Consequences

(Picture Left: BradJoLina -- Could the survival of these flightless ducks be in jeopardy this winter with the lack of Canada geese around to keep parts of water from feezing over and turning to ice?)

The weather has turned bitter cold in New York City, though we have not officially hit winter yet. If makes one wonder if all the robins and most of the sparrows who seemed to suddenly ditch New York some weeks back knew something the rest of us didn't?

So cold has it been in December, the lake at Harlem Meer was almost entirely frozen this past Saturday. Fortunately, warmer than normal temperatures and rain on Sunday melted the ice.

I of course, am worried about the three flightless ducks ("BradJoLina") at Harlem Meer when the water freezes over again at the Meer.

They obviously survived last winter, but there were many Canada geese at the Meer last year and the larger, heavier birds help to keep certain spots on the lake open water.

But, the goose numbers are much lower this year and some days there are no geese at all at Harlem Meer.

Our government officials don't bother to consider the possible devastating consequences to other wildlife that extermination campaigns against Canada geese can have.

Mallards particularly tend to winter with Canada geese because the geese help to break up ice and afford certain protections and security to other waterfowl..

So far, I am not seeing many Canada geese in Central Park at all. The twenty or so who are sometimes at Harlem Meer tend to come and go. That could potentially be very bad news for the three flightless ducks, Joey and BradAgelina as they would be unable to fly to open water if and when the lake entirely freezes over. Many of the mallards at Harlem Meer have already left.

The large swan is still at the Meer, presumably, because some people feed him. But, one swan would not be enough insure open water spots. It is presumed that once the lake freezes over entirely, "Hector," the swan will have to leave. He can fly.

So yes, I am very worried about this.

I am hoping and praying that some northern migratory geese make it down to the city through the hail of bullets ("expanded hunting" on Canada geese) upstate and settle in to both, Harlem Meer and the Reservoir as they have done in previous years. They are important to the survival of other birds, including mallards, gulls, shovelers and even coots.

But, so far, I am not seeing geese at the Reservoir either, though small groups of migratory mallards have already arrived. If the mallards are waiting for and depending on the geese then they too, could be in for a rough winter. Especially should the Reservoir entirely freeze over.

One very clear sign of winter's early arrival is the obvious hunger of the birds now. So desperate are the ducks for food, that all pushing, posturing or pecking is gone. They have to conserve energy in winter, cooperate with each other and scramble for what they can get. Mallards remaining at the Meer are now hanging with BradJoLina as that seems now key to their survival. While there were some geese at the Meer over the weekend, there were none there last night.

I think back now to the thousands of goose gassings that have occurred in New York City over the past few years.

Did our Mayor and other city and state officials ever give a thought to the interconnection among species and how nearly wiping out one species of bird could horribly impact others? Did they ever give a thought to consequences?

Obviously not.

It was necessary to find some scapegoat for the deficiencies in our airline systems.

I will never take another airline flight again. I would sooner burn an airline ticket and walk three thousand miles. "Pat downs" and scanners are one thing. But, wiping out thousands of peaceful and vital birds for dubious and bogus purposes is quite another. -- PCA

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The Five Most Common Myths and False Allegations Against Canada Geese

One of the reasons I haven't been posting daily on this blog is due to being busy trying to address false accusations, misinformation and disparaging remarks about Canada geese on article and other web sites.

It occurs that it might be a good idea to address the most common myths and accusations about the geese here in case others find themselves in similar verbal battles:

The Five Most Common Myths and False Allegations Against Canada Geese

1-- "The geese are a non-native, invasive species."

This misperception stems from the fact the geese are called, "Canada geese." But, in fact, the name has nothing to do with where the geese originated from (which is why it is always wrong to refer to them as "Canadian Geese). The geese were named after a man with the surname, "Canada." Since they are waterfowl, the geese, like mallards are "native" to any location with open water. Most geese living in the states were born here and are thus native to America. They are no more "invasive" than swans, ducks, coots or other waterfowl. Simply put: Where there is open water, there is usually waterfowl.

2-- "The geese are overpopulated."

Canada geese are a migratory bird and when born in the far north (Alaska, the Arctic or Canada) they have to fly long distances south during the fall in order to "winter" in warmer climates. This can sometimes result in what seems a sudden " population boom" of (resident and migratory) Canada geese usually in the mid-Atlantic or southern states over the colder months. However, with the first meltings of winter ice, the migratory geese usually take off for spring migrations back to where they were born. They tend to breed and raise their young in the same places they began their own lives.

"Resident Canada geese" are those birds who were born in the states and therefore have neither reason nor instinct to "migrate" to the far northern countries in the spring and summer. They remain in the states.

However, though remaining in the US, resident Canada geese do not remain in one area all year long. Like all geese, their instinct is to fly.

Canada geese will usually "winter" in one place. They will breed and raise their young in another location (usually where they were born.) They will "molt" in still another area. And they will spend late summer in another location. The point is, Canada geese move around -- a lot. It is common to see many geese in an area for a few months, weeks or days and then none at all. Geese fly, whether or not they are fed by humans. The geese are not dependent upon humans for food. There instinct to fly is far greater than any "dependence" or liking they might develop for human food treats.

According to the Dept of Interior, there are an estimated 3.8 million Canada geese living in the USA. (One wonders how DOI arrives at this figure since so many geese are migratory and do not spend the entire year here.) 170,000 Canada geese are said to be living in New York State which raises the same question. (Are such figures arrived at in the winter or summer since the number of geese living here varies substantially according to the season?)

In any case, the charge is that there are "too many geese" in the USA (and specifically, New York) and the government has embarked on an ambitious (and cruel) campaign to "reduce" the Canada goose population by "2/3rds" in the United States. This is planned through expanded hunting throughout the country as well as "roundups and gassings" of Canada geese such as what occurred in Prospect and other NYC parks over this past summer.

But, even assuming government goose numbers are accurate, are 3.8 million geese in the entire United States really "too many?" Geese are about a quarter of the size of humans. We have more than 330 million people living in the USA. The goose population in only 1% of that. As for the "170,000 geese" in New York State, when one considers more than 200,000 people can cram into a "rave party" or more than 100,000 to a football game, then that 170,000 geese in the entire state of NY doesn't seem big at all. New York is after all, a very large state.

All these things considered, the charge that Canada geese are "overpopulated" in the USA seems completely bogus. Some people may not like them, but then again, there are people who hate babies, dogs, pigeons and even sparrows. They should not be dictating national policy.

3-- "Geese Poop."

(No kidding?) All living beings "poop." We don't seem to mind the millions of tons of waste that are deposited into the environment every year from the billions of "food" animals we raise on factory farms and slaughter for meat. But, goose droppings along a lake or pond "bother" us. There are special machines that can pull up goose droppings if the aim is to keep a grassy area around a lake, golf course or park pristine. However, the facts are that goose droppings are mostly recycled grass and pose no real harm to the environment, other animals or humans. As waterfowl, geese and other birds have been living along watering areas for centuries. They are part of the natural environment. Geese consume insects and small invertebrates and can therefore be important in helping to keep bug populations in check.

4-- "The geese fly into airliners!"

No loss of human life has occurred on a commercial airliner as result of collision with Canada geese. While it is true that flight 1549 was forced to land in the Hudson river two years ago following a collision with two migratory geese from Labrador, Canada, that does not justify wiping out almost the entire population of resident Canada geese living in the New York City area. The truth is that any flying bird over 4 lbs can technically "take down an airliner." A few months ago, an plane flying over Alaska was forced to emergency land after hitting one eagle. About a month later, another airliner departing from Salt Lake City had to emergency land after a pelican hit the windshield.

The facts are that we could have killed every resident Canada goose in New York City and it would NOT have prevented any of these near-disasters!

The solutions to bird and airline collisions are not to scapegoat one particular species of bird and embark on a campaign of pointless and ruthless avian slaughter. Recently, in Canada a law was passed requiring planes arriving to and departing from airports to fly at slower speeds to avoid bird strikes (this is because most collisions occur during take-offs and landings.) Other solutions involve better use of Merlin avian radar and mapping out bird migrating patterns. One of course might question also why one 5 lb bird can take down a plane. Perhaps we need to build better planes.

5-- "The geese are aggressive!"

Of all the false allegations against Canada geese, this has to be the most egregious and contrary to the truth.

FACT: Geese are among the LEAST "aggressive" of all animals. Other birds join flocks of Canada geese and are routinely accepted. Mallard mothers will sleep with their baby ducklings at night near families of Canada geese for safety and security reasons. Even when pushed away by other birds for food resources, Canada geese rarely put up a fight. While, like all birds, they can sometimes be pushy with each other or other birds (particularly when protecting a mate or family), the charge that geese are "aggressive" is so wrong as to be almost laughable. They are among the most peaceful birds on the planet.

In addition to being peaceful around other animals and often even serving like a "security base" to other waterfowl, Canada geese are among the most social and friendly of birds to humans. They will freely walk up to children and take treats gently from human hands. They are among the most "cooperative" birds for photographers, both amateur and professional; sometimes appearing to actually "pose" for photos! In fact, it is their trust and adaptability to humans that has actually landed the geese in so much "trouble" with their two-legged "friends."

Because of their close proximity to human created environments, Canada geese find themselves these days to be both, the most cherished and loved bird among humans, as well as the most hated and untruthfully maligned. -- PCA

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Winter's Promise

(Picture left: Young woman photographing cooperative goose at Prospect Park lake on Saturday. Gaining trust of wild birds very important during times they may require help and assistance or actual rescue.)

This morning, the first few trickles of snow fell on NYC perhaps as a warning shot of "more to come" over the winter.

Temperatures have dropped to the 20's for the first time this season.

I am no expert, but I believe we may be in for a rougher winter this season compared to the warm winters that we have gotten used to over the past few years in New York City.

I base that speculation on the fact that so many birds have seemingly migrated out of New York.

Birds who have spent past winters here, such as robins and sparrows.

That of course may or may not mean anything.

I've just made sure to stock up on warm winter gear, including hats, gloves and warm, hooded jacket and boots.

I utilized the snow jacket last night when going to check on the "barnyard brigade" (Joey and BradAngelina) at Harlem Meer and the rest of the ducks, geese and one swan there.

So far, everyone is doing very well despite the below freezing temperatures and blustery winds. Nature seems to prepare the birds well with warm feathers and down.

Unfortunately, the wildlife is not doing so well at Prospect Park.

Recently, a sick swan had to be rescued by members of the public and medically attended to. A dead raccoon found last week tested positive for rabies. And for at least two weeks, a park goer has been trying to get help for a sick goose at Prospect Park -- so far, to no avail.

I saw the sick Prospect Park goose on Saturday when I went to Brooklyn to visit with friends. We went to the Prospect Park lake to meet up with the concerned park goer and another wildlife lover who also was trying to secure help and rescue for the goose.

The goose was very weak and lethargic. His feathers were all splayed out, like those of a very sick bird. And the fact, he was alone without flock mates by his side added to the certainty that this was a goose in a very dire situation.

I took videos and posted them to YouTube and our FB page:

Facebook For the love of the geese in Prospect Park

There are however, many problems in trying to secure rescue, treatment and rehab for a sick or injured goose (or other bird) from our local parks.

For one matter, it is against the rules and law to "remove" wild birds from the park unless one is a licensed rehabilitator or Park Ranger (notwithstanding government-driven roundups and killings.) For another, even sick, weak or injured geese will still move around.

(You may see them in one location one day and the next day not see them at all.) This makes planning and securing a rescue and transport difficult.

Moreover, you need a bird experienced vet willing and able to treat the animal upon rescue. You need to have a rehabber willing to take bird if necessary following medical treatment.

Then of course there is the issue of transport (when one doesn't have a car) and proper ways and means of actually capturing a "wild" animal.

Rescuing a wild swan or goose is not the same as rescuing a stray kitten or dog. Rescues of most animals require some measure of experience and expertise. And rescue of wild animals especially needs a real plan -- especially for means of actual rescue, securement, transport and immediate medical help.

The last thing you want to do is end up stressing and terrorizing an already sick animal and failing in the rescue. Even experienced Park Rangers apparently have problems trying to rescue injured geese. For the inexperienced in bird rescue like myself and the other two concerned individuals, it was not within our means on Saturday to attempt a rescue and then have no means of getting the goose to a vet or even some way of safely securing the goose. None of us even had a car.

Under the circumstances, it was extremely difficult to see a suffering animal like this and be in no position to immediately help him. Park Rangers were of course notified about sick goose, but according to them, they were not able to find him when they claim to have looked.

Over the past few days, we have been getting the word out and seeking help. There is apparently a rehabber willing to take the goose and a vet willing to treat.

But, there is the matter of rescuing the goose and so far, he is proving elusive.

He was in a different location yesterday and was not seen at all today.

So, we don't even know if he is still at Prospect Park or even alive.

I now know where they get the expression, "Wild Goose Chase."

Moreover, all the harassment and destruction of Canada geese over the past few years, along with the signs in public parks admonishing those who dare to feed birds do not help.

It seem the only real way to capture "street wary" birds who can still fly and swim is to win their trust and connection.

But, we have not been doing a good job of that over the past few years.

Instead, many geese have learned to be wary of people, including the sick one at Prospect Park.

While I was able to get close enough to the suffering goose on Saturday to shoot video, he backed off when I attempted to offer cracked corn from my hand. He is obviously not used to be hand-fed by humans. (Or perhaps the problem was simply that he did not *know* me. I don't after all, live close to Prospect Park or have any relationship with this animal.)

Unfortunately, the lack of human trust makes the goose's rescue difficult. He might even be aware that humans are trying to get him, but to a harassed species like Canada geese, that cannot be good. Even in a debilitated and weakened state, their awareness is still very high and very much in tact.

Now, we could all be very philosophical about this and simply tell ourselves that winter is a cruel season and only the strong will ultimately survive it. That is, after all, the rule of nature.

But, its hard to tell yourself that when seeing first hand an animal who is clearly suffering and would benefit from some help.

And it is especially hard to tell yourself that when it isn't even officially "winter" yet. -- PCA

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"Connection"

(Photo: New arrivals of migratory ducks at the Reservoir in Central Park over past few days. Still awaiting the migratory geese)

Ah, 'tis the season to......shop like mad!

It is "Black Friday" today, the traditional day when millions of people hit the stores to cash in on the latest bargains, high tech devices and to hopefully find gifts that don't end up in drawers or on the endless recycled tract of "regifting."

Meanwhile, advocates for animals are still reeling from the expose done on ABC this week of the horrifying conditions at our city animal pounds or (regarding the Canada geese issue) lamenting the sad compromises that came out last week's community meeting for "management" of the geese at Prospect Park.

As noted, for those of us who love the geese and want safe sanctuary for them in our city parks, the idea they will be harassed and chased off by trained Border Collies is not what we "want" but what we reluctantly have to support in order to prevent something far worse: the roundups and gassings of thousands of geese which have occurred over the past several years around the city and are contracted for (with USDA) in 2011.

The real problem with any of these cruelties is that the animal advocacy movement is split in so many different directions and on so many different issues, it makes it impossible for us to be a powerful force on any one issue.

Most people active on animals these days are scurrying to try and rescue those dogs and cats condemned to die in our local pounds. But, such efforts are usually all-consuming and deplete important resources (both human and otherwise) from going towards other, equally important issues, such as factory farming of animals and the slaughter of wildlife.

For that reason, I personally have chosen to focus on wildlife over the past several months, specifically, the vilification and slaughter of the Canada geese in New York.

But, as noted, even that has not been easy.

Though relatively easy to get 100 people to show up for a rally or sign on to a Facebook page, it is not easy to maintain the focus and perseverance necessary to affect real and significant change.

I think the real problems these days are diversion and ironically (in these days of high tech "connection") disconnection.

As said, animal advocates are split and overwhelmed with too many issues. If you are an advocate for animals, your email box contains at least 100 emails a day about all kinds of atrocities harming or destroying animals. It is easy to lose your ability to focus on one animal injustice issue before something else comes into your email box demanding immediate and "urgent" attention.

Meanwhile, the rest of our culture is more plugged in with gadgets and 'things" than what is actually happening around us whether it be the planet itself, the animals and wildlife living on it or even the people and family around us.

Recently, on our geese FB page a poster speculated that roundups and goose gassings might have actually occurred at Prospect Park in 2009 as a large group of goslings he saw one day in June were, according to the witness, gone the next day. But, there are no other witnesses to corroborate the story and the only way to know now if goose gassings occurred at PP in 2009 is to do a Freedom of Information Request.

What that says to me is that not enough people are taking the time to actually observe what is going on around them, whether that be in our public parks or elsewhere.

How could 30 or 40 flightless goslings disappear in a highly trafficked park and no one notice or question?

I of course go with my dogs to Central Park everyday. While I cannot pretend to be any kind of "expert" on every wild animal or bird in the park, I do try to be observant. I think I would notice if a large group of flightless geese or goslings suddenly disappeared.

But, I don't know that the same is true of most people who go to the park routinely.

Most of the people I see in the park these days are exercise enthusiasts. There are literally thousands of runners and cyclists all over the roadways and most of the paths, day and night, any time of the year.

So intent are these people in getting so many miles in, that one doubts they notice anything at all around them. Most of the trees could probably disappear and they would not notice.

In saying these things, I don't mean to sound critical of those making exercise a priority in their lives. I love to walk and swim and view exercise important for physical and mental well-being.

I just don't think it should entirely block out and/or take over almost everything else, including one's surroundings.

I feel the same way about electronic gadgets and "things." Sure, it is nice to have computers, cell phones, IPads or Wii games, but at what real price?

If you are suddenly telling your mother that she should "text message" you, rather than calling or visiting, perhaps something is wrong. If you are running ten miles a day or constantly buried on Facebook or Twitter and can't remember the last time you actually did anything meaningful with your spouse, kids or friends, then something is wrong.

I think, in short, though very "connected" to gadgets and personal fitness and appearance, we as a culture are very disconnected from real life so to speak and that which immediately surrounds us and has meaning. That cannot, under any stretch of the imagination be a good thing ultimately for animals, humans or even the planet.

And so yes, while millions of people hit the stores today to shop for still more "things and gadgets" I will be heading over to Central Park a little later to surround myself with what little wildlife we still have left in our parks.

The migratory ducks are starting to arrive at the Reservoir in recent days (still awaiting the migratory Canada geese). There is a small gaggle of geese at Turtle Pond. And of course, the "barnyard brigade" -- Joey and BradAgelina over at Harlem Meer.

As for this upcoming Christmas, I cannot think of a single "thing" I either want or need, other than peace for the geese, actual care for the animals in our shelters and to be able to spend some time with my married adult daughter rather than to have to "text message" her. -- PCA

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Hard Choices and Dark Days For the Geese

The last couple of days have been difficult.

It was very hard sitting through the community meeting the other night and listening to the various methods that will be employed at Prospect Park in order to banish the geese.

I hate the idea that we cannot live peacefully with these mostly migratory birds for the relatively short times the geese stay in an area. I hate the reality that they are being banished from our parks and other locations. I hate the way they have been vilified and scapegoated. I hate the false and disparaging labels that have been laid on them.

But, most of all, I hate the gassings.

There are very hard "head or heart" choices here.

We who have grown to know, appreciate and even love the geese in our parks want to see them remain in peace and know safe sanctuary.

But, what we want is simply not reality.

The cold, hard facts is, that we do not have enough people on our side. We are far outnumbered by those who either hate the geese or have other things to do. Poor turnout the other night for the geese. Media generally not favorable towards geese and our Mayor seems to want them all dead.

Our culture seems to have little tolerance for animals these days.

At least 20 parks and other locations are on New York City/USDA contract list next summer for goose roundups and gassings, including Prospect Park. It now seems the ONLY way to even give these birds a fighting chance is to be sure they are not at Prospect Park in June.

The other parks are not doing anything (with exception of Central Park which employs the dog and egg oiling methods and is NOT on list for goose killings). The geese in these other places are doomed, unless the locations can be pressured into also utilizing egg oiling and harassment.

If the oiling and harassment is NOT done then we WILL face the situation of knowing whatever geese are at Prospect Park in June will be rounded up and gassed.. Even were we to know the day the gassings would occur, what could be done? We could probably try to chase the geese off ourselves, but it would be too late as they cannot fly when molting.

Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.

That seems to be the case and very grim reality here.

The geese have a fighting chance if they are chased and fly off to Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut or some location where there is not a killing contract with USDA.. They have NO chance if remaining at Prospect Park. Rather, they will surely die a horrible, cruel and prolonged death as they did this past summer.

The truly vital step is to pressure the city and the Mayor to end the killing contract with USDA which will come up for renewal in the spring by calling 311 -- A killing contract which, by the way, costs taxpayers more than $100,000.

But, for now, as emotionally painful as it is, we have to support Prospect Park's efforts to discourage the geese and/or chase them away. The program will cost $10,000, which could be put instead towards something frivolous and inane.

Were that to happen, any geese in Prospect Park in June have a one-way ticket straight for the JFK airport gas chambers, no doubt about it.

Some animal advocates (including myself) are not happy about the use of dogs to harass and chase the geese away.

However, the Border Collies will not be used all the time. The "plan" is to oil the eggs first to prevent hatchings and then use the Border Collies in the spring to chase the adult geese before they molt. Hopefully, bird experts or rehabbers could be around to monitor or aid any geese who, for whatever reason, cannot fly away. The collies are specially trained not to harm or hurt any birds. These are "herding" dogs. Their instinct is to herd and not maim or kill.

Hopefully, Prospect Park, like Central Park could serve as role models to the other parks and areas where nothing is being done to control goose population and the geese in these locations will be gassed over the summer.

Almost 1700 geese and goslings around the city were rounded up and gassed this past summer. As said yesterday, all of this for the (real) price of an airline ticket. And here we thought pat downs and X-Ray machines were invasions of our privacy. We are apparently not allowed to enjoy any geese in our parks anymore either.

Horrible "choices" for sure. But, the idea of these gentle beings being corralled, bound with plastic ties, trucked and gassed at an airport along with their baby goslings is beyond horrifying.

We spay and neuter our pets even though their natural instinct is to breed. But, the alternative (killing in pounds) is far worse. Egg oiling is like that. The unborn cannot suffer.

But, the vilified, scapegoated and hated can and DO suffer. -- PCA

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Ah, For the Price of an Airline Ticket!

Disappointing piece from today's Daily News.

It portrays our city parks as defenseless in any kind of opposition to goose slaughters other than eliminating the birds from the parks via dogs, vilifying bird feeders, egg oiling and habitat modification.

Seems however, that the end result is the same: No Canada geese in the parks.

Didn't realize we live in a dictatorship where federal government (in collusion with airline industry) does what it wants unless we (local jurisdictions) find other means to "get rid of the animals."

Last night's "community meeting" at Prospect Park was more like the threat alluded to above than any real discussion of the geese or even how many are actually in the park. (From a flier given out last night: "Accurate population numbers for Canada geese at Prospect Park are currently unavailable." [emphasis supplied])

Tupper Thomas of the Prospect Park Alliance headed up the meeting and basically outlined the various strategies for discouraging or chasing Canada geese out of Prospect Park.

The message was clear: "Either we take these means to keep population of geese down or the feds will come back next year and cull them."

Of course, Ms. Thomas would not provide an actual number of geese that would be deemed "acceptable" or safe to live at Prospect Park.

We can presume that means either none or very near to none.

Nor, did Ms. Thomas offer any remorse, regrets or even opinion regarding the roundups and gassings that were allowed to occur to almost 400 of the park's Canada geese last summer.

She did however, assure us she was an "advocate for animals, especially chipmunks."

Perhaps I am being too judgmental or harsh towards Tupper Thomas. She, after all, did not orchestrate or call for last summer's goose carnage at Prospect Park. The federal government (specifically, Dept of Interior, Fish and Wildlife) did, as well as the Mayor of New York. (All of these were in collusion with FAA.) Thomas simply acquiesced with nary a whimper or protest. In fact, Thomas was apparently on "vacation" when the actual gassings occurred.

Although the excuse given for last summers "gooseicide" at Prospect Park was "airline safety," it has since been proven that Prospect Park is outside the 7-mile radius from airports that would have allowed such wanton killing to occur without notice to the community, use of alternative first and Environmental Impact Statement.

So, the strategy has changed.

Instead of "airline safety" used as excuse to eliminate geese from Prospect Park, derogatory and mostly false labels are being slapped on the animals such as "aggressive, polluting or keeping out other birds." Ah, that only we could accuse the geese of kidnapping little children! (One can be sure there are some government hackies working on how to spin that one.)

Still, the true bottom line to all this carnage and elimination of wildlife is yes, mostly the Airline industry.

That almost 1700 Canada geese were rounded up in the NYC area last year and transported to Kennedy Airport for gassings lays evidence to that fact.

Plans are already in place to expand airline pathways over New York City, as well as fly the planes lower over public parks and other areas. Geese fly and they are over 4 Lbs.

Recently in Canada, they passed a federal law requiring planes to fly at slower speeds when arriving or departing from airports in order to avoid birds strikes.

But, we aren't even discussing that here.

Instead, it is "What can we do to get rid of the birds before the Feds (in collusion with FAA) come in again with their plastic ties, hired thugs and gas chambers?"

Ah, for the price of an airline ticket!

How truly, truly pathetic. -- PCA

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Important Happenings

Very important article from today's, Brooklyn Paper.

Among other important facts this investigative piece dug up from Freedom of Information requests is that the almost 1700 geese rounded up and gassed last year around New York City were transported to Kennedy Airport where the killings occurred.

That would seem to be a clear violation of American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines which state that "euthanasia" of animals has to be "quick and humane."

According to reports to USDA, geese who are gassed "can take anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour to die."

There is nothing "quick and humane" about the transportation of the geese nor the gassings of them.

Tomorrow, there is a very important community meeting to address "management" of goose population at Prospect Park. Please go to our FB page for details on this:

Facebook For the love of the geese in Prospect Park

Meanwhile, to remind us of what we are all fighting for. Assurances that scenes like this one won't be relegated to the past.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W87bm7chLFM

Finally, that the barbarity and destruction that occurred to almost 1700 innocent birds last summer will never happen to the geese at Central Park nor quite frankly the geese anywhere else around our great city.

One truly hesitates to call any city "great" that would allow such horrors to take place. -- PCA

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