The Gull Who Would Be Goose and A Waterbird-Empty Lake

"Harry"-- Herring Gull at Reservoir in precarious circumstance.

The gull who would be goose.

Harry with tip of right wing dragging on ground.

Harlem Meer -- lovely, but quality of unrealness about it.

Harlem Meer -- lots of duck weed, but no ducks.

Harlem Meer -- memories of what was, but is no more.

Back at the Reservoir (and life), Harry and a couple of his now goose pals.

 

When first seeing the bird, I thought he was a Black-crowned Night Heron, as one occasionally sees them on the rocks surrounding the Central Park Reservoir.

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But, when getting closer, it became apparent he was a Herring Gull, something that was strange considering gulls are not usually on the Reservoir at night and virtually never seen roosting on the rocks.

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It didn't take long to realize the reason for this unusual sighting. The gull appears to have a broken wing.

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Feeling sorry for the injured bird, I tossed some black oiled sunflower seeds and dry cat food towards him, which he ravenously ate. The treats immediately drew some hungry geese to the area.

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A little concerned whether the geese might attack or push out the compromised gull, I stopped tossing the treats, but the worry was unfounded. The geese completely ignored the gull.  Though seeming a little nervous at first with the sudden rush of geese, the gull apparently figured out quickly, the geese were no threat to him and comfortably settled in.

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It was an interesting photo op -- a Herring Gull eating in the middle of a gaggle of geese.

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Since the first sighting a the gull a few nights ago, I have seen him every night since in the same area.

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Though his right wing hangs haplessly to the ground, he is able to flap both wings and otherwise appears healthy and alert with a good appetite. 

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I consulted a couple of bird rehabbers to discuss whether rescue was the right option for this bird or even possible.

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The consensus for the moment, is to carefully monitor and support through feeding as apparently, gulls are not easy rescues. (No bird is an easy rescue at the Reservoir. I was told last year that Park Rangers don't even have access to Reservoir. Ten water birds died there over the winter and two nesting geese perished there in the spring of last year.) 

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For sure, if rescue is attempted, it would have to be by someone experienced with gulls (who have sharp bills) and can deal with fencing and jagged, sloped rocks. It is likely the gull would then escape to the water, making rescue even more difficult. Moreover, even if successful in capturing the gull, it is not guaranteed the wing can be fixed. It depends upon the severity of the break.  Many gulls with broken wings are euthanized.

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So, for the time being, to keep careful eye on "Harry" (just making up a name) and hope that some responsible plan can be worked out for him. Since gulls are more aerial than geese generally, a broken wing for a gull can be life ending.

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After checking on Harry and the geese this morning at the Reservoir, I decided to walk north to Harlem Meer.

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It had been several weeks since I last visited the Meer.  I rarely go there these days as (to put it bluntly), it is simply too depressing for the consistent lack of waterbirds there.

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But, it was even more depressing -- and downright shocking this morning.

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Despite an abundance of duck weed covering much of the lake, there were no ducks!

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It is almost unfathomable to realize this virtual paradise for waterfowl (grassy lawns, marshes, water and duck weed) and not see even one waterbird of any kind.

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The lake appeared completely lifeless.

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When using the term, "shock" to describe this morning's visit to Harlem Meer, it is because I have memories of what this lake was, only a few years ago in the summer.

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Harlem Meer was resplendent with a healthy population of mallards, geese, occasional egrets, wood ducks, shovelers and even a pair of mute swans.

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Now there is absolutely nothing. Just a lot of duck weed with no ducks to actually feed from it.

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It was in fact, Harlem Meer that served as my primary introduction to and fascination with ducks and Canada geese, as I used to swim at the nearby Lasker Pool a few summers ago. I looked as forward each evening to seeing the ducks and geese on the lake as I actually did swimming.

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But, now I avoid the location because it has become almost death-like to me.

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Memories of once was, but is no more.

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How relieved was I this morning to return south, drop in one final time to see "my" geese and ducks still happy and very much alive at the Reservoir and finally arrive home.

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I think it's going to be a long, long time before going to Harlem Meer again. -- PCA

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While Violent Crime Skyrockets, New York City Kills Geese

Murders, shootings and robberies all up in New York City, but it's important to "remove" geese.

Fast moving towards a time there will no longer be geese on NYC park lakes and ponds.

 

To be charitable, call it, "Fiddling while Rome burns."

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But in New York City, while shootings, murders and robberies have dramatically escalated, we have apparently decided that the real "problem" is Canada geese swimming on park lakes and ponds.

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As earlier reported, 24 geese were captured from Inwood Park last week by USDA Wildlife Services and sent to slaughter. There are unconfirmed reports of other roundups since then, but so far, no video or media. As noted, goose slaughters in NYC are clandestine and generally not given to exposure, media or otherwise.

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However, violent crimes occurring in our city are usually reported.

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http://nypost.com/2015/06/16/violent-crime-surges-even-with-more-cops-on-the-streets/

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Perhaps among the most disturbing of these vicious crimes occurred this past Sunday (June 28) at Crocheron Park in Queens. A young woman walking her Cocker Spaniel was approached by two young men, suckered punched in the stomach and her dog stolen. 

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http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/article/0,,20934483,00.html

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Ginger, the beloved family pet was found dead the next day.

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This was a crime not perpetrated for money or any other reason save blatant cruelty and wish to destroy. The perpetrators are still on the loose and quite frankly, even if caught will simply move quickly in and out of our revolving door of justice. Violence against animals is not taken seriously in the criminal justice system even when involving a beloved family pet. One can presume the criminals' mothers didn't love them enough or they didn't have access to after school programs. Or, perhaps they ate too many Twinkies.

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It will be interesting to later note if Crocheron Park was on USDA WS's "hit list" of NYC parks for goose roundups this year.

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More likely, there were few if any geese at all to round up there.

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Such appears to be the case at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge this year (unless WS already did a roundup there). The latest observer report cites only 12 geese at the so-called, "wildlife refuge."

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This, after more than 1200 geese were captured and slaughtered from JBWR over the past two years.

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Another observer reports only 7 geese this year at Van Courtlandt park in the Bronx (another favorite target of WS in the past). Did WS since round up the seven geese? We probably won't know until their "Goose Removal Report" is published later in the year.

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While 40 geese at Central Park may sound like a huge number (compared to other parks) one has to consider we are talking of a 843 acre park. The number is actually a tiny percentage of what is was five or six years ago.

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But, perhaps the truly disturbing part of all this, are the comparatively few media reports nationwide of "nuisance geese" or even other WS goose roundups this year.  I say "disturbing" not because such reports are pleasant to read, but rather because of what they likely signify. One cannot assume that people have suddenly grown more tolerant and accepting of geese, but rather that goose numbers are likely down across the country in most places.

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Presently, there is rumor that WS is only conducting NYC goose roundups this year through the month of June which ended yesterday. (That has not been confirmed.)

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If true, it should not be assumed that NYC has suddenly developed a more tolerant or "progressive" policy towards geese. But rather that there weren't enough geese to require USDA WS staying and conducting roundups for nearly an entire month. Apparently, all the geese that could be gotten could be hauled off in less than two weeks.

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The question is, what does that leave us in terms of waterbirds in our parks?

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As soon as growing in their new flight feathers (in about two to three weeks) most of the 40 geese currently in Central Park will be gone.

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We will then likely be left with our pitiful 12 resident geese (and hopefully, four surviving goslings) -- who will then be harassed on a daily basis with the exception of the Reservoir which doesn't provide easy access for harassment. While the Central Park Conservancy engages in pointless hazing of wildfowl (including in period when the only geese there are migratory and by their own reckoning, "off limits"), it at least has the common sense to recognize as "inhumane" and reject mass, secret, roundups and kills by a discredited Federal agency.

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But, one can be sure there will still be plenty of crime for media to report.

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We just won't be able to scapegoat the nearly non-existent geese for them. -- PCA

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Reservoir Goslings Survive their First Month!

Happy one-month birthday to our precious goslings at Central Park Reservoir.  So much riding on those tiny wings.

The parents, Hansel and Greta with their growing babies last night. Note the tiny wings beginning to develop.

 

Yesterday (June 28th), the four goslings at the Central Park Reservoir reached their one-month-old birthday.

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It is great relief to see all four of the little ones make it through their first few challenging weeks of life.

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So far, the growth and behavior of the hatchlings appears more normal than the three doomed goslings these same parents hatched last year.

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The three hatched last year failed to grow and thrive normally. All perished within two months. Though it was impossible to know with certainty, the reason for such misfortune to the hatchlings, egg addling was the likely culprit.

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By contrast, the current babies are now the size of mallards, with long necks and big feet. They are starting to sprout little wings and darken in color. They are able to run and swim fast and appear hardly.

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Perhaps most significantly, the parents appear more protective and engaged with these four than their previous three. It seems on some level, Hansel and Greta "knew" their prior goslings weren't going to make it. While always remaining devoted and attentive to their offspring of last year, there was also a kind of detachment -- as if resigned to unfortunate fate.

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While still too early to draw conclusions or make predictions of survival for the current crop of goslings, I remain guardedly optimistic. Sadly, there are no other goslings in Central Park to compare these four to in terms of growth and development.

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We should know more in about a month when the goslings then should nearly be full size.  Understanding is that they should be ready to fly by three months. But, there is a long way for these goslings to go to reach that goal and critical development stage.  

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For now, to observe and hope and simply take things one day at a time.

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Each time I see them there is always that sweet sigh -- and smile of relief. 

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Reality is, that the future of Central Park resident geese rides on the tiny wings of these four precious little lives. -- PCA

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"Euthanasia" -- Slaughter Does Not Equate to Mercy (Words Matter)

Not only are Canada geese victims of relentless campaigns against them, but as importantly, they are also victims of euphemisms used to cover up the realities and injustices inflicted upon them by our species.

"Euthanasia."  From Greek, meaning, "good death."  "The practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering."  (Wikipedia)

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To those of us who have owned pets and had to face the gut-wrenching decision of when to end a life that has deteriorated due to advanced age or incurable disease, the word, euthanasia conjures up painful and often traumatic memory.

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Fortunately, many veterinarians are sensitive to these difficult circumstances in their clients lives and possess both, the skills and medications today to make the transition of a terminal pet from life to death as painless, quick and merciful as possible.

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Yet, despite precise and unambiguous definition for the term, "euthanasia," today it is routinely used to describe the killing of healthy dogs and cats in shelters (mostly for convenience) and incredibly, the deliberate and wanton, painful slaughter of wildlife, also mostly for convenience and/or profit (i.e. "make work").

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It is absolute insult to any sensitive person who has ever comforted the head of a dying dog or cat, (while a kindly vet injects anesthesia to peacefully end the life) to refer to slaughter as "euthanasia." (It's also bothersome to those concerned with proper use of English, but that is matter not for this blog.)

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Even McDonald's doesn't claim its cows, chickens and pigs are "euthanized."

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And yet, for as long as Canada geese have been rounded up and either gassed to death or slaughtered in New York City, both government and media have repeatedly referred to the ruthless carnage as "euthanasia." 

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The latest example is The Daily News article from two days ago, describing the roundup of 24 geese from Inwood Hills Park -- though in all fairness, the updated version only mentions "euthanasia" once. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/geese-rounded-inwood-reduce-plane-bird-strikes-article-1.2269343

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(In other parts of the world, Canada for example, they are debating whether neck-breaking of geese can be claimed "euthanization." https://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/canada-goose-cull-planned-in-b-c---but-euthanization-method-questioned-193713003.html)

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Perhaps part of the problem for reporters in the states is that they are not told by USDA WS how exactly the geese are killed. (Or, more likely, they don't specifically ask.) Rather than report what actually happens to geese once they are captured, loaded into trucks and hauled more than two hours away from New York City, reporters simply use worlds like "remove," (seemingly their favorite), "euthanized" or at least a little more accurately, "culled."

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But, there are a few things we do know for certain:

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1-- The geese typically rounded up by USDA WS are not suffering "pain" from terminal illness or injury (other than the pain and suffering USDA WS inflicts on them) for which euthanasia would be deemed merciful and appropriate.

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2-- The geese are not transported to a veterinarian licensed to conduct euthanasia.

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3-- Methods so far described to kill geese, (Gassing, slaughter or neck-breaking) are not deemed "euthanasia" for birds the size of Canada geese. This is especially true when the birds have undergone the stress of capture, confinement to small crates and been transported long distances in typical summer heat.   

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Regrettably, as appreciative as one is for media coverage of goose slaughters in our city, it is disappointing to see the term, "euthanasia" repeatedly and wrongly applied to barbaric and unholy act. This tendency to replace accuracy and truth with euphemism is not just reflective of media, but also, politicians, government officials and Public Relations representatives of private companies, corporations and entities.  

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The bottom line is that there is nothing "merciful" about slaughter, gassing or neck-breaking of healthy animals.  Nor is there termination of "suffering," but rather, creation of it.

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Employment of euphemisms to describe acts of cruelty and wanton destruction of healthy lives serves neither the public nor the truth.

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It is  painful to see the strength of journalistic and political integrity compromised and diluted by pacifying phrases that bear no application to the grim and unjustifiable reality of the circumstances.

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Most of all, what we know for certain is that the geese captured and sent to their deaths by USDA WS are never "euthanized" and any use of this term to describe the actions should be viewed as blatant attempt to mislead, misinform and delude the public.  

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No one is gently stroking the geese as the blade cuts and they bleed out or the air is sucked from their lungs or they experience "cervical dislocation" (neck-breaking). Nor would any healthy animals ever wish such pain and suffering for themselves -- indeed, the very antonym to "euthanasia."  -- PCA

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Travails of the Geese (In Memory of Inwood Hills Park Canada Geese)

 

In memoriam.

The below is in memory of the Inwood Hills Park Canada geese who on, 6-24-15 were unceremoniously captured and slaughtered at the hands of USDA Wildlife Services.

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Travails of the Geese

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The killers arrive at dawn

turning into hideous lie

promise of the rising,

spilling sun.

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An uneasy, disrupted peace

settles around the geese.

Despite seeming perfection

of glorious, summer day

Something is amiss.

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With the mechanical ease

that comes with experience,

the killers unload their wares.

Tools of the trade, bought and paid for

by buyers unaware

Exercise in power

for fact it can be done!

Corral and load the geese

It won't take long for victory won!

Humans are, after all, 

masters in uncaring.

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Frightened now,

the geese gather and bind themselves together

"Something is wrong, something is wrong!"

And though prepared to face anything of nature

or weather

They are suddenly trapped

And tethered by flightless feather

That are now useless

to escape their tormenters.

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Boats on water

Rushing paddles

No escape, no exit

Other than headlong

Into the arms of their executioners. 

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Jam, cram, thank you, M' am.

The deed done

The geese packed

Into crates so tightly bound

that the only sound

Is the pounding

of their hemorrhaging hearts.

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Terrified now,

a few peer out their heads

through slats unyielding

Realizing the error of their ways

to fate inexorably sealing

All motionless forms now

Paralyzed in the fear and dread

of realized helplessness

From which there is now

neither escape nor healing.

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Yet in the distance, the mournful, gut-tearing cries!

Of human.

"No, no!  So sorry, babies! So sorry.

How failed to you am I!"

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Another who is helpless

and powerless to change fare

But, somehow in this long and tortured journey

to the bowels of hell itself

There is small comfort

In knowing someone cared.

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From such joyful, optimistic sense 

will rise again the ashes

of these battered, tattered, twisted bodies

To be whole and light again

and into the loving hands

of God.    -- PCA

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USDA Wildlife (Extermination) Services Descends (Again) on New York City Parks

More than 5,000 geese have and continue to die like this one in NYC due to ruthless, barbaric and misguided government actions that have heart for neither beast nor human. (Photo credit: Van Scott, 2014)

The geese crammed into crates await a terrifying journey to slaughter two hours away while USDA congratulate themselves on a job well done. (Photo credit: Goosewatch, NYC, 2014)

Peace disrupted this morning at Inwood Park and now the 24 geese gone.

 

I hadn't read or heard anything about USDA Wildlife Services returning to NYC this year and hopefully wished that perhaps we and the geese might catch a break for once. -- After all, we supposedly had an "Animal Rights" friendly mayor now and USDA already had more than 5,000 dead NYC geese under its belt. 

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Nevertheless, in the past couple of days, I began to get a bad feeling. I posed question in email to a colleague and posted further question yesterday on the Facebook page of "Save the Geese of Inwood Hill Park."

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It didn't take long to get answer.  

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USDA WS descended on Inwood Hill Park this morning to capture all 24 geese there, crowd them into turkey crates and send them via trucks to an upstate slaughtering facility.

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The only reason we know of the early morning carnage is because one woman took it upon herself to courageously patrol the park and capture photos and video:
  

https://www.facebook.com/GooseWatchNYC/videos/vb.175344192544178/846373348774589/?type=2&theater 

Witnessing the geese captured, crammed into crates and frantically sticking their heads out was obviously traumatic for the woman, particularly knowing their fate.  

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Apparently, Connie and/or Goosewatch, NYC  https://www.facebook.com/GooseWatchNYC?fref=ts  contacted some media.  So far, The Daily News is reporting the story, but with the familiar "airline safety" excuse.  -- This despite the fact that Inwood Park is six miles from the nearest airport and all 24 geese were currently flightless and "threat" to nothing:

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http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/geese-rounded-inwood-reduce-plane-bird-strikes-article-1.2269343

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It's all like a horror movie that keeps repeating year after a year or some grotesque record stuck in a groove. 

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http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=f30b9b8b6b96841f3dcf76c40&id=bc13028fe8&e=1e2bc66fdd

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Personally, I am at loss what to say about this that hasn't already been said in this blog hundreds of times before.

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Such actions are barbaric, senseless, wasteful  and diminish us as human beings.

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But, apparently no one is listening.

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The roundup and slaughter of the Inwood Park geese represents but a small part of the USDA WS actions in NYC.  Before finally leaving in a few weeks, it is likely hundreds of geese will be similarly captured by WS and sent on terrifying, miserable journeys to slaughter two hours away. But virtually none of it will be recorded or reported. Few people are actually plugged into what is happening and even fewer seem to care.

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One could of course argue, "There are plenty of geese right now! Too many in fact!"

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I wonder if they said the same things about eastern cougars a century ago? (Apparently they did, according to the killing programs on those animals who were "threat" to livestock.)

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Of course, we don't have to worry about eastern cougars now. They have even been removed from The Endangered Species List.

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That is because they are now extinct.

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http://focusingonwildlife.com/news/eastern-cougar-extinct-no-longer-needs-protection-says-us-conservation-agency/

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One wonders if the same will be true of Canada geese one day?

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What is "threat" today is gone tomorrow.

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And when once, finally gone, there is no need for worry or for tears.

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We simply go on, sensing something is "missing" from our lives, but not having the damndest clue what.  -- PCA

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The "Toddler" Geese -- Adventurous and Curious

"Little swan."

Other geese temporarily invading space of family. Hansel not happy, but the social and curious goslings enjoy.

"What adventures await beyond the leaves?"

Hansel and Greta finally getting the babies in toe.

 

They look like little swans on the water now.

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The four goslings hatched at the Central Park Reservoir nearly a month ago, have experienced a growth spurt in the past week, particularly, their necks and feet which now appear larger and out of proportion to the rest of their bodies.

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No longer looking like dots alongside their parents in the water, they now have presence all their own and are easily visible -- like little swans with long, skinny necks.

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The behavior of the goslings is also changing -- especially their interest and curiosity in other geese.

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It's not unusual these days to see one or two of the goslings wandering to the areas other geese are grazing.  But then mom quickly motions them back. She doesn't do this by vocalization. Rather, a subtle tilt of the head and some movement in body and direction and the goslings immediately get the message. "Over here, now. Don't make me come and get you!"

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All this while dad keeps a wary and perhaps, somewhat frustrated guard over everything.

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There are simply too many geese (who have arrived at the Reservoir during the past ten days for the molt) to do battle with. Hansel, the dad, recognizes this. It is up to him and Greta, the mom, to keep watch over the little ones and rein them back to the fold when curiosity prompts their little minds and bodies to wander -- or even the other geese temporarily invade their space.   

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The other geese (numbering around 30) are, of course, no threat to the babies. Geese are enormously respectful and accepting of goslings -- even those not their own, as this video demonstrates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL9zqoApnew&feature=share

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But, it's important to keep families together, both for bonding and learning purposes. 

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Nevertheless, like in human families when toddlers start walking, it's also a little harder in goose families when goslings are able to stick their necks out and their feet are capable of taking them places quickly.

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Whether human or goose, mom and dad can never afford to be resting on their laurels. Growing minds are curious and adventurous minds.

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As for me, I am simply relieved that all four goslings are to this point, surviving. Considering all three were lost last year, I never take anything for granted and worry for the four little ones almost constantly.

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There is always that great sigh of relief each night when looking and finally counting to 'four." -- PCA

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