pecking order" also comes to mind when referring to geese, ducks and presumably all other birds (and humans).

But, as has been observed and reported in this journal, "pecking order" doesn't always have to do with size or strength or even bird species.

It rather and seemingly has to do more with family orders, experience and knowledge, organization, communication skills and most of all, the "rules" and hierarchy of the particular location.

Put simply, those with knowledge, experience, organization, communication skills and confidence rule a location, regardless of size, strength or even species.

Right now, Brad most possesses all of these attributes and is therefore the "top" bird of Harlem Meer. Even Buster acquiesces to Brad and knows better than to mess with the master and permanent resident of the Meer.

Today, blustery winds are blowing into New York City from the north and reminding all that winter has just barely begun. Temperatures are predicted to plummet over the next couple of days.

But, there is no doubt that both, the geese and ducks in our parks are well prepared for it.

That only Brad can finally communicate to his somewhat indulgent and inexperienced charges, the importance of dunking and diving.

I can just hear him saying now:

"Its time to dunk those delicate heads and get those colorful feet in the air! Get to work now! The free ride is over. Pretty is, as pretty does!" -- PCA

**************

New Year's Day

2012-01-01T15:04:00.001-05:00

(Photos: 1-- Piggy and Wiggly enjoying New Year's treat with Brad behind them. 2-- Pretty Wiggly. 3-- Gorgeous goose girl keeping alert. 4-- Fireworks at Central Park last night welcoming in New Year.)

Lots of human activity at Central Park on New Year's Eve.

Flood lights, police patrols, kids shooting off firecrackers, the "Midnight Run" in which thousands of runners participate and of course, the fireworks display.

I went to Harlem Meer late last night because of planning to catch the fireworks display at midnight along the Reservoir.

I am not sure if was due to the late hour or just the heightened activities, but most of the ducks and geese were lying low at the Meer.

Only a few ducks, one family of geese and of course, the "Bradly Brigade" boldly came to me.

The family of four geese seemed skittish and on high alert. But, Brad (being so accustomed to human activities at Harlem Meer) was not at all perturbed and (following Brad's lead) neither were his two new troupe members, Piggly and Wiggly.

I was able to snap a few quick photos.

Leaving the Meer, I headed, with my dogs, to the Reservoir to welcome in the New Year.

People were already gathered with glasses of champagne, horns and vigorous party spirit along the Reservoir to catch the fireworks in the distance.

But, what was surprising were the number of people with dogs!

There is a Central Park rule that dogs are normally not allowed on the Reservoir running path.

(Of course, I walk with my dogs every night along the Reservoir. But, there usually are very few people the times I go and my dogs walk upon the ledge.)

But, it seems many people specifically wait for New Year's or the Fourth of July to bring their dogs to the Reservoir for holiday festivities. The normal "rules" briefly and thankfully fly out the window.

One young fellow even took advantage of the opportunity to run around the Reservoir with his Springer Spaniel!

I thought that particularly amusing considering the "Midnight Run" through the park was specifically arranged for joggers.

Anyway, it was fun.

Both my dogs (especially, Tina) seemed to eat up the compliments of fellow revelers. Tina loves human attention and accolades. One man even tried to offer her champagne!

But, like her human caregiver, Tina would have preferred coffee.

Today, of course, things are much more quiet as most people are probably sleeping off hangovers.

I am thinking of heading to the Meer before dark to check if most of the geese and ducks stayed through the celebrations or chose to leave the park.

It was difficult to tell in the darkness last night.

There is of course much to reflect about and plan on this first day of the new year.

2011 was certainly not a kind year for wildlife and especially the persecuted Canada geese in NYC and elsewhere.

But, there are a few glimmers of hope on the horizon for the New Year.

Most significant was the cancellation of the canned goose shootings that were scheduled to occur at Burns Park, Arkansas just prior to Christmas.

(37) Coalition to Save the Geese of Burns Park

That is extremely hopeful news -- even it means that the park will engage in a similar program of goose "harassment" as Central Park has done for a number of years. I hate the harassment, but I hate the cullings, shootings, gassings and slaughtering even more.

Its a pity that we as a species cannot learn to do right by nature by protecting and restoring natural habitats and severely limiting hunting.

I truly believe that were the geese not being shot everywhere else and losing their habitat, they would prefer to stay in natural settings as opposed to fleeing to urban parks and golf courses for perceived "safety."

But, try telling that to governmental bureaucracies.

For the moment, we are forced to accept "compromises" as so many humans are seemingly unable and unwilling to peacefully co-exist with the geese and other wildlife.

A rather sad statement about modern "status quos" and the human/animal condition.

Still, I am grateful that the few geese I have personally grown to know and love over the past few years have miraculously survived the onslaughts of human cruelty and intolerance.

May 2012 grant and bless them with further safety and protection and may that freedom to live extend more and more to the other geese around our great city and the country.

We leave 2011 on hopeful note.

May 2012 bring the blessing of all (humans and animals) being finally able to co-exist and live peacefully on high note. -- PCA

*********

The Boat Lake Geese -- And Their Human Fan Club!

2011-12-31T15:53:00.002-05:00

(Photos: 1-- Mama goose and Papa behind her. 2-- The family arriving. 3-- The family still together.)

Although Harlem Meer has recently become enriched with the stopover and gatherings of dozens of migratory geese, as well as the return of numerous resident Canada geese, the one familiar gaggle I hadn't seen in a long while was the Turtle Pond goose family.

Yesterday, I decided to scout some of the other watercourses of Central Park in a quest to find them.

The balmy 50 degree temperatures resulted in Central Park appearing as it does in the spring. It was surprising to see thousands of people in the park in late December. (Indeed, this has been one of the warmest Decembers in NYC history!)

Due to the unusually warm temperatures, none of Central Park's ponds or lakes are currently frozen.

Usually at this time of the year, most of the waterfowl would be congregating at the Reservoir as it would be one of the few watercourses to have open water.

But, few ducks and no geese are currently at the Reservoir. There is no need for them to leave their familiar ponds and lakes.

There were thus, plenty of ducks and shovelers at Turtle Pond and The Pond (Upper West Side) though I didn't see geese at either of these locations.

I then decided to walk to the Boat Lake -- the location where the Turtle Pond goose family molted over the summer and has been known to frequent since.

But, when first arriving to the Boat Lake, I did not see geese, but plenty of mallards and other ducks.

Then, walking around one of the rock formations where I typically used to see the Turtle Pond geese, sure enough, there were two geese swimming in the water near the edge of the rock!

Could it be? I wondered. Could this be Mama and Papa?

But, the geese appeared to be younger than Mama and Papa and my guess was that they were perhaps migratory visitors?

But, then walking over to the other side of the rock, I noticed that the two geese appeared to be following me as if in recognition!

Indeed, they walked onto to the rock in greeting!

But, neither goose had missing webbing on a foot (as Mama does) or walked with a limp (as does Papa goose).

Of course I had sunflower seeds and some cracked corn on me and offered some in my hand.

And both geese confidently ate from my hand with the "soft mouths" that were so familiar from the Turtle Pond goose family (and Buster at Harlem Meer).

I began to think that the two geese were the grown goslings from the Turtle Pond family.

But, where were the others? Where was Mama and Papa?

Then, a few minutes later, a third goose appeared. And like the other two, was extremely social, but with neither lameness or missing foot webbing.

The third gosling, now almost two years old, I wondered?

By this time, a small crowd had gathered around me and the very friendly geese.

"Look at that! They are eating from her hand!" several people remarked.

"Oh, yes, I know these geese," I said. "They are very friendly with and used to people. They actually were raised around here."

And then, almost as if on cue, Mama and Papa finally arrived!

I would recognize "Twinkle Toes" and her proud gander with the lame right foot anywhere.

How good was it to see them again?

As good as winning a lottery!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5W1ZnBM9ds

Mama walked right up to me and requested some treat. Papa meanwhile, admonished the youngsters and pushed them out of the way so his lady love could get her fair share.

(Papa always watches and protects, rather than begs treat for himself -- totally unlike the younger Buster at Harlem Meer who takes everything for himself!)

Although the three "goslings" are now almost two years old, they still obediently oblige their Papa and moved out of the way, allowing Mama to gently scoop treats from my hand.

But, I wasn't the only one showing up to the Boat Lake yesterday with treats for the geese.

Several other people did -- including two families with kids!

The fact is, that almost from the day these goslings were hatched at Turtle Pond in May of 2010, this particular family of geese has been well accustomed to people and children "ooing and ahhing" over them and apparently offering daily treat.

That is why their mouths are so soft in swooping treats from human hands and they readily walk up to people, particularly when seeing families with children!

One little girl, about 7 or 8 with her father asked questions about the geese.

"Which is the girl and which is the boy, Daddy? How can you tell?"

The father of course had a hard time answering, so I attempted to volunteer.

"This is the Mama goose. You see how her mate is a little bigger and stands in back of her to protect?"

"Ah," she smiled and laughed. "He has a big neck!"

"Well, they need long necks to help them find food in the water and on the ground. And, you see over there? Those are the babies! But, they are grown up now, just like you will be one day."

The little girl seemed very pleased with her lesson for the day on geese.

"I like geese!" she smiled happily. "They are pretty!"

Her dad seemed almost, but not quite as intrigued with the geese as his daughter. He smiled and thanked me for answering the little girl's questions.

As it had become quite clear that the Turtle Pond goose family was neither relying on me for treats nor company, I decided to head north to Harlem Meer with my dogs to check on the Bradly Brigade (i.e. Brad, Piggly and Wiggly) as well as the geese there. I still had treats left.

As I turned to leave the rock area on the Boat Lake, a little boy was tossing bread to one of the youngsters of the Turtle Pond goose family with his parents smiling behind him:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XKz-himDQA&feature=youtu.be

Small wonder the Turtle Pond geese are still here! I thought when leaving. They have a huge, open lake that they don't have to share with other geese. They have a beautiful view of the city in the background. They have music and entertainment in the summer. And most of all, they have a regular, human fan club!

Arriving almost an hour later to Harlem Meer, I was pleased to see the Bradly (barnyard) brigade still doing well and all the migratory and resident geese still there and peacefully hanging out on the comparatively warm night.

But, if I have wondered why the Turtle Pond goose family didn't join and "gather" with all the other geese at Harlem Meer, I certainly got my answer yesterday.

There is simply no good reason for them to leave the goose paradise they seemingly have.

In fact, it is really past time for me to change their name from the "Turtle Pond Goose Family" to the "Boat Lake Goose Family."

Something tells me that unless and until the boat lake completely freezes over, the boat lake geese ain't going anywhere!. ;) -- PCA

**********

Changes of Season

2011-12-29T15:03:00.002-05:00

Old man winter is slowly, but inevitably arriving to NYC.

You know it's cold when your chin starts freezing.

Last night, when walking home from Central Park, the 40 MPH winds and below freezing temperatures made my face and chin feel they were turning to ice.

They didn't of course.

But, what will surely turn to ice soon are the lakes and ponds of Central Park -- including Harlem Meer.

That won't happen before the New Year as temperatures are supposed to rise over the next few days.

But, next week it is projected that an "arctic front" will arrive to NYC and temperatures will fall to the teens and low twenties for at least a few days.

That will freeze over most of the smaller watercourses.

There is no doubt that Brad, the Rouen duck of the Meer is very well prepared for the lake freezing over and the challenges of winter.

Brad has obviously been through this movie before.

Over the past few weeks, he has been stuffing his belly with sunflower seeds and formed necessary alliance with the other two flightless ducks at the Meer whose help will be required to keep open water.

The question is, will Piggly and Wiggly be prepared for a frozen lake? And will they even know how to help Brad maintain open water? (That requires almost constant dunking and diving in a shrinking pool.)

So far, I have seen neither of these barnyard ducks "dive or dunk" in the water, though Brad has been doing a lot of that over the past few weeks.

Brad has also been diligently practicing "wing flapping." Though his wings are clipped (rendering him unable to take flight), Brad is actually able to fly a couple of feet off the ground. That will be necessary to help navigate the lake when parts of it are frozen.

I don't see Piggly or Wiggly flapping their clipped wings at all.

The speculation is that Piggly and Wiggly have a great deal of "learning" to do over these next few weeks -- through they have a great teacher and leader in Brad. And at least both birds now appear to be a very much stronger and plumper than when first discovered at the Meer a few months ago.

Though Brad recognizes that he doesn't have a great deal of "smarts" and experience to work with, Piggly and Wiggly are obviously better than nothing.

For sure, most of the mallards and geese won't hang around long when the lake turns into a solid block of ice.

Presently, (as noted) there are many geese and all breeds of ducks "loafing" at the unfrozen Meer.

But, like Brad, almost all the geese (and some of the ducks) recognize the need right now to seriously practice their diving, dunking and other survival skills.

It was quite amusing the other day to note most of the geese diving under the water in what appeared to be an entertaining "synchronized swimming" event worthy of Olympic competition.

But, it is actually serious business in terms of finding food in winter and maintaining open water.

Other gaggles of geese were peacefully grazing on the grass on a rainy day that otherwise discouraged many people from walking through the park.

(I shot this video of the lazy, happy scene from the other day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlXxZO_nChs )

But, if and when the lake freezes over, presumably the migratory geese will continue on their migration routes south and many of the resident geese will simply hop over to the Reservoir -- which is the one watercourse in CP that usually maintains a fairly large pool of open water in the winter.

I am guessing, (but of course cannot be certain) that Buster and his rag tag gaggle of six geese might elect to stay at the Meer as long as possible.

That is because he and I have become such good buddies.

What should I ever do, after all, without Buster's loud, honky greeting every night that directs me where to go? And how could I ever find my way out of Harlem Meer without Buster and "Braggly" (i.e. Brad, Piggly and Wiggly) showing me the way?

Jokes aside, I believe that Buster is simply one of the original resident geese of Harlem Meer and like Brad, is probably quite familiar with how to survive well even if the lake freezes over. (Either that, or I have just become spoiled with Buster's greetings and direction each night and am guilty of "wishful thinking.")

I hope Buster and at least a few of the geese and mallards stay for practical reasons as well as selfish ones. The more waterfowl on the lake, the better the chances of keeping a small pool of open water and obviously the easier on Brad. (I am just not that confident about the survival skills of Piggly and Wiggly. More likely than not, Piggly and Wiggly will sit helplessly on the frozen ice and watch Brad do almost all the work! -- But, at least they serve for companionship and "hierarchy!")

Yes, "Old Man Winter" is on his way.

And while not every bird or creature of nature might be as prepared for it as Brad and virtually all the geese are, I am confident that with strong leadership and organization, most of the animals will survive.

The truly strange irony and recent history of NYC has been, that it is not the winter that is in fact, the most deadly for the birds of our parks, but rather the spring and summer.

That is not just true for the geese, but also the domestic ducks I have known.

It seems they figure out how to deal with the harshness of winter.

It is the harshness and cruelty of humans, they haven't quite figured out yet. -- PCA

**************

"Trials by Fire" and Hierarchy

2011-12-28T02:43:00.001-05:00

(Photos: 1-- Brad looking over his charges and new team, Wiggly and Piggly yesterday. 2-- Brad, # 1 again at the Meer.)

One of the advantages of observing wildlife everyday is that one gets to catch the nuances and subtle changes in behavior and hierarchy. And in some cases, one is compelled to "eat crow." (no pun intended to the crows.)

You see, although matters may appear to be fairly constant and unchanging, the reality is that nothing in nature is exactly the same from one day to the next.

There is constant change.

I speculated in the last journal entry that if the lake at Harlem Meer doesn't freeze over this winter, Brad might actually "ditch" his two hangers-on, Piggly and Wiggly.

I now have to take that back, big-time.

An important relationship is now emerging among these three domestic ducks. And it is not just about preventing a lake from freezing entirely over during the heart of winter.

It is about much more.

Part of that more is "hierarchy."

Anyone who has followed this blog from its inception about the birds at Harlem Meer will recall there was a time when Brad and Angelina were the "dominant" birds of the lake and appeared to rule over all the others, despite their inability to fly.

When Joey (the white, Pekin duck) lost his two flock mates in the spring of 2010, Brad attacked Joey mercilessly and on a few occasions appeared to try to drown the larger white duck by holding Joey under the water. For his part, Joey never attempted to "fight back" against the dominant, but smaller bird. It seems the seeming brutality was a kind of "initiation" or "hazing" or just the simple enforcement of hierarchy. (i.e.. "trial by fire.")

All that roughness changed however, prior to last winter when Brad apparently figured Joey would be useful in helping to keep open water.

An alliance was formed among the three birds.

Brad and Angelina needed Joey. And Joey needed them if he was to have any chance of survival.

And although Joey was attacked on the ice by a dog and had to be rescued in late January, he had nevertheless helped Brad and Angelina to survive the harshest points of the winter, including a major blizzard last year.

Eventually, the winter of 2010 ended and Brad and Angelina still maintained their status quo as the "Alpha" birds of Harlem Meer, carefully monitoring all other waterfowl activities and keeping charge.

But, that all changed last spring when Angelina suddenly vanished mysteriously and Brad was suddenly the "lone duck" without a flock or mate on the lake.

Not only was Brad bereaved over the loss of his long time mate (or sibling), but his status suddenly changed from "top bird" of the Meer to something significantly much lower.

Although the mallards recognized Brad as part of the avian life on the Meer (and did not openly attack him), they did not accept him either into their flocks.

Brad was suddenly silenced and to some degree, shunned by the other ducks on the lake.

I worried of course for Brad and even talked to Park Rangers about the possibility of arranging rescue and adoption placement for Brad.

But, my concerns were dismissed with "Nature needs to take its course" although the door was left open for possible rescue during winter, should Brad become entirely deserted on a frozen lake.

Brad is of course a very strong, smart and resilient duck.

Although alone and silenced, he still maintained his own on the Meer and over time accepted his plight and challenges with courage and dignity.

Fast forward to this past fall.

As mentioned, almost three months ago, I noticed a new, "domestic" duck suddenly at the Meer one night.

The duck whom I am guessing to be a Kacki Campbell, was to put it simply, a mess.

Very skinny, seemingly weak and uncoordinated, missing feathers and herky jerky movements that were more akin to "darting" than familiar duck, "waddling." (He was therefore very difficult to photograph.)

Of course, the duck I named, "Piggly" (because he was always so hungry) had to learn to "dart" quickly as he was relentlessly attacked by the mallards.

I really would not have given a plug nickel for this frail bird's chances of survival at the Meer.

I didn't see Piggly most nights and presumed more than once that he was probably dead.

But, every now and then Piggly would desperately appear and I would try to get extra food to him despite the mallards constant pecking and harassment.

Even Brad wanted nothing to do with the new outcast at Harlem Meer and occasionally joined in the harassment and pecking of the poor, downtrodden Piggly.

And then about six or seven weeks ago, another domestic duck was apparently dropped off at the Meer!

Although in slightly better shape than Piggly, the Kacki Campbell female duck was also picked on by the mallards endlessly and ostracized.

(It is guessed, but cannot be proven that the domestic ducks who routinely show up at the Meer from time to time are perhaps "rescues" from a nearby "live poultry market." Someone apparently has good intentions, but no idea on the brutal, harsh rules of hierarchy and hostility to "aliens." The attacks are indeed, "trials by fire.")

Eventually, the two orphans or "outcasts" thankfully found each other and thus became "Piggly and Wiggly."

Some nights I would see them at the Meer together trying to hold their own against the mallards and sometimes I didn't see them.

But, I became far more confident that Piggly could then survive with the companionship and support from another bird of the same breed.

But, could these two flightless "food" ducks survive the brutalities of winter -- especially when the lake would freeze over?

Enter, Brad!

As noted, as fall began to head towards winter in the past few weeks, an "alliance" was formed between Brad, Piggly and Wiggly.

Just like last year, when Brad finally welcomed Joey to his then two-bird flock (instead of attempting to kill Joey) he seemingly did the same thing with Piggly and Wiggly this year.

Brad knows he cannot survive all alone on the ice.

And though it was kind of a cool, loosy goosy alliance at first, in the past few days, the relationship among these three birds has seemingly jelled and taken on far greater dimension.

For one matter, Brad is finally "talking" once again!

And there is now a defined hierarchy and order established among the three ducks:

#1 -- Brad

#2 - Wiggly

#3 - Piggly.

This is the order they normally swim and hangout together. Probably much of this can be attributed to the fact Brad would be far more cozy and welcoming of the girl than the boy duck. Brad and Wiggly in fact, seem to be fast becoming an "item" now and it is presumed that relationship will remain in tact and in fact, flourish past the winter.

How the relationship among the three birds evolves over the spring is of course questionable. But, my guess is that all three being of similar breed, they are actually forming a hierarchy now and are all three stronger as a whole than singularly.

Yesterday afternoon, I noticed that neither Piggly or Wiggly are attacked any more by the mallards and it seems that just as BrAdgelina were once the "rulers" of the Meer, the team of Brad, Piggly and Wiggly has now risen to similar and high status. (The "Bragglys?")

It has taken a long time for Brad to get over the loss of Angelina last spring. And I don't know that she can truly and wholly be "replaced" by another duck as the communication and closeness between Brad and Angelina was so intense and seemingly intimate.

But, Brad has seemingly regained the strength and "status" he once had with Angelina (and Joey) and there is once again the hierarchy that once so ruled the Meer.

Brad is clucking and chattering once again!

And together, with the "lowly" Piggly and Wiggly, all three ducks have risen to overcome the odds and work together as a formidable team.

Brad is again, #1 at Harlem Meer.

He holds his head high once again. -- PCA

*********

***********

The Difference a Year Makes!

2011-12-26T12:14:00.001-05:00

Ah, the difference a year makes!

Last year, on Christmas day, the blizzard blew into New York City.

I did not take my dogs to Central Park that evening.

But, concerned about Brad and his then, two flightless companions, Joey and Angelina, I took the subway to 110th Street and stumbled the 5 blocks to Harlem Meer.

Visibility was about two feet, as it was nearly impossible to keep one's head up with the winds and whipping, punishing snow in the face.

I wondered how anything could survive such merciless conditions? Despite being dressed in snow parka, hat, scarf, gloves and boots, I was nearly blown off the streets and had trouble standing, much less navigating through a blizzard.

But, somehow I made it to the Meer.

All the mallards and few geese had deserted Harlem Meer which was then covered in snow and ice.

BrAdgelina and Joey were huddled under a tree and somehow braving the relentless cold, winds and storm.

They were grateful and eager for the good supply of food I brought.

About a week later, I shot the video below of the three ducks surviving all alone on a then ice covered lake. (Notice Brad in the tiny pool of open water. That is virtually where he spent the entire winter and miracle of miracles, he [with the help of his buddies] managed to prevent the bath-tub sized pool from freezing over.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tNi9AM80G8

Flash forward to this Christmas:

No snow, pleasant 40 degree temperatures and none of Harlem Meer frozen over.

And there is a bountiful supply of waterfowl on the lake! Migratory and resident geese, mallards, shovelers and a variety of ducks.

Should conditions stay as they are, there truly is no cause for geese or ducks to migrate any further.

But, perhaps that was what some of the "discussion" was last night at the Meer amongst both, the resident and migratory geese.

What was of particular interest was the exchange of honks between Buster who was, (with his charges) with me along the embankment and some of the geese in the water.

Is Buster now perceiving the visiting migratory geese as "overstaying their welcome" as humans sometimes experience family members who stay too long around holidays?

(Its quite possible as geese and ducks are sometimes remarkably "human!")

I do suspect it was Buster who, either by honk or just his and his gaggle's presence, "invited" the migratory geese into the Meer.

In past years, migratory geese have usually settled into the Reservoir over the winter.

But, now with Christmas officially over, it seemed that Buster was reminding the other geese of this fact. (In fact, he was quite cantankerous even with the geese on the ground, some of whom are his own charges.)

"Come on, its time you migratory guys begone! Christmas is over. Aren't you supposed to be moving off to North Carolina or Maryland?"

"Why should we? The conditions are good here. Nice temperatures. Open water. If we take to the skies now, we are bound to lose some of our family to hunters! You wouldn't want that, would you?"

Buster, softening up. "Well, yeah, I see your point and wouldn't want you to lose mate or kids. Sure, you can stay a while, but just know your place and keep some distance!"

Of course all of this could become a moot point. With this number of geese and ducks at the Meer, I personally suspect Central Park will soon send out a Goosebusters crew to chase most of the birds away if the lake doesn't soon start to freeze.

But, I didn't tell Buster that.

Let them enjoy the "party" for however long it lasts -- even if the relatives are overstaying their welcome.

Meanwhile, Brad (totally ignoring the discussions among the geese), was simply concentrated last night on amping up his supply of healthy food and keeping his two new charges, Piggly and Wiggly in line.

It is an interesting dynamic between Brad and his two new barnyard companions.

Piggly is a male Kacki Campbell (I think) and Wiggly a female.

Wiggly is a little better about staying close to Brad, but there is not a whole lot of "talking" or dialogue among the three flightless ducks. (Brad and Angelina were incredibly close and communicated and chatted all the time.) As noted previously, the new alliance is one of convenience and perceived need.

Should the lake not freeze over this winter, I think Brad might actually ditch the two newcomers as he doesn't seem particularly intent on establishing a close, "intimate" relationship, such as he had with Angelina.

Right now, I think it is almost a situation of "unrequited love" on the part of Wiggly.

Then again, all of that could change come the spring.

At the moment, Brad is simply focused on survival and what he has to do, if winter actually sets in as it did last year -- in a big and nasty way.

It should be noted that in January of last year, Joey (the white, Pekin duck) was attacked on the ice by a dog and had to be rescued, treated and later adopted out.

Sadly, Angelina, after surviving the brutal winter with Brad, vanished mysteriously in the spring. Angelina was always a bit more "risk taking" than Brad and I suspect leaving her guard down one evening, may have been killed by a dog.

The bottom line is that one year later, everything is "different" in New York City and Harlem Meer. Different weather, different birds, different behavior patterns.

And things are a little different for me, too.

Among the calls yesterday was one from my daughter and son-in-law in Utah.

They are hopeful this new year of moving to Chicago.

That is welcome news for me as Chicago is so much closer to NYC.

Perhaps it isn't going to be such a cold, dark winter after all -- for the birds or humans. ;) --PCA

**********

Christmas Eve -- Coming Together

2011-12-25T15:49:00.001-05:00

As is befitting most Christmas Eves in New York City, the night was clear and cold with a few bright, beconing stars in the sky.

I saw only one lone cyclist during the two mile walk both to and from Harlem Meer.

Then again, one would expect Central Park to be exceptionally quiet and devoid of human traffic on Christmas Eve. That is OK. There was a very serene and peaceful air about it.

Arriving to Harlem Meer with my two dogs, it at first seemed very quiet and just a bit eerie.

Hm, where is everyone?

But, as soon as I descended the cobble steps leading to the Meer, a chorus of loud goose honks gregariously rang out from the center of the lake!

And before my feet even hit the pedestrian path, Buster and his seven devotees took to the air a few feet above the lake and came skimming across the water like accomplished water skiers to greet me!

"Wow, such a greeting tonight! And a Merry Christmas to you guys, too!"

Pulling out a handful of sunflower seeds and other treat from my bag, Buster walked up proudly and stood before me. Once again, the gentle butterfly swooping bounty from my hand. I quickly tossed other seeds and treat to Buster's charges and the group of mallards who had suddenly arrived to join them. One of Buster's youthful companions boldly attempted to take some seed from my hand. But, he was awkward and inexperienced.

"Hey, my finger is not part of the banquet!"

Then, I felt a gentle nudging in the back of my ankle.

I turned around to see Brad standing patiently behind me as if to ask if I had forgotten about him?

"Oh, I am so sorry, Brad! I didn't see you come up!"

I pulled out some black oiled, sunflower seeds for Brad as they are his favorite treat to swoop from my hand.

Behind Brad, (a domestic, Rouen duck) were his two new followers and barnyard companions, Piggly and Wiggly. Lacking the smarts and "future planning" of Brad, Piggly and Wiggly mostly go for the tiny tidbits of wheat bread mixed with the cracked corn and sunflower seeds. -- Brad needs to start teaching them about healthy eating!

With the Christmas "party" then in high gear, other geese arrived, both on the embankment and in the water to curiously observe what was going on.

It is a curious mixture of geese at Harlem Meer right now. A combination of former resident geese and the migratory birds from the North who apparently joined them over the past two weeks.

The only way to know the difference between the two is that the families of migratory birds are a great deal more cautious and shy around people. They are content and curious to observe from the water, the routines of the Meer. But, they rarely take the risks of walking up to humans like the resident geese and ducks boldly do.

But, like previous nights in recent weeks, the migratory geese seem to be extremely chatty and conversational with each other!

There was a flurry of honks and vibrant conversation going back and forth last night among the lively geese in the water.

Perhaps it is their way of keeping track of each member of the individual gaggles and families to be sure their members don't stray too far?

Or, perhaps they are "discussing" the flight paths for upcoming and further migratory trips or even whether myself and my dogs are to be trusted.

I of course, have no way of knowing what the actual topic of conversation is. But, there has certainly been a lot of it over the Christmas and holiday season!

Maybe the geese and ducks really do celebrate Christmas?

Indeed, I almost expected to see them exchange gifts!

Finally realizing I had exhausted the supply of cracked corn, sunflower seeds and naughty tidbits of bread (which the geese and ducks so love, but is considered "junk food" for them), I decided it was time for myself and my dogs to depart.

But, as Tina, Chance and I began to move away, Brad, Buster and their charges gathered themselves up to follow!

Ah, it is all too funny!

It is not because they wanted more food as they had all had their belly full and were leaving the remainder for the late-coming mallards and geese.

It is simply the birds' way of saying, "good-night."

Once again, Brad, Piggy and Wiggly were the mini parade with Brad always in the lead.

And alongside them, Buster and his bashful, awkward six and some of the mallards.

And where the path takes on curve, all the birds took to the water and followed me to the lake's edge as I began to ascend the steps leading away from the Meer.

I turned around, but instead of bidding them a "good night," (as is the usual case) this time it was "Merry Christmas!"

"You guys have a very Merry Christmas and be sure to take care of and watch out for each other!"

I could swear Brad, Buster and their devotees were all smiling at me!

OK. Call me crazy, birdbrain, pitiful, or the most extreme case of "anthropomorphism" on the planet.

But, if this is all fantasy, craziness and sickening anthropomorphism then I am quite content to live in this crazy avian world and rarely have to come down to the real one.

Walking home in the park under the chilly, star lit night with no people around, I was fulfilled and content.

Finally exiting Central Park at 90th Street and walking east on 89th Street, I finally encountered some humans.

Several seemingly happy family groups, dressed in fine clothing, entering St. Thomas Moore's Catholic church for upcoming Midnight Mass ceremonies.

A part of me wanted to join them.

But, dressed in Parka, jeans and mud-smeared sneakers, I didn't quite look the part.

Additionally, I had two dogs with me.

And so, Tina, Chance and I stood for a few minutes and admired the lovely Nativity scene brightly lit up in the Church's small garden.

Joy to the World! Peace and harmony reign again!

Usually on Christmas Even, I watch the Midnight Mass ceremonies from St. Patrick's Cathedral on television.

But, I had fallen asleep for a quick nap and awoke only to catch the end of it.

But, considering I had been listening to Christmas music almost non-stop for the past two weeks and had already been to a Christmas celebration earlier in the evening, it was OK.

God and spirit is, after all, all around us. -- PCA

*************

Eve of Christmas Eve -- Let the Celebrations Begin!

2011-12-25T12:58:00.001-05:00

It didn't seem possible to be any more "up" than I was Friday night after spending precious time with the geesies and duckies of Harlem Meer.

The geese were in especially high spirits the eve of Christams Eve.

Lowly flying over the lake in animated conversation when I arrived with my dogs, it seems the entire area took on a mood of celebration, holiday and lively conversation.

"Honk, honk, honk!" I wished I knew what the geese were so charged up and chatty about!

But, like last week when they first arrived at the Meer, it just seemed there was much dialogue going back and forth amongst the geese as they flew around and landed on various portions of the lake in what at times seemed an entertaining act from Cirque De Soilee!

Perhaps, like most of us, the geese celebrate Christmas?

I, of course, could understand the solitary "honk" of Buster when he arrived with his charges on the embankment where I stood with my dogs.

Usually, the solitary and low register honk is associated with greeting.

And Buster was especially accommodating and cheerful -- even allowing me to pet him!

For that, Buster earned extra treat which he took very gently from my hand -- like a butterfly. (For a gander who is so rough and tumble with the other geese, Buster is amazingly gentle and social with humans!)

Though I did not immediately see them at first, Brad soon arrived with Piggly and Wiggly following close behind him. The alliance closely formed now, the three ducks appeared like a mini parade.

I don't know that Piggly and Wiggly will necessarily be of great service to Brad in keeping the lake from entirely freezing over in a month or so.

But, for sure, they fill the role of companionship in Brad's life -- something that had clearly been missing since the sad disappearance of Brad's long time mate (or sibling), Angelina last spring.

Brad is no longer the "lone duck" on the lake and for that I am immensely grateful for whatever miracle or quirk of fate brought these two other domestic (Kacki Campbell?) ducks to the Meer.

Piggly and Wiggly may not be the most robust, smartest or respected ducks at Harlem Meer. But, like Brad, they are survivors. And they are similar to Brad in breed and lack of flying ability.

Yes, it has been like some wondrous banquet over these past couple of weeks with the new goose arrivals and the new found companionship and alliance between Brad and the two otherwise "misfits" of Harlem Meer.

I am been in a real "up" mood.

Feeling good when arriving home Friday night, I switched on the TV and went over the program guide to see if anything worthwhile was on.

To my great surprise, there was a movie airing that actually dealt with geese!

"Fly Away Home." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCjlubLJcxk)

Only having missed about a half hour of the film, I quickly switched it on.

And for the next hour and a half, I sat like a small kid with a ridiculous smile plastered on my face!

If ever there was an "up" movie, this one is it -- in many more ways than one. (Apparently inspired by a true story!") Definitely one to order from Netflix or catch on the tube if one is in need of a little inspiration or just a smile.

Peace on earth.

Good will towards men -- and women and children and animals.

The best of the holiday spirit to all who faithfully have followed this blog.

May geese and peace be forever with you! -- PCA

**********

"You Don't Need a Weatherman....." (All We Need Are the Geesies!)

2011-12-23T10:50:00.003-05:00

Winter solstice arrived the other evening with both, a whimper and a bang.

The temperature was hovering around a record-breaking 62 degrees when I left with my dogs to head to Harlem Meer in Central Park.

So warm was the air, I considered returning home to remove the light rain jacket I was wearing.

But, there was the weather prediction for "light sprinkles" during the evening, so I decided to stay with the slicker and roll up the sleeves.

Arriving to the Meer, I was pleased and relieved to immediately see many of the geese were still there and were gathered with the ducks along the south embankment.

Upon recognizing my dogs and me, many of the mallards and some of the geese (especially Buster) came to greet in their comical and usual heads up, waddling, manner.

Among them were Brad, Piggly and Wiggly who were together with the rest of the birds. The alliance of the needy (three flightless ducks) is seemingly moving along now at accelerated pace with the arrival of winter.

But, it sure did not feel like "winter."

So warm was it in fact, that after distributing nightly treats to my special geesies and duckies, I sat with my dogs on a park bench and just took in and enjoyed the lovely scene before me.

At one point however, a number of the sentry geese at the water's edge lifted up their heads, seemingly sniffed at the air and immediately sent out alarm or "warning honks."

The mallards, suddenly jolted to attention began to chatter and cluck quickly and loudly amongst themselves.

What's going on? I wondered.

Thinking that Frankenstein was perhaps hiding behind a tree or worse, Goosebusters or the USDA, I got up from the bench and looked all around.

But, there was no sign of anything. Not a human or dog or raccoon or white truck anywhere. Nothing at all!

It must be some kind of false alarm, I finally figured and sat down again on the bench.

Geese after all, are so alert and wary all the time, it sometimes seems they are jumping and reacting to shadows. The mallards, following the geese's leads similarly are reactive to even the smallest stirrings. A few times, when simply taking a flash photo, all of the birds bolted for the water.

Nothing to fret over, I finally concluded.

But, I could not have been more wrong.

Within a few minutes, some small raindrops began to fall.

Obviously, those "light sprinkles" the weather forecast had predicted. -- Not a big deal.

But, suddenly a fog descended all around and the wind kicked up with a vengeance.

And then, it was as though the sky opened up and huge sheets of driving rain began to come down.

Even before I could grab my dogs from the bench, they were completely soaked.

The ducks and geese were all huddled together, taking the sudden downpour as just another expected twist in the elements. They were none too perturbed and took matters in stride. The geese after all, apparently predicted the sudden storm.

I am not normally a runner, but I might have qualified for a marathon.

Together, with my dogs, we ran and raced-walked through the park pathways as if chased by demons.

The rain continued to beat down in a driving force, but the fierce (apparently 40 MPH) winds would not allow me to keep the hood of my raincoat over my head. It kept blowing off and I finally had to give up on protecting my head and face from the assaulting rain.

I don't think I saw another living soul in the park on the mile "run" towards home.

As might be expected in cases like this, the rain began to finally slow when we were a block away from home.

But, every inch of me was entirely soaked by then, right down to my underwear.

So much for "a few light sprinkles."

Had I any brains at all, I would have immediately fled Central Park when my friends, the geese sounded out the first warning honks.

We pay "meteorologists" many thousands a year to predict the weather.

But, when it comes down to it, the geese will do it for free.

And they are hell a lot better at weather forecasting and far more accurate than any human with Doppler radar and weather maps.

As Dylan sang, You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."

No. Apparently, all you need are the geesies. -- PCA

************

Marching Bands of Geese and One Determined Duck!

2011-12-21T15:31:00.001-05:00

Breaking pattern yesterday, I went to Harlem Meer an hour before sundown -- which just prior to the winter solstice was 3:30 in the afternoon.

There was a specific reason for going during daylight hours, but more about that later.....

I could not believe my eyes when entering the Meer and walking towards the western portion of the lake.

There had to be at least 50 to 75 geese scattered in various clusters, both on the grass and in the water!

It is of course, impossible to know the exact source of so many newly arrived geese.

Over the past few days, I speculated at first, they were migratory birds and then yesterday, that they were mostly resident geese returned to Harlem Meer as "gathering" before the winter migrations.

I now think that due to the large number and variations in behavior, they actually represent a combination of both, resident and migratory geese.

The wary migratory geese remained in the water and moved away upon human approach.

But, the geese happily grazing on the grass were quite comfortable in the presence of humans walking by. I am guessing these geese to be the former resident geese of Central Park or more specifically, Harlem Meer.

At one point, as I walked along the grass, the geese looked up from their grazing and started to walk in a straight line in what comically looked like a high school marching band!

One almost expected them to blow horns or tap drums!

As it was, I whipped out my camera and shot a video of them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYIbHDSoBSk&feature=youtu.be

It was as if these 25 or so geese were preparing to march in a holiday parade!

Delighted and enriched by the gregarious and humorous scene before me, I could have stayed forever just chuckling at the "toy soldiers" gleefully prancing before me.

But, I actually had a purpose for rushing to the Meer before the light faded.

That was, to look for Brad, my special flightless domestic duck.

I had not seen Brad at all the night before, despite walking around the entire lake.

While I normally might be given to panic in situations like this, I was able to peer out on the dark water the other night and make out a number of ducks seemingly resting. I had to hope that one of them was Brad.

Yesterday, I had walked around 3/4 of the Meer and still had not found Brad!

While perfectly delighted to note the huge assortment of waterfowl suddenly at the Meer in recent days, including, shovelers, wood ducks and a variety of small ducks I could not name (as well as the geese), a feeling of disquiet and real worry began to gnaw at my senses:

Oh no, is it happening again? Just when you think they are safe and OK, something horrible happens. WHERE is Brad? What could have happened to him?

But, then just as I was about to hit pure panic mode, I could make out what appeared to be a larger, brightly colored duck in the far distance towards the east side of the lake.

Could it be? Is that HIM?

I motioned up my arm, started waving and calling out Brad's name.

"Brad, Brad....Is it you?"

Sure enough, the brightly colored duck and two others began to swim in my direction. And as they got closer, I finally recognized Brad.

He was leading Piggly and Wiggly who were swimming directly behind him.

Ah, yes, working on that alliance thing!

A part of me wanted to ring Brad's neck for giving me such a fright.

"You little wretch! Playing hide and seek with me. Well, I ought to......"

But, forget the admonishments. I was just so happy to see Brad and his new charges again!

When all three ducks finally reached the south embankment and Brad brazenly demanded his treats, all I could do was murmur, "Thank God, you are OK -- but I still ought to ring your neck!"

Brad just flapped his flightless wings and shrugged as if to say, "A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do. You know I have to groom these two misfits to work the ice with me over the winter!"

Well, OK. Yes, I know Brad has to do what he has to do. And I know its important too for him to get rest now while he can. In another month or so, he will literally be working his tail and beak off day and night to try and keep a small pool of water open.

Will the hapless Piggy and Wiggly be of useful aid in that? Considering that they, like Brad, cannot fly, they had better learn the rules of the Meer in winter quickly. Certainly, they need to start practicing their diving skills. There is no guarantee the diving family of geese will still be there over the winter to help maintain open water.

Speaking of "diving," upon filling up his belly, Brad returned to the lake and immediately began practicing HIS diving and dunking skills!

Oh yes, Brad is indeed, extremely aware of the calendar and the challenges of winter soon to arrive!

Last winter it seemed he spent about 90% of his time constantly "dunking and diving" in the tiny pool of water to prevent it from freezing over. Brad is an extremely diligent and hard worker.

Piggly and Wiggly are lucky to have such an accomplished survivor on their team -- even if all the mallards relentlessly pick on them.

Piggly and Wiggly don't need the mallards, after all. They need Brad......

Impressed that the alliance of mutual need was moving forward and that all three ducks enjoyed a healthy meal, I turned my attention back to the geese -- one of whom had just impatiently pecked on my hand.

I didn't have to look very far down to know it was Buster whose head comes up to my hip.

"Did you forget about me and my charges? We were here before any of these other migrants!"

And no, I had not forgotten about Buster and his rag-tag flock of seeming orphans.

The remainder of the treats were shared with them and the small flock of my "regular" mallards.

As I turned to leave the Meer, the sun had gone down and Piggly and Wiggly had joined Brad in the water.

But, I didn't see the two "misfits" doing any dives or dunks.

Brad indeed has his work cut out with these two rag-taggers as winter arrives tomorrow.

Walking home from the Meer, I was on cloud nine.

I had delighted in a holiday marching band of geese and found my missing duck.

Who could ask for more this spirited time of the year? -- PCA

********

The Gathering....

2011-12-20T14:30:00.001-05:00

When you're wrong, admit, suck it up, smile and move on........

I may have been wrong in speculating that the geese arriving to Harlem Meer the other night were migratory -- though it certainly is quite possible that some were.

There were, after all, several dozen geese and they don't wear signs announcing where they arrived from.

Last night, I returned to the Meer and was surprised to find that at least 40 geese were still around.

But, their seeming ease and familiarity with the environment and people compelled me to question if they were migratory at all or rather, the former resident flock of Harlem Meer returned once again.

Things are just so weird this year......

The resident geese of Harlem Meer were expected back in late August and September.

But, as written endlessly here, there was virtually no sign of them all these months.

Normally, the geese and mallards gather at Harlem Meer (a waterfowl "staging site") in the early fall just prior to migrations. There typically could be as many as 75 geese at the Meer starting in August and lasting until the lake started to freeze. (Of course the "harassment" practiced at Central Park would send many of the waterfowl leaving at various times as has been described. This would make determinations of whether the geese actually "migrated" or simply were banished very difficult.)

But, this year, everything has been upside down, totally unpredictable and "unnormal."

It seems the resident geese are only returning to the Meer over the past week or two to gather.

And "gathering" is indeed the word.

Imagine the surprise last night to find at least two goose families gathered with Buster and his clan along the south bank of the lake!

Buster was none too happy and attempted to "goose" several of the new arrivals.

But, the geese appeared to be older and more worldly than the impetuous and cantankerous Buster and were neither upset by him nor intimidated.

In fact, a number of them confidently walked up to me and gently took treats from my hand as if it was a daily routine.

(If these were "migratory" geese, then they must have arrived from some northern area that was extremely goose friendly as they had absolutely no fear of people. -- Perhaps Canada?)

Poor Buster. All this show and bravado for geese who merely shrugged off his antics as gestures of the immature.

After a while, Buster had little choice but to settle down and accept the newcomers. They apparently know more than he does.

Aside from the 14 gregarious and confident geese who took up gathering position with Buster and his shy, young crew, there was an additional 20 or so geese in the water near the west side of the lake. Among these were the family of 4 divers (still diving) and others who seemed perfectly relaxed and curious watching people walk by.

"Migratory?" Could be. But, my guess once again, (based on the behavior) is that most (or all) of the new geese were more likely the resident Central Park geese finally "gathering" at Harlem Meer in preparation to migrate.

More than three months later than normal.....

Indeed, it has been a very warm Autumn in New York City.

Even the brief cold snap we had for a couple of days, broke yesterday and temperatures once again rose to the high 40's.

Ice that had begun for form around the edges of the lake was melted by last night.

So what now?

Will the gathering geese stay around a while? Will they be harassed out of the Meer? Or, will they slowly leave in flocks once the lake starts to freeze to make the long, treacherous journey south (as would be normal)?

I have no idea.

But, I do know I am not the only one still wondering where the migratory geese actually are.

Today, there is an obnoxious "outdoors" article (complete with "last year's photos") from a Chicago hunter whining and wondering why the migratory geese have not shown up yet to be shot at.:

http://www.chicagonow.com/illinois-outdoors/2011/12/were-waiting-for-the-geese-to-come/

In this case, one would guess that (rather than global warming), the missing migratory geese were either all shot last year by this hunter and his buddies or wised up and are avoiding Chicago this year like the plague. -- Let's hope its the latter.

Meanwhile, in my zeal and wish to finally see migratory geese again, I instead, seem to have goose egg on my face.

But, it still was exciting the other night to hear the beautiful chorus of sounds from arriving geese to the background of Christmas music.

Even if the "traverse afar" was not from thousands of miles, but merely a couple:

"Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume

Breathes a life of gathering gloom

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying

Sealed in a stone-cold tomb

Oh, star of wonder; star of night

star of royal beauty bright

Westward leading

Still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light."

*****

"Star of Wonder; Star of Night!"

2011-12-19T16:49:00.001-05:00

"Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o'er the plain

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strain

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!"

In the past few weeks, while searching each night for signs of migratory geese from the north, I have also been listening to much Christmas music.

I am not sure why these two activities should go hand in hand, but for some inexplicable reason in my life, they do.

But, as noted previously, sightings of migratory geese have been few and far between.

I can't say that I have actually seen any migratory geese at all. The mostly small gaggles of geese flying in and out of Harlem Meer over the past few months are speculated to be mostly former resident geese of Central Park.

Last night was different, however.

But, more about that later..........

Several recent outdoors articles posted on Call of the Canada Geese FB page Call of the Canada Geese page have noted either lower populations of Canada geese observed or speculated that the geese are migrating later this year due to climate change.

While not to discount the impacts of warmer temperatures in the North East and their influence on wildlife behavior and life patterns, I have worried that our never ending "war" on Canada geese has seriously decimated their numbers.

Even has I write this, lethal assaults are occurring on migrating geese throughout the country in the form of hunting.

A article just published today from Danube, Minnesota describes the death of a 19-year-old young man who was "goose hunting" with his buddies. (Apparently, one of the guns went off accidentally): http://www.wctrib.com/event/article/id/87852/group/homepage/

One should morally feel sad over the death of any human, particularly one so young.

But, personally I don't feel much worse over the death of a human hunter, than I do the millions of animals killed everyday for whatever label we want to stick on it.

Sometimes, whether a bullfighter getting gored by a bull or a hunter accidentally shot by another hunter, we get back some of what we are dishing out in life.

Perhaps there really is a kind of universal justice? (Albeit a sometimes harsh mistress.)

In any event, being aware of the "expanded hunting" occurring all over against the geese, I have worried about the geese actually escaping the bullets and making it to their winter destinations.

When they do, it is something to behold:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q40h8dPmgwQ

Returning to Christmas music:

From a young child, I have always loved the spirit of Christmas, and particularly its music.

Once, when I was eight-years-old, I was assigned the role of the angel in a school Christmas play and was supposed to sing, "O Come All Ye Faithful."

I was ecstatic with joy and pride and practiced diligently the carol, both in English and Latin.

But, my mom forgot to take in my angel costume to properly fit and at the last minute, I was replaced.

One of the minor "traumatic" incidents of childhood, one could say, but it did not dampen my love for the music or belief in the spirit and ideals of Christmas.

That said, I am not one to pound stores in search of presents and have yet to write out Christmas cards. Indeed, I don't seem even to care about holiday get-togethers or celebrations.

To me, Christmas is not about presents, parties, desires, giving, receiving or "All I Want for Christmas is You."

I actually dislike most of the pop songs associated with the time of year.

But, I do so love the carols!

Over the past few days, the carol that has most been resonating is, "We Three Kings."

"Star of wonder

Star of night

Star of royal beauty bright

Westward leading

Still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light."

I must have listened to this carol a hundred times over the past few days.

And each time, it whelmed the senses with a colophony of feelings that are hard to describe. -- Some sad, some celebratory, some searching and some majestic.

The carol was playing (along with others) though my headphones last night when heading with my dogs to Harlem Meer.

The night was cold, slightly overcast and extremely quiet in Central Park. Nary a jogger or cyclist stirred during the one mile walk to the Meer.

But, one could make out a few stars glittering high in the skies above.

Arriving to the Meer, I expected that due to the sub-freezing temperatures of the last couple of days, the lake might start to be freezing over.

That assumption is correct. Some of the outer layers are beginning to ice over. But, not as much as one might suppose.

That is probably because there were many waterfowl on the Meer last night.

As usual, Buster and his group of 6 mostly young geese immediately made their way to me, as did the regular bunch of mallards and Brad.

Seemingly missing were the new members of alliances formed the previous night among Brad and Buster's gaggle of geese.

But, that was not too surprising.

Alliances made among waterfowl in the early going are not yet set in stone.

That doesn't usually occur until the water is almost entirely frozen and most of the mallards and other flying waterfowl leave.

But, last night there was much waterfowl activity on the Meer with the birds seemingly scattered all over the mostly still unfrozen lake.

Another thing a little unusual last night was that several of the ducks and geese squatted down while nibbling at the seeds on the ground. I wondered if this had something to do with the suddenly much colder temperatures and was it a way to conserve body heat?

Neither the geese nor mallards answered the question.

One of Buster's charges bravely attempted to eat from my hand last night. But, I am guessing because of the cautious, hesitant ways, the goose was a girl. Her mouth was rough and inexperienced in eating from human hands.

Perhaps hand feeding is not a good thing to encourage anyway in the other geese. Its actually better for them to stay wary and "dumb" in this way, considering the "aggressive" complaints of other humans.

Brad was particularly ravenous and greedy last night. For sure, he is highly aware of the challenges ahead and the need to "fatten up" as much as possible while the opportunity is there.

As noted, Brad is an extremely shrewd duck and that is exactly why he has survived for at least several years at the Meer. It's especially remarkable considering Brad can only fly a few feet off the ground and cannot, like the mallards, simply take off when the going gets rough or the lake entirely freezes over.

While administering to my familiar feathered friends of the Meer with Christmas carols softly humming in the background, suddenly a chorus of real sounds erupted, emanating from the other side of the lake:

It was the honks from what sounded like dozens of geese either arriving to or departing from the Meer!

The sounds were coming from the West side of the lake. But, due to the darkness of the night and twists in the terrain, I could not actually see flying geese, but could hear them loud and clear.

Oh my God, it sounds like they are arriving!

The chorus of honks went on for several minutes. Lots of them! Animated conversation or song going back and forth like some glorious Christmas choir!

I had never heard such colophony of goose communication in all the years of going to Central Park. I could not tell exactly how many geese there were, but there had to be dozens of them from the different directions the honks were coming and the sheer number of them!

After assuring that my troupe of mallards and 7 geese were satiated for the evening, I decided to walk to the west side of the Meer to get a look of what had actually just occurred.

Sure enough, there were at least 30-40 geese resting and scattered in the middle of the still unfrozen water!

And yes, they were still talking back and forth to each other from across and around the lake!

I am sure that my mouth must have dropped open in the sheer wonder and seeming miracle of it.

There was no doubt that these were finally the migratory geese making their first wave to the big city!

Were they discussing and celebrating the long journey they had just accomplished?

Were they planning the next leg of the journey?

Or, were they singing Christmas carols?

These things, I of course, could not know.

But, what I wouldn't have given to be there at the actual moment they arrived from the far north and descended like twinkling stardust upon the lake!

Nevertheless, I had been blessed to hear them.

"Angels we have heard on high

Singing out a lullaby....."

And as I began to leave the Meer last night, I could still hear the celebration and planning in their voices...

"Star of wonder

Star of night

Star of royal beauty bright

Westward leading

Still proceeding

Guide us to thy perfect light."

Oh, glad tidings of comfort and joy!

I close this entry today with a Youtube video from Bare Naked Ladies and Sarah McLaughlin singing together, two of my favorite carols:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGVNzgUxE-g

Perhaps there is reason for that.

My wish and prayer this Christmas is that the star of wonder and star of night, guide these peaceful migrating minstrals to places of safety and light. -- PCA

*****

Winter's Alliances

2011-12-18T12:10:00.002-05:00

(Photos: 1-- Bottoms up geese putting on show! 2-- Diving geese coming to land and joining Buster and crew. 3-- Brad, calculating winter strategy)

"Baby, its cold outside!"

This morning, the temperature in NYC plummeted to 23 degrees.

Last night, when visiting my feathered friends at Harlem Meer, it was hovering around the freezing point.

The promise of winter brings necessary changes to the ducks and geese. In some cases, those changes involve making deals and forging alliances for the sheer sake of survival.

The first thing noticed when arriving to the Meer last night was that many of the geese observed the previous evening had apparently moved on.

Perhaps some of the geese had been migratory and had only stopped briefly at the Meer.

Others (i.e. former resident geese) had returned to seemingly mark the one year anniversary of harassment and to announce to the world that they had prevailed despite everything!

In any case, Buster and his 6 followers were still at the Meer, as was the diving family of four.

All eleven geese followed in the water when I arrived with my two dogs.

However, when Buster and his crew climbed the embankment in familiar greeting, as well as some of the mallards, I noticed that Brad, my special domestic duck, was missing!

Not to immediately panic, I figured that Brad was somewhere on the lake and perhaps unaware that I had shown up a little earlier than usual. Either he would catch up a little later or I would have to go and look for him.

For the moment, however, Buster was standing in front of me soliciting treat as were his rag-tag band of followers and the mallards.

Meanwhile, all four of the "diving family" were heads down and butts up in the water!

Was this some kind of show they were putting on for my benefit?

I had to chuckle.

After tossing seeds to the hungry eyes before me, I attempted to snap a photo of all four butts in the air, but only succeeded in getting two in the same frame.

Ah, that they would only move a little closer together!

(Perhaps I can elicit the services of Steven Spielberg to aid in the "training" and film recording of a family of diving geese?)

After performing their perfectly synchronized routine for a good ten minutes, the family of four ascended the grassy embankment in seeming search for "payment."

I fully expected Buster to viciously go after them, but surprisingly he didn't.

Rather, as long as the divers respectfully allowed reasonable distance between the two gaggles, Buster appeared willing to accept and let them stay!

What was going on?

I wondered if perhaps Buster has some secret wish to learn how to dive? Lord knows, he seems proficient in just about everything else. -- Especially, ruling all the other geese with a seemingly iron wing!

But, as all eleven geese peacefully nibbled seeds from the ground along with the mallards, my mind went back to the still missing Brad.

Where is that damned duck anyway that he hasn't shown up in all this time?

Careful to save some remaining seed, I gathered my dogs, explained to Buster and the others that I had to go and seek Brad and set off on a journey around the lake.

Buster looked up briefly from his grazing as if to say, "Not to worry. Brad's around. Just saw him a while ago......Go on. You'll find the wretch!"

Sure enough, I did find Brad on the east side of the lake, strategically swimming with Piggly and Wiggly!

I say, "strategically," because I know Brad to be a very smart and calculating duck based on history and last year's postings in this blog.

Just prior to last winter, Brad smartly figured out that he needed to befriend, Joey, a flightless, Pekin duck to aid him and Angelina in keeping open water at the otherwise frozen lake. And, it seems he is doing the same thing again! -- Befriending two other domestic and presumably flightless ducks at the Meer.

"Ah, OK, Brad, I know the game now! You are grooming Piggy and Wiggly to be your combatants against the evils and harshness of winter. Smart move!"

Unfortunately, Piggly and Wiggly are not the most robust ducks at Harlem Meer. I had personally been feeding Joey for almost a year before Brad took (up to that point, the very hated) Joey under wing. Joey was a very large and plump Pekin duck. Piggly and Wiggly, by contrast, haven't been at the Meer that long and are kind of scrawny Kacki Campbell ducks. (I am guessing the "breed.")

Nevertheless, Brad has seemingly "calculated" that too. Upon seeing me, Brad led his two new charges to follow me back to the feeding station.

Brad apparently will see to it that Piggly and Wiggly get fattened up before the real challenges of winter set in.

And so, it seems in the waterfowl world (like in the human world) deals are made and one wing washes the other. The "deal" between Brad and the lowly Piggly and Wiggly seems to be, "I will protect you from the mallards and help you to find food. But, you will have to work your butts off to maintain open water here over the next two months!"

For their part, Piggly and Wiggly have no choice but to go along with that deal. It is in fact, the only way they can survive Harlem Meer over the winter.

Returning to the feeding station, Buster, his crew and their new found "buddies" were still sharing tidbits from the ground. Meanwhile, Brad and his new charges took their positions as I hand fed Brad and tossed remaining seeds to Piggly and Wiggly.

For the few minutes I removed my gloves to hand-feed Brad, my hands became frozen, reminding all, that winter is now less than a week away.

And yes, alliances are formed and deals made, both among the geese and the ducks.

Whatever it takes to get them through the long, dark and merciless days of January and February in New York City.

For it is only in the strength of numbers and mutual cooperation that geese and ducks can ultimately succeed in breaking the stranglehold of winter's grip on frozen waters and work to "de-ice" both, their relationships and the watercourses themselves.

I don't know if Buster, in fact, has "secret wishes" to learn how to dive as the family of four "bottoms up" geese. But, he knows there is strength in numbers, whether that strength be in eventual migration together or working simply to maintain open water. For their part, the divers seem to recognize Buster as a "leader" as do the other six geese who have previously latched on to Buster.

And meanwhile, Brad has been through this movie before. And though over the past year, he lost, both Joey and his beloved Angelina, mysterious circumstances have seemingly "provided" for him once again to get through winter "with a little help from his friends."

If politics sometimes makes strange bedfellows among humans, imagine what winter makes for our feathered and other friends of nature?

Winter's Alliances.

They may seem strange and mysterious, but they assuredly have purpose. -- PCA

********

One Year Later, Flock Returns with Powerful Message....

2011-12-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

Photos: 1-- Admonishment of new goose by Buster [lower right corner]. 2-- "Diving Duo" geese returned to Meer. 3-- Buster, loud and proud.)

Almost as if to mock the powerful human forces against them, as well as mark the one year anniversary when every last bird who could fly was "harassed" from Harlem Meer, the geese showed up last night to the site of their previous banishment in sizable, proud number.

I didn't know what to expect when going to the Meer last night.

Would it be a repeat of the previous year (as written about yesterday)? Or, would it be relatively quiet (as has been the case in recent months) with few if any geese present?

But, it was obvious almost immediately that things were very different from either one year ago or the eerie quiet that has represented the fall this year.

Descending the hill that leads to Harlem Meer, I could see immediately that the "diving duo" geese had returned, their sparkly, clean white butts sticking upright in the water like cheerful welcoming signs.

But, they weren't the only ones.

A number of other geese were gliding peacefully in the water, as well as a colophony of mallards.

Stepping onto the familiar Meer path with my two dogs, suddenly a chorus of loud honks emanated from the far east side of the lake. A gaggle of geese rose a few feet from the water and enthusiastically flew in my direction!

It didn't take long to figure out the gaggle was Buster and his rag-tag crew of seven loyalists. They and a bunch of mallards followed in the water as I made my way to the familiar gathering spot.

And behind them, other geese followed, including the diving duo geese.

As usual, Brad, the flightless Rouen duck was the first on the grassy embankment, followed closely behind by Buster, his shy crew and the forever greedy mallards.

Bold and brash as always, Buster walked up to me and started to tug at my sleeve, as Brad stood at my feet, patiently waiting for his nightly treats.

After tossing some seeds to the other birds, Brad and Buster gently shared treats from my hand together.

As dominating and sometimes ruthless with the other geese as Buster is, it is quite extraordinary how gentle and sharing he is with Brad -- the duck I told Buster he cannot mess with.

And although Brad is often intimidated by the more aggressive drakes of the Meer, he has no fear whatsoever of Buster who is at least three times his size and has no compunctions about throwing his weight around.

Meanwhile, in the water directly in front of me were the diving duo, who, as it turns out are not just "two" geese, but actually a family of four.

Apparently, one of their grown two goslings has also taken on the "bottoms up" posturing and three of them were tails up in the water.

I quickly whipped out my small, point and shoot camera and was able to get a shot of the parents, "bottoms up."

By this time, another goose family of six had climbed onto the embankment and took up position about 20 feet from Buster and his bunch.

But, Buster would not allow them to trudge any closer.

The family of six, seemingly knowing me, tried to approach several times, but each time, Buster aggressively went after them as if to say in no uncertain terms, "Know your place!"

Feeling a bit sorry for the family of six and trying to figure out if I recognized them, I slowly approached them.

Sure enough, several walked right up to me and even ate from my hand. But, I did not recognize them as either the Turtle Pond goose family or geese I knew from the Reservoir over the summer. I think, rather, they are part of the resident geese who used to live at Harlem Meer over the spring and fall of past years -- like the "diving duo" suddenly returned to the Meer with their two grown youngsters.

It was funny how the geese readily recognized me, but I not them. Perhaps geese have better memories than humans?

But, Buster wasn't having any of it.

Carefully guarding some invisible line, he kept admonishing and pushing back, the new family of six. And they, in seeming deference to Buster's power and position respectfully retreated back. (See photo.)

Meanwhile, the "diving" family of four found a safe spot along the embankment at least 30 or 40 feet from where Buster was and were quietly nibbling on the grass. Buster did not bother them.

I counted a total of 17 geese along the embankment. But, I could tell there were others further out in the water.

There may have in fact, been up to 25 or 30 geese last night at the Meer -- or about the same number that were chased from the lake, along with all the other birds, last year at this time.

I had to wonder:

Do the geese keep a calendar?

Did they return to the Meer exactly one year to the day of being banished, as if to deliver some kind of message to us humans who so relentlessly persecute them?

"You can demonize and vilify us. You can harass and chase us. You can hunt and shoot us. You can even round up our brethren and decimate our numbers. But, you will never, ever dominate, control and destroy us. We will find way to prevail and overcome all of yours and life's adversities!"

I of course, don't know the answers to these questions, as being human myself, I seem to lack the smarts and memory of the geese.

But, I do know for a fact, the geese indeed are keen of memory, vision, recognition and intelligence.

What's more, they learn quickly and are capable of great stoicism and resilience.

They may acquiesce and bow to their own leaders, fathers, mothers and mates. But, they will never yield to or be done in by the demands and whims of humans.

All was beautiful and peaceful last night (unlike the previous year) when I finally left the Meer last night.

The flock had returned and seemingly with a very powerful message of hope, renewal and resistance. -- PCA

**********

Wandering Nomads

2011-12-16T12:54:00.001-05:00

Today marks a kind of "anniversary."

But, not a particularly pleasant one.

It was one year ago today that I encountered "goose harassment" at Harlem Meer in Central Park.

I remember the incident as clearly as yesterday:

It was around 6:30 in the evening.

I set out to check on Brad, Angelina and Joey, the three domestic, flightless ducks at Harlem Meer during that time.

Autumn to that point had been chilly in New York City. Half of the lake was already frozen.

A number of migratory birds had congregated at the Meer.

There were groups of Northern Shovelers, lots of mallards and other ducks, one swan ("Hector") and about 30 mostly migratory Canada geese.

When arriving to the Meer that night, Joey, Brad and Angelina immediately rushed to me eager for their nightly treats. A number of mallards joined them.

Tossing seeds to the ducks along the grassy embankment, I noticed someone on the far side of the lake alongside a white van.

The person appeared to be tossing something heavy on the ice. It made a loud noise when crashing on the sheets of frozen water.

"Hm, that's interesting," I thought naively. "Must be a park ranger breaking up the ice for the birds!"

But, my wishful thinking and naivete were soon torpedoed by a hard dose of reality.

The geese positioned in the middle of the lake started to honk loudly -- a warning call presumably to each other and the other birds in the water.

Startled, Joey, Brad and Angelina, immediately bolted and jumped in the water, swimming as rapidly as possible to the center of the lake.

What the hell? I thought. What's going on?

Then, before I could even contemplate an answer to the question, the geese rose up in one large and panicked swoop from the lake. The other birds quickly followed....shovelers, mallards and whatever other waterfowl had been languishing on the still unfrozen, open water.

The birds flew high in the air and seemed to head in disorganized fashion towards the East Side of Manhattan -- or in the direction of Laguardia Airport.

Confused and angered, I hurriedly rushed to the east side of the lake to investigate and confront the person terrorizing all of the birds.

Passing the white van, I noticed the words, "Geese Relief" on the side of the truck.

"What the hell are you doing?" I furiously inquired of the woman repeatedly tossing the loud noisemaker on the ice.

"I am here to chase away the geese." the woman answered dispassionately and matter of factly.

"That's INSANE! You're sending all these birds up in the sky in a panic when you've got planes flying overhead! That is ASKING for a potential disaster! We need the geese here to help maintain open water!"

Apparently instructed not to get into arguments with protesters, the woman packed up her apparatus and stepped inside the van. But, rather than leaving the Meer, she drove the van some 100 or so feet away and simply parked near the park drive.

I too, moved back to the south side of the lake and watched, hoping the woman in the white van would finally leave.

But, she didn't.

There were still a straggly few birds on the lake, including Hector, the swan, a handful of geese and of course, Joey, Brad and Angelina who were incapable of flying anywhere.

I stayed as long as I could. But, the below freezing temperatures were getting to me and my hands were then frozen despite wearing gloves.

It was obvious the woman sitting inside a warm van was not going to leave until presumably every last bird was chased from the lake.

Eventually, I had to give up and leave. There was nothing I could do to protect the few stragglers left on the lake.

I felt completely deflated and despaired.

The following day, I called the Central Park Conservancy to resister complaint over the incident witnessed the night before.

"Oh, they are supposed to use dogs to chase the geese," I was told. "We did not approve the use of any other methods. We will check into this and get back to you."

"But, WHY would geese be chased at all now?" I demanded to know. " We are going into winter. These are migratory birds!"

"I promise to get back to you later....."

As promised, later in the day, the same gentleman called back to inform me that Geese Relief had been fired and that all goose harassment was suspended for the winter. A new company would be hired in the spring.

But, the damage had already been done.

Later that night, at the Meer, only Joey, Brad and Angelina still remained. No geese. No shovelers. No ducks. And even no swan.

"Hector," the swan who had been at the Meer since October had fled along with all of the other waterfowl with the exception of the flightless and totally terrorized ducks.

It took a long while for me to find the traumatized BrAdgelina and Joey that night.

Even though it is now exactly a year later, Hector, the swan has never been seen since.

And even though Joey, Brad and Angelina were never specifically targeted by goose harassment, since last year, Joey was attacked by a dog in January and had to be rescued and Angelina mysteriously vanished this past spring and is presumed dead.

As claimed, Central Park Conservancy did suspend goose harassment for the rest of the winter, but it was resumed this past spring with the company, "Goosebusters."

As noted in this blog, last spring was the last time any sizable population of geese were observed in Central Park.

But, that of course did not last long.

Since that time, observances of geese in Central Park have been spotty at best. And though normally, these are birds who survive best in large groups (as any prey species), it seems the geese have altered their behavior substantially by frequently dispersing and breaking up into smaller gaggles.

There were, for example, ten (very shy, nervous and people-wary) geese who molted at Harlem Meer over this past summer. There was the family of five geese at the Reservoir (including three goslings). There was the Turtle Pond family of geese and a few hangers-on who molted at the Boat Lake. And there was another family of geese (including goslings who hatched) at the South Pond.

That was a grand total of approximately 35 geese dispersed in all of Central Park over this past summer.

But, since molting and gosling-raising was completed in August, sightings of geese in Central Park over the fall have been very few and far between.

Yesterday, I wrote of the dozen or so geese who miraculously appeared at Harlem Meer on Wednesday night.

But, even that was different last night.

Only Buster and his small troupe of 6 refugees were still at the Meer last night. The dynamic "diving duo" and other geese seemingly returned to the Meer were gone again.

But, will Buster and his rag-tag clan be harassed tonight as one year ago, every goose, shoverler, mallard and even the one swan were at Harlem Meer?

I don't know.

I just know its a dubious "anniversary." -- One I personally don't celebrate.

The lake water may not yet be frozen at Harlem Meer during what has mostly been a warmer than normal fall in New York City.

But, the atmosphere for the "unwelcomed" and constantly maligned geese is as frigid and frozen as the most northern points of the Arctic during the bleakest, harshest days of winter.

"Disperse, constantly move and reorganize" seem to be the modus operandi for the forever targeted geese these days.

All have become wandering and scattered nomads without home anywhere. -- PCA

**********

The Human Considerations of Geese! ;)

2011-12-15T11:58:00.000-05:00

(Photo -- Buster requesting his reward for a job well done!)

Buster returned to Harlem Meer last night and this time, be brought some old friends with him!

His message to me seemed to be, "I know you have been worrying about these guys, so I found and brought them back! Reward me!"

The "old friends" are a pair of geese who I videotaped last April at the Meer -- the last time a sizable population of geese were present there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcFwbcMNdUo

At the time, I found the particular pair very unusual and amusing because of their almost constant tendency to dive under the water and flaunt their butts high in the air.

It had been many months since seeing these two particular geese and yes, the irony is that I had just thought about them in recent days......

Whatever happened to the bottoms-up geese? Whatever happened to Bozo, Bonnie and all the other geese who were once at the Meer?

Well, last night, there were at least a dozen new geese at the Meer, along with Buster and his small troupe of vagabonds. But, I suspect the geese weren't "new" at all, but rather the diving duo and a number of other returnees.

The geese were all gathered along with Brad and the other ducks near the southern portion of the Meer when I arrived last night.

Imagine the sheer shock when seeing at least a dozen geese!

At first, I thought the new geese to be migratory. But, when they began to follow me along with the mallards to the usual gathering spot, it was obvious Buster had returned with his clan and apparently brought the new geese with him!

The newbies, for the most part, did not climb onto the grassy embankment, but rather elected to stay nearby in the water.

And that is when I noticed the two "diving geese" once again, performing their ritual in the water. Over and over again, they spun over face down in the lake with their white butts high in the air like celebratory waving flags!

(Unfortunately, I did not have my video camera with me and am thus relying today on old video. But, I am reasonably sure it is the same two geese. Its a little unusual to see geese engaging in the diving behavior on such repeated, consistent basis. These two truly seem to have a "thing" together and their synchronization is nearly perfect!)

So where have the diving duo and others been hiding out all these months?

I have no idea.

But, it was real nice last night to see them once again back.

And yes, I think the ever adventurous and inventive Buster might have had something to do with calling the Harlem Meer flock back. -- If for no other reason than to appease me and quell my fears.

I do believe geese are often quite capable of reading human minds.

And so, like last week, I offered Buster some extra treats for his hard work, which he gently took from my hand, while admonishing his other pals to stand back. The one nice thing about Buster is that he is willing to share hand treats with Brad, my very special duck at the Meer. Buster totally understands it is "beak off!" of Brad.

I of course, don't know if Buster will be at the Meer again tonight with the lost pals who he magically retrieved.

But, it was really thoughtful of him to let me know that the diving duo and other Meer geese have apparently and magically escaped the USDA onslaught on them.

Who said geese aren't considerate of humans? -- especially, when they know reward is waiting for them for deeds well done. ;) -- PCA

**********

Bull's Eyes on Their Heads

2011-12-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

How ironic and sad is it just prior to Christmas to have to recognize how the PR wheels of duplicity, ignorance and untruths just keep spinning?

About that "stay of execution" for the geese at Burns Park in North Little Rock:

It turns out that was not result of responding to public protest and pressure.

Rather, the Mayor of North Little Rock was apparently ignorant of both, state and federal laws that forbid the "hunting of baited" wildlife.

http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2011/12/14/goose-hunt-delay-a-cover-by-mayor-hays

Since the geese at Burns Park are routinely fed by soft-hearted park goers, they are considered "baited" under the law and shooting the geese would thus result in large and costly fines to the city.

Perhaps we should have considered more cynical motives for postponing the massacre when Mayor Hays told advocates for saving the geese they had "three days" to come up with non-lethal alternatives.

Three days is not sufficient time to fully investigate, assess to environment and situation, estimate and compare costs and figure into a budget.

So, once again we are looking at ignorance, PR ploys, "spin" and duplicity.

All the while, the 150 mostly tame and resident geese at Burns Park sit as unknowing, hapless victims to political games, ignorance of law and refusals to consider the facts.

One should surely question why 150 -200 geese cannot be tolerated in a large public park that is 1,700 acres (or twice the size of Central Park).

As noted yesterday, the few complaints about "goose poop" could easily be remedied by the purchase of a Naturesweep machine to clean up the park of all debris, both animal and human.

But, perhaps the sad reality is that the politicians are not really interested in responsible ways to address so-called, "problems" and grievances, as much as simply how to spin themselves out of possible criticisms and loss of political stature.

The North Little Rock Mayor claims the geese are a "health threat" and yet he wants to donate this bullet-ridden, "health threat" to hungry people.

What are we missing here?

Either the geese are a "health threat" or they are not. But, surely we would not feed "health threats" to hungry humans -- or would we for the sake of PR spin?

As for all the blaming and scapegoating of those who "feed geese" for the so-called, "goose overpopulation problem," it turns out that those merciful folks feeding geese are actually the unsung heroes in this debacle. Were it not for them "baiting" the geese, a full blown massacre would have ensued in Burns Park just prior to celebrating the birth of the prince of peace.

Perhaps now it is finally understandable why so many public parks erect, "Do Not Feed Wildlife" signs and arrest 80-year-old women for feeding domestic ducks and geese. -- They want to insure that the public park can be turned into a shooting gallery any time of the year -- including before Christmas.

That may sound cynical, but considering what we know now about federal and state laws and one city's plan to "hunt" its park geese, it all makes perfect sense.

So, we can expect the "Do Not Feed Wildlife" signs to soon and hastily go up at Burns Park and all kinds of threats to go out to the little old ladies or young children who dare to drop a chip or crust of bread to the geese.

But, let's hope all the North Little Rock stores selling cracked corn, sunflower seeds and all kinds of picnic supplies are just as soon cleared out of their entire stocks.

It seems this is the time for banquets and non-stop picnics at Burns Park.

Finally, there is one more irony to this whole sordid mess:

While Burns Park, Arkansas whines about its "goose overpopulation problem" it seems a bit strange that other areas of the country are, at the same time, discussing the "decline" in Canada goose numbers:

http://www.wsiltv.com/news/local/Several-Factors-Lead-to-Fewer-Canada-Geese-135538918.html

Funny how in the discussion of various "factors" responsible for declining Canada goose numbers, this video and article never mentions, roundups, cullings, endless hunting and goose massacres in public parks.

How is it that we constantly fail to see what is directly in front of us -- or in the case of the vanishing geese, what we have caused to no longer be in front of us?

We cannot see extinction for the few geese still grazing in public parks. --The geese with bull's eyes on their heads. -- PCA

**************

Stays of Execution, Vanishing Geese and Flightless Ducks

2011-12-13T14:02:00.002-05:00

(Photos: New [domestic?] duck at Harlem Meer. Brad, the domestic, Rouen duck)

While fantastic news that, due to public pressure, the North Little Rock City Council postponed the planned Dec 20 -22nd goose shootings at Burns Park, the geese are certainly not out of the woods.

http://www.katv.com/story/16310332/north-little-rock-delays-controversial-goose-hunt

With so much public and media attention focused on the controversy over the past two weeks, it is quite probable that city leaders simply decided that by postponing the massacre until after Christmas, public focus would die down. (In other words, a decision of political expediency and PR.)

What's important now is for advocates to present viable non-lethal alternatives that we know WILL work. Those include habitat modification, Border Collie chasing and in the spring, egg addling if necessary. What seems most important in this location however, is addressing the "complaints" about goose droppings. And for that, the Naturesweep machine seems the effective solution. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92ELjHmx2SA&feature=related

I posted this information to the FB pages and hope that others take note. It is simply premature to celebrate any real victories until we know for a fact that goose shootings in this very public park are not going to occur at all.

Presently, the geese merely have a stay of execution. But, that is certainly a better place to be than where we were 24 hours ago.

The passion and dedication of the animal advocates of North Little Rock, AR have been something to behold and admire. -- We all need to take a page from it.

In more local goose news, I have not seen Buster and his troupe of 6 vagabond geese for the past two nights at Harlem Meer.

Its obvious that the charges of those "feeding geese" being responsible for geese wearing out their welcome and staying too long in a location are just that -- charges that have no basis in actual fact.

Of course, I have personally known for ages that this accusation is completely bogus. That was obvious in the summer of 2010 with the Turtle Pond goose family. Scores of people and children fed the family of 8 geese daily. But, as soon as the goslings could fly and the parents grew their flight feathers, the family took off.

No amount of "human handouts" could keep them in the gosling-rearing location, once the calendar changed and the goose family was able to fly.

It is appalling that those who feed geese or ducks in a park are constantly being blamed and scapegoated for the fact that some birds "stay" longer than what some people tolerate.

Perhaps the most egregious example of this allegation reaching insane and downright cruel proportions is this article out of Lynn, Massachusetts last week:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57339649-504083/criminal-charges-for-80-year-old-who-refused-to-stop-feeding-ducks-officials-say/

It is obvious from the photograph that the birds Ms. Butcher had been feeding are domestic, Pekin ducks, who are usually flightless. (Most likely, they were dumped in the park.) That the city would arrest this 80-year-old woman and threaten jail time for performing what really is a charitable act is mind boggling. This seems to give credence to the charge that many park and city officials seem to have little idea on how to responsibly deal with animal and human problems in a park. (The people who should be reprimanded in situations like these are those who dump animals in parks, not the one's who take pity on the abandoned creatures.)

The bottom line is that if waterfowl can fly, they do not stay in a location because some human feeds them. And if the waterfowl cannot fly (such as domestic ducks) then efforts should be made to find safe sanctuary for them -- not penalize their human feeders.

Speaking of domestic ducks, I am suspecting, though am not certain, that there are possibly two other domestic ducks at Harlem Meer besides Brad.

Over the past month or so, I have discovered two brownish ducks (Perhaps Kacki Campbells or some type of hybrids?) who are larger than the mallards and move differently. (Sort of herky jerky, awkward movements.) The mallards constantly and mercilessly pick on the two outcasts I have named, "Piggly and Wiggly" and I suspect from them constantly being ostracized, they are "different" in some significant way.

At first, I only noted the one duck and felt sorry for him/her. But, over the past few weeks, I have noticed the second one. The two outcasts are now usually together. (At least they found each other.) If true that they are domestic -- and flightless ducks, then Brad will have at least two other ducks to hopefully aid him in keeping open water at the Meer over the winter.

(As previously mentioned, Harlem Meer usually freezes almost entirely over once winter sets in. Most of the mallards leave at that time to seek open water.)

Meanwhile, the Canada geese are a vanishing species in Central Park.

It is incredible that we are in the middle of December and so far, only a pitiful few migratory geese have been observed in Central Park.

This is extremely troubling indeed.

But, for now, I simply seek to see Buster and his little group of refugee geese and hope that as accused, they come seeking human handouts once again. -- PCA

*******

BREAKING NEWS -- At Last, A Victory for the Geese!

2011-12-13T02:19:00.000-05:00

Breaking news!

The planned Christmas "hunt" of 150 geese at Burns Park in Arkansas has been postponed in order to give non-lethal alternatives a chance.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/185038/2/Motion-passes-to-delay-Burns-Park-goose-hunt

There is no doubt that the immense public pressure and protest ultimately succeeded in stopping this barbarity -- at least for now. (More than 1,000 people signed on to Burns Park goose FB page (37) Coalition to Save the Geese of Burns Park and more than 1,200 signed a petition to stop the slaughter.)

Although the Mayor threatens that a hunt could still occur next month, presuming that the dedicated people of North Little Rock keep the FB and political pressure together and that NLR implements a non-lethal program, a massacre would not be feasible.

I am guessing the Mayor did not cancel the hunt all together as such might have seemed like too much capitulation to the goose loving community. Hunting is big in AR.

This is extremely good news and like Saranac Lake, proves that when you can get enough public protest organized, we can ultimately save the geese. (I know these people also worked politically behind the scenes.) -- It is a significant victory for us -- and the geese!

We finally have a little something to celebrate -- though the real work is only beginning!

But, for now, break out the champagne! ;) -- PCA

*******

"Reasoning" the Unreasonable ("Why Are They Killing the Geese?")

2011-12-12T08:30:00.001-05:00

Probably the most common question we who advocate for protection of geese are asked is, "Why are they killing the geese?"

Whenever I am asked this, there is always a sense of disappointment or even slight insult -- even though fully understanding the sincerity or naivete of the questioner.

Last night, when walking home from the park after a visit with my feathered friends I asked myself why.

I think the reason is actually quite simple.

We normally would not ask those who oppose an injustice to explain the "reasons" for the injustice.

We would not for example, ask Lincoln to explain the rationalizations for slavery or Schindler to explain the Nazi rationale for murdering Jews. Indeed, we don't even ask the Occupy Wall Street people the reasons why some corporations abuse people or destroy the environment and why some on Wall Street are corrupt.

Put simply, it is not up to those fighting for justice to explain the excuses for injustice.

To do so, only puts us in the position of giving voice and "explanation" for things we patently and morally oppose (and thus, in some people's minds, a sense of credibility or "reason" for the unethical.)

We should only have to explain our reasons for opposing the injustice and striving to create or restore a more peaceful and tolerant world.

Nevertheless, the fact that we who work to save the geese are frequently asked, "Why are they killing the geese?" seems to suggest that many people apparently don't understand what is inherently wrong about invading a public park either to round up wildlife for killing or shooting animals as targets. "If they are killing the geese in public parks, there must be a good reason for it." many people seem to conclude.

But, it is that thinking which is basically flawed.

Because if we have learned anything through eons of human history it is that while violence and injustice may have motivations and causes, they rarely have just reason.

When asked the question of why government is killing geese in public parks, I usually answer simply, "Because they can. The geese cannot vote or protest. And they are completely defenseless. They are killed because some people don't like them, as some people don't like dogs, cats or even children. They are killed for convenience."

But, as noted, I don't like answering the question and don't feel I should have to. I should not be the one compelled to give voice and "explanation" for things that should not (in my view) have voice and rarely have just explanation.

Its like having to "explain" why some people use the N word.

It is not the advocate for justice's place to have to "explain" others' bigotry or violent actions towards the innocent and defenseless. Such is better left to psychiatrists or the perpetrators themselves.

Prosecutors in court don't, after all, have to prove "motivation" for the crimes alleged. They only have to show and prove that the crime has been committed and by the one accused.

Likewise, we who advocate for the geese only need to show that violent actions have been committed and be able to cite who they have been perpetrated by. (In many cases, we are also compelled to show peaceful and effective non-lethal alternatives to violence.)

But, explain the reasons for the violence? No.

Let the accused explain their rationalizations for what essentially is unreasonable and unjustifiable.

An excuse does not justice create. -- PCA

Rag-Tag, Vagabonds

2011-12-10T11:24:00.001-05:00

Buster and his rag-tag, vagabonds were late showing up to the table last night.

Perhaps the gaggle of seven geese were busy watching Lasker rink hockey practice at the west side of Harlem Meer -- or pond hopping.

When the geese did finally show, Brad and the troupe of mallards had already polished off most of the treats for the evening.

But, there were still some seeds and cracked corn on the ground.

Buster was the first goose to hop the embankment. But apparently either reading my body language and empty hands or quickly assessing the situation, he immediately started to nibble the seeds off the grass. The rest of his clan followed suit.

Its amazing the intuitive sense of the geese and how quickly they figure things out.

Sitting on a neaby park bench with my dogs and observing the relatively peaceful scene before me, I made some mental notes.

There is no question that Buster and his troupe are part of what used to be, the "resident geese of Harlem Meer" whose former numbers were once close to 100.

This is apparently what is left of them. -- Seven geese.

Seven geese, probably all of whom have lost mates, siblings or even offspring to the mindless and brutal goose carnage that has become systematic in NYC.

Having spent several years closely observing highly organized goose families, it is quite apparent that this gaggle of geese are not related and have probably come together as quick and needy response to the carnage that has broken up families and mate pairings for years now.

For one matter, when eating, this group of seven geese usually assigns no goose as "sentry" to the gaggle. Rather, its seemingly every goose for him or herself. Grab what you can and follow the directives of Buster, the lead gander in command.

For his part, Buster nudges the others off his immediate space and claim, but not in violent manner as much as authoritarian. Yes, he calls the shots, probably determines when and where they go and for how long. The other geese obviously respect and follow his directives. But, there doesn't appear to be real organization among the group and assignment of duties and placement.

Its interesting that when returning to Harlem Meer a few weeks ago, Buster and his troupe arrived with what appeared to be several gaggles of migratory geese.

The migratory geese were very shy and wary of humans. I suspect it might have been Buster who, with his group, led the migratory geese to Harlem Meer as normally migratory geese settle in the Reservoir when traveling or taking rest stops in Central Park.

For the following week or two, all the geese stayed at the Meer, though Buster and his troupe were always separate from the migratory birds.

Then, about ten days ago, the park installed a Christmas tree on the water and that apparently freaked out all the geese into leaving. (Even Buster, after all, would not have been accustomed to trees being planted in the middle of a lake.)

But, returning to the Meer again, it is only Buster and his rag-tag vagabonds without the migratory geese who have apparently moved on. (I only hope the migratory geese don't run into a hail of bullets on their journey to wherever they are going.)

It would be easy, when looking at Buster and the six other geese, to assess him as being particularly "aggressive." Buster is cocky, confident and somewhat brazen. He stands tall, constantly admonishes the others and has no problem apparently in walking up to people he knows and beseeching a treat.

But, he's actually a very smart and apparently very aware and knowledgeable gander. That is precisely why the others have latched on to him (despite the constant admonishments) -- as matter of survival.

I have little doubt that Buster and his gaggle of convenience will make it through the winter.

While it might appear to be a situation of "every goose for him or herself" it is actually a case of "all for one and one for all" with Buster (due to his size and smarts) obviously in total command.

The geese are truly infinitely fascinating animals.

Leaving the Meer last night, I looked back to note Buster and clan, as well as Brad and the mallards following me in the water as means of their traditional farewell greeting.

"Goodnight geesies! Goodnight duckies!. You beautiful guys take care now!" I murmured, waving a hand to them.

But, I don't know whether Buster and his troupe will actually hang around a while.

The geese don't need me to advise them what to do.

They already have their leader and so far, Buster has led them very well -- and safely. -- PCA

***********

Signs

2011-12-09T12:39:00.001-05:00

"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Looking at the scenery, blowing my mind

Do this! Don't do that!

Can't you read the sign?"

Living on Manhattan's Upper East Side, one cannot step out the door and not encounter a thousand signs on one block.

But, I don't really read the signs.

But, there are some signs I actually believe in......

Last night, when leaving for Harlem Meer to check on Brad and the regular troupe of mallards, the mood was glum and pessimistic.

The upcoming goose slaughter at Burns Park (North Little Rock) was on my mind, as well as the fact it was my birthday and I hadn't yet heard from my daughter in Utah. (Yes, as both woman and mother, these things are more important than what logically should be.)

Additionally, since Central Park installed a Christmas tree on the water at Harlem Meer more than a week ago, the couple of dozen geese who had been there, vanished not to be seen again.

Although I saw four other geese on the lake since that time, they were apparently migratory birds who were extremely wary and shy of people.

I did not see any geese at all on Wednesday afternoon at the Meer.

And so, not expecting anything unusual (or any geese), I did not bring my camera last night to the Meer.

The goal was simply to insure Brad was OK and provide him with nightly treats.

But, arriving to Harlem Meer, I could immediately see from the hill, several geese stationed in the water, almost as if waiting for me!

Wow, glory be! GEESIES!

At first, I figured they were probably the four shy and elusive migratory birds that had been seen a couple of times over the past week.

But, as soon as I descended the hill and began to walk towards the area I normally feed Brad and his mallard pals, the geese recognized and followed me like trained dogs!

No sooner had I parked my own two dogs by the familiar park bench, did all seven geese hop on the embankment and saunter over to me!

As soon as the one huge gander poked his beak towards my hand brazenly beseeching a treat, I recognized the gaggle as "Buster" and his bunch of six resident Harlem Meer geese returned.

I am not sure, in fact, if this group of six or sometimes seven geese are actually one family or rather, a gaggle of convenience and hangers-on. Buster has such dominance and assertiveness towards the others I believe it to be more the latter.

(Remembering how "Papa goose" of the Turtle Pond goose family always hung back and protectively watched while the rest of his family ate from my hand, but noting the exact opposite from Buster and his troop, I believe him to be simply the "alpha" of an otherwise random gaggle that look to him for protection and leadership.)

So self-assured and confident is Buster, he nudged my jacket when I dared to toss treats to the other birds! Indeed, the only bird he was willing to share hand treats with last night, was Brad, the Rouen duck.

Then again, I warned Buster not to mess with Brad -- and as previously noted, I do believe geese understand and even communicate in English!

"I am the leader of this troupe of geese and I have to be the strong and hearty one!" I could swear I have heard Buster saying.

And indeed, to give Buster due credit, his gaggle appear to be among the heartiest and most robust geese seen. No lame geese, no fishing lines wrapped around legs and no missing webbing on feet.

Buster may be tough and authoritarian, but he keeps his gaggle safe and strong and that is the main thing. It also possibly explains why none of the other geese ever challenge Buster. When Buster says, "move!" they move!

I did try to have a "talk" with Buster last night about his behavior:

"You know, Buster, you'd better not go around like this poking at other people. This is how geese get the reputation for 'attacking' and 'being aggressive.' It doesn't help your buddies!"

"I know what I'm doing and who our friends are. You need not worry." Buster smiled assuredly.

OK. So, I won't worry -- at least not for Buster and his trusting hangers-on.

The geese after all, apparently know better than I do.

But, what I cannot get over is, how did Buster and pals know it was my birthday yesterday?

And why were they seemingly waiting for me?

Walking home from this strange, but exhilarating encounter last night, I thought about "signs."

I remembered back to what undoubtedly is the worst day in modern American history: 9-11.

Such a terrible and unspeakable time in New York City then.

All of us shocked, traumatized, walled off like "sitting ducks" and not knowing what to expect.

I remember commiserating with other dogs owners in Central Park that night as we smelled the strange fumes in the air and noted the eerie silence in the skies above us as no planes flew in or out of the city.

But, nothing could bring comfort or any feelings of safety or security on a day that had wreaked such wide scale death, destruction and horror to our great city.-- That is, until I later walked over to the Jackie Onassis Reservoir and stood for a long while watching the ducks and geese swimming peacefully and unconcerned in the water.

And it was then I thought, "It is going to be OK. We are going to get through this. The geese and ducks say it will be OK."

The birds on the water so tranquil that night, gave assurance and "sign" to me that despite the mayhem and carnage happening all around, normalcy was still reachable and still there.

I never felt greatly frightened after that.

A feeling of safety and hope had returned, thanks to the geese and ducks resting peacefully on the water.

And though I don't recall consciously thinking then that I felt indebted to the geese and ducks for this new found sense of resiliance, I believe the feeling settled somewhere in the sub or unconscious mind:

As they helped me, I will forever be there to help them as I can.

"Signs, signs, everywhere a sign."

Like 9-11, I felt invigorated, renewed and hopeful last night walking home from Central Park after the unexpected encounter with the geese on what is special and personal day.

Was it once again a "sign?"

When arriving home, there was a message on my answering machine.

"Hi Mom.....Thinking about you......I hope you are having a wonderful birthday."

Yes, Buster and his troupe were a sign.

And for the first time all day, I finally felt like celebrating. -- PCA

**********

"The Day the Music Died"

2011-12-08T16:04:00.000-05:00

"Bye, bye, Ms. American Pie.

Drove my Chevy to the Levi, but the Levi was dry.

Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye

Singing, this will be the day that I die."

Today is my birthday.

I am officially "old."

But, it is not the calendar that ultimately makes one feel old, but the events happening around one that presumably determine whether one feels happy, sad, young, old or somewhere in between all these emotional manifestations.

Right now, I am too caught up in a frantic effort with others to somehow stop the planned goose massacre in North Little Rock, Arkansas (to occur in a couple of weeks) to think much about "feelings" or chronological age.

I find myself hoping instead, for a miracle that neither money nor greetings can buy.

This morning when on the Burns Park goose FB page, I came across a posting from a registered nurse that deeply resonated. (Posted by Jennifer Duke, RN):

"Another letter to the council members and Mayor,

Good Morning! I am once again writing you. As you are probably aware those of us in the community devastated by the decision to reduce the Geese population at Burns Park in such an inhumane way have formed a "Coalition to Save the Geese of Burns Park" facebook page. We formed this page to try and make a difference and to also bring some comfort to those of us suffering from this decision.

Below is a post from one of the cruel souls that you have promoted to carry out this inhumane act. These individuals are coming on our page and taunting us and posting very evil comments. Why would you want to give such power to individuals like the one below? What is wrong with our society? Respect life. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Do these words mean anything anymore?

I can no longer hold back my tears. This has become more than an issue to save tame, innocent Geese, but has been a true eye opener to the uncompassionate , cruel people living in society around me and my children. I can only pray for God to protect my loved ones from these evil souls.

With my 41st birthday 2 days away and Christmas 17 days away this has always been a very joyous time of year for me. This year my heart is very heavy. I have to hold back tears not wanting my children to see my sadness. I pray for strength from God and may God bless you and your family this holiday season and in the new year. Sincerely, Jennifer Duke RN

Posted by Darren Smith: "So tuff. All this talk and no action. I kill my fair share of birds elsewhere. Im just doing this to PISS YOU OFF. I could care less about these geese. Poison them, drown them, shoot them, run them over, i don't care. I would love to see your face there so why don't you hop on a goose an bring your fat ass to the party and TRY and stop me. GOOD LUCK. Ill still be killing geese when this page is LONG gone. Put that in your pipe and smoke it you uneducated dumb ass."

It is truly dismaying that the North Little Rock, Mayor, City Council and Parks and Recreation people responsible for the planned goose massacre refuse to listen to impassioned and reasonable community members like Ms. Duke, but rather, choose to placate the bullying, "shoot 'em all up" mentality of Darren Smith and those like him. (And then we wonder why we have a national "epidemic" of bullying in our schools?)

So far, the Mayor and Council have been contacted by HSUS, Geesebusters and other experts offering and suggesting non-lethal means to control goose population in Burns Park.

They have refused to listen to everybody (but those of the mind set of Mr. Smith apparently)..

1,200 petition signers, almost 1,000 people on a Facebook page (dedicated to trying to save the Burns Park geese) and NONE of it so far has resonated with decision makers who are simply set in their "plan" to thrust 100 shooters (with permits to kill two geese each) on less than 200 unsuspecting, defenseless geese in a 1,700 acre park.

If one does the simple math, then every goose in this park is targeted to be blown away just prior to Christmas.

They may claim the target is only "135" geese, but obviously the officials at North Little Rock never learned first grade math skills. ("Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" -- Obviously not, the leadership of NLR).

I honestly don't know what it takes to stop this kind of madness, carnage and bullying mentality in a public park (other than massive public protest and major media coverage).

Reasoning doesn't work. Alternatives are refused And the will of the people be damned.

It clearly is a case of the "foxes guarding the chicken house" and so far, they are successful in keeping the glare of major media exposure and truth out.

A few nights ago when walking home from a goose-empty Central Park, I thought about the 70's song, "American Pie" by Don McClean.

The song is a tribute to the deaths of 50's rock heroes, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Vallens.

"The day the music died."

But, the music did not truly die then.

It is dying now with the silencing of both, the haunting and beautiful calls of the majestic Canada geese who once flew freely in our skies and the calls of the people who try seemingly in vain to stop a ruthless, and unjustifiable slaughter of resting wildlife in their public park.

Bye, bye, Miss American Pie.

When democracy dies, that is truly when the music too, goes silent.

In some ways, its good to grow old.

Presumably, one won't be around to witness the actual death knells of a society turned on nature and ultimately, itself. -- PCA

**********

"Give Them Enough Rope......"

2011-12-06T11:44:00.006-05:00

In these days of passivity and indifference regarding the slaughter of billions of animals, it is refreshing and inspiring to note the dedication and organization of the people in North Little Rock, Arkansas to stop the proposed goose shootings scheduled to occur in Burns Park from December 20th to the 23rd.

In less than a week, 882 people have signed on to the Coalition to Save Burns Park Geese FB page https://www.facebook.com/saveburnsparkgeese and over 1200 have signed an online petition to stop the hunt. http://www.change.org/petitions/mayor-patrick-hays-north-little-rock-city-council-forbid-killing-of-geese-in-burns-park.

(It is urged that anyone who hasn't already done so, join the FB page and sign the petition.)

Although obvious that hundreds of local community members oppose this ruthless barbarity (including many actual hunters), that doesn't mean the proposed killings will be canceled.

Unfortunately, (as previous noted many times), once an action is already in motion, it can be very difficult to stop short of actual miracle or radical intervention (i.e. peaceful sit-ins, large demonstrations or expansive media coverage.)

Permits are soon to go out to about 100 shooters and from various notes and statements, it seems park officials are simply seeking the easy way out of a so-called, "problem."

The minutes from an October 17, 2011 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting indicate a rush to judgment and action based upon little if any understanding or actual knowledge about Canada geese:

https://www.facebook.com/saveburnsparkgeese/posts/156101404490664

Although only posted yesterday to the Facebook page, the document has already generated over 60 comments, most of which are horrified with the underhanded and ill informed way this "decision" came about.

Then again, that is quite typical:

A few people "complain" about geese. Those complaints are wrongly perceived to represent the wishes of the majority and then swift and lethal actions are planned to "get rid of the nuisance geese" without documenting actual numbers, using non-lethal methods first or taking an actual vote of the community members.

Although some of the members of the commission seem to worry and anticipate that turning a public park into a shooting gallery won't go over well with "some of the public," that public is dismissed as being "uneducated" and is presumed to forget about the carnage once the first hunt is conducted and over with. (Yes, they are planning further hunts and other "depredation" measures until presumably every last goose is eradicated from North Little Rock.)

How sad and how cynical.

Obviously, the parks people who made this decision to set firing squads upon the Burns Park geese just before Christmas seem to have a very low opinion of the community members they are supposedly elected to serve.

They seem to think that by "donating" the massacred geese for "gooseburgers," all ethical caring for these animals will conveniently go out the window and the public pacified.

Yes, very cynical indeed.

It is of course, doubtful the commission and city council people are reading the Save the Burns Park Geese FB page.

If they did, it might compel them to re-think their decision.

And who these days, wants to "re-think" anything or go back on a decision already made?

And yet the consequences for failing to reverse this decision, could be quite compelling and far worse than canceling an ill-thought and knee-jerk decision.

The "plan" is to kill approximately 135 geese out of an estimated 200 geese in a 1700 acre park.

But, there is no documentation or proof of the actual number of geese at Burns Park and a recent video showed far fewer than the claimed figure.

As we know from New York City (and other places) "estimated counts" of geese have been overly inflated and highly exaggerated.

Even the USDA failed to capture and cull the number of NYC geese this year than what was projected and that was despite visiting two locations twice and surveying more than 100. (They projected capturing 800 geese and actually got 575.)

Recently in this journal, I have written repeatedly of how harassment with Border Collies has altered the behavior of Canada geese at Central Park, causing them to be much more fearful and reactive to even the smallest of normal disturbances (especially, people with dogs). What few geese are actually seen in Central Park these days are rarely in a location more than a few days. The slightest thing (such as parking a Christmas tree in a lake) sends the geese fleeing.

But, how will it be for the supposed "200 geese" at Burns Park if 65 of them survive a hail of bullets that take out 3/4 of their population?

For sure, those 65 geese are not going to hang around to be served up as targets for future "culls."

But, not only will the surviving geese get the hell out of Burns Park, but most likely all the other waterfowl with them, including ducks, shovelers, egrets, commorants and any other birds.

I would like to see how this Parks Commission and City Council is going to explain to bird lovers, children and other people who enjoy nature why the park is suddenly devoid of any waterfowl.

Even those who "complain" about geese don't necessarily want every bird on a lake eradicated.

Then there are the questions of what the park is intending to do about any crippled or wounded geese who survive the "hunt" only to land in someone's yard or outside the park?

What if they end up on YouTube or local or national media?

Does the park commission have rescues and veterinary treatment lined up for the maimed and battered?

You can't after all, go on someone's front lawn and shoot injured wildlife.

Finally, there are those questions concerning the "donated," bullet-ridden geese to food kitchens.

Basically, it is road kill being donated.

No where in the minutes from Oct 17, does it mention "testing" of the geese for lead, mercury, PCB's, pesticides or bacteria.

Is this like royalty "testing" the food on the servants?

"We won't eat it, but let's see how the less fortunate do with it."

Its obvious the city council and Parks and Recreation people of North Little Rock gave no consideration to the multitude of ways this barbaric, ruthless massacre could backfire on them (and so far, we haven't even mentioned potential media coverage to the slaughter).

This could well be a case ultimately of "Give 'em enough rope and they will hang" (not the geese, but) themselves." -- PCA

*******

Merry Maliciousness

2011-12-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

"Bah humbug!"

Over the past few days, I find myself feeling far more like Scrooge then the normally sentimental, sappy woman who loves Christmas carols, decorations, gift swapping and other celebration associated with this time of year.

Certainly, I never thought, for example, there would come a day when I'd be resenting a Christmas tree!

But, a trip back to Harlem Meer last night confirmed what was seen the night before.

All of the geese and most of the ducks gone, but a Christmas tree with a star at the top, seemingly springing up from the middle of the lake.

The tree is approximately 12 to 15 feet tall and is actually resting on what appears to be a tiny island of man-made dirt and grass (about 7 or 8 feet in diameter) transplanted on the water. The tree is actually not in the "middle" of the lake, but rather about 20-30 feet from the Dana Discovery Center.

But, why wasn't the tree placed directly in front of the Dana Center, instead of in the water?

Were they afraid someone would run off with and steal the tree?

Or, is Central Park attempting to outdo Rockefeller Center whose large Christmas tree overlooks a skating rink?

"Look! Our tree is actually in the water!"

Whatever the reasoning for this bizarre decision, the result is that whatever resources were required to "plant" a tree in water, succeeded (if not in a media event), an action that undoubtedly spooked a lot of birds to suddenly take flight.

That is not surprising in terms of the 25 or so Canada geese that immediately fled Harlem Meer with the positioning of the tree.

These birds have been so traumatized and relentlessly maligned, harassed, shot and slaughtered over the past number of years that even the drop of a hat now apparently sends NYC geese into a direct panic, (as people merely walking by with a dog did a few nights ago).

This realization truly breaks my heart and makes me feel ashamed for the cruelties, selfishness and lack of awareness and enlightenment of my own species.

No, the action of planting a Christmas tree in water is not, one can be sure, a malicious act with the intention of scaring off much of the waterfowl on the lake. But, it is (to me) a stupid action lacking insight, consideration and forethought.

Unfortunately, one cannot say the same about the planned "goose hunt" to occur in a North Little Rock, Arkansas park several days prior to Christmas.

That is far more than just "stupid" or inconsiderate (although it is surely both of those), but, rather is downright malicious in intent.

The "goal" is to "get rid of" an alleged population of 200 "resident" Canada geese in the very public Burns Park.

But, a YouTube video posted today from Burns Park fails to show even 50 geese on the lake, let alone, "200."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJhkdCgILXI&feature=youtu.be

Once again, the geese are being demonized, their numbers highly exaggerated and they find themselves the targeted victims of whatever frustrations seem to ail our own species.

But, make no mistake. This is no "hunt" in the true sense of that world.

Rather, the tame geese (who unlike constantly hazed and harassed NYC geese), will quite literally be "sitting ducks" for what really is a "canned hunt." A bunch of human novices and wahoos with guns turning a peaceful city park into a bloody shooting gallery -- perhaps even singing, "Peace on Earth" just before the Christmas holiday.

We, as a species, have seemingly lost all restraint and sense of decency and common sense.

Indeed, the geese of Burns Park have prior to this, never even been chased by a Border Collie, let alone, shot at with guns. What do they know of the need to distrust and fear humans?

Even presuming some migratory geese would be among their numbers prior to Christmas, the migratory birds usually take their cues from resident waterfowl. But, what migratory birds presume to be "safe" judging from geese already at Burns Park will represent no safety at all during Christmas week.

I have no just cause to "protest" Central Park for what I believe to be stupid, non-sensical actions.

But, there is more than just cause to protest the leadership of North Little Rock's Burns Park as their actions and decision on this matter are not just "stupid" but malicious in intent no matter how they try and "spin" it.

Like New York City, North Little Rock tries to spin what really is an atrocity into cotton candy by claiming the geese will be made into "gooseburgers."

But, we've been through that movie before and know from NYC's goose slaughter this past summer, the geese don't even provide a pound of meat per bird.

By claiming them as a "food source" city leaders merely add insult to injury. Its not about feeding food to the public as much as pacifying the public and trying to spin evil into "charity."

And so yes, I have morphed from Pollyanna this Christmas into a bizarre mixture of Scrooge and Marie Antoinette.

God help the food bank that solicits me for any kind of "donation."

My answer will be, "Let them eat cake!"

I am simply not a supporter of merry maliciousness. -- PCA

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