"Praise the Duck Lord!" -- Ducks Have Reason to Celebrate When Geese Arrive

Geese and Ducks last night taking turns working water or resting on ice.

"Snow ducks!"

The geese who arrived to save the day during blizzard now discuss their next moves.

It's a good thing the geese showed up to Harlem Meer during the weekend blizzard.

Yesterday, temperatures plunged to 19 degrees, freezing over most of the still open water at the Central Park Reservoir and even more at the Meer.

The only water still open and moving last night at Harlem Meer was the pool that the geese and ducks occupied.

Fortunately, due to a fairly large number of ducks and geese (more than 100) the pool was reasonably substantial -- about the size of a 25 meter swimming pool.

Had the geese (and extra mallards) not arrived over the weekend to aid in keeping open water, it would have been virtually impossible for the six domestic (flightless) ducks to prevent the entire lake from becoming a solid block of ice. Such could have been a death sentence to them -- or at least represented a very significant, 24/7 working challenge.

But, as matters were, with so many waterfowl on the mostly frozen lake to work the water, none had to work that consistently or that hard.

In fact, many of the geese and ducks took time last night to rest on the ice surrounding the pool while others diligently worked the water.   One guesses that the geese and ducks took shifts between resting and working the water.

But, today there should be plenty of time for relaxing, foraging and family/flock organizations as temperatures have rebounded up to the 40's.  While not warm enough to melt all of the ice, it is enough to guarantee that current open waters will not freeze over.

It is surmised that the geese who flew into the Meer over the weekend to escape the worst of the blizzard elsewhere, will probably not stay long.

Even last night, there was a good degree of honking and "discussion" as to what their plans and next moves were and when.

Its quite possible the geese might not even be at the Meer tonight.

If they have determined that the worst of the cold is over, it is likely they will pack their wings and either return to their former wintering location or even begin an early spring migration.

If, however, all the "talk" last night was when to migrate, then its possible the geese may stay at the Meer another week or two.

If and when I ever figure out actual goose language then I will become a better predictor of the whens and wheres of their moves.

But, for now, it is still mostly mystery and speculation.

I am just happy the geese dropped into the Meer just prior to or during the blizzard.

It sure made it easier for the ducks -- particularly the six domestics who have no place to go when the going gets tough.

I am betting that the most grateful animals in all of Central Park are Wiggly, Honker, Cochise, Conner, Carol and Connie who must have waddled their butts and squawked in wild delight when they heard the honks and noted the majestic "V"s of arriving geese.

"Praise the Duck Lord, praise the Duck Lord!!!"   -- PCA

                                            



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Like the Lone Ranger, the Geese Arrive to Save the Day!

"Never fear, the Lone Ranger is here!"

Canada goose breaking up ice at Harlem Meer this morning.

Romeo, Wiggly, Cochise and Conner diving and dunking to keep water moving.   (Other photos, clink link in text.)

Fearing the worst, I headed to Harlem Meer early this morning.

Although New York City was not hit as severely by the Blizzard of 2013 as Long Island and other locations, we nevertheless received 11.4 inches of snow in Central Park and blustery winds made temperatures feel much colder than they actually were (mid 20's).

Were the domestic ducks at the Meer able to survive the storm? I wondered.

Did all the mallards leave and the entire lake freeze over?

Unsure that all six flightless ducks actually survived, I approached the park with some sense of uncertainty and even dread.

Trying to "think positively" I anticipated that the domestics probably survived the storm, but were likely stranded on a bathtub-sized pool of water, frantically trying to keep it open.

But, I was in for huge surprise!

Although the entire eastern part of the lake was a silent, empty block of ice, devoid of all life, as I approached the western part, I could immediately detect a difference seemingly of night and day.

A large portion of the western part of the lake was open water and on it, a cacophony of vibrant, moving life -- including, Canada geese!

Oh my God, where did they come from?

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.423051824439565.106642.114425621968855&type=1

At least 50 Canada geese -- like Lone Rangers coming to save the day -- had seemingly arrived with the blizzard!

The geese, along with a variety of ducks (including the six domestics) were busy moving through ice and dunking and diving in the water.

One could imagine the huge relief to the domestic ducks and mallards to suddenly have reinforcements arrive to aid in keeping open water.

It seems no bird is more proficient at breaking up thin and forming ice in the water than Canada geese.  Though they don't move as quickly or deftly as ducks, their size and weight alone is enough to crack ice like a drunk breaking glasses.

Fortunately, for the mallards, they did not have to leave once the geese arrived on the scene.  All the ducks appeared confident, energetic and well able to handle the cold, snow, winds and ice with the additional help.

One mallard hen, (apparently feeling her oats) even took time to brawl with and chase off a drake!

As for the domestic ducks, all of them, (apparently taking cues from the mallards and geese) dunked and dived in the water like accomplished scuba divers.

This was the first time I had witnessed them practicing the skills that had so served Brad all the winters surviving at Harlem Meer.   The fact is, if you are a flightless duck or goose, then you need to dive and dunk the water if you are going to make it through the winter. It is what helps to keep the water open and moving.

As for Hector, the mute swan, well, he was in the mix too.

But, Hector wasn't "working" very hard -- or even at all. 

It seemed Hector was more overseeing the efforts of the others and once again, enjoying the fruits of their labors. 

Hector has never been one to put himself out very much -- especially to aid lowly ducks.  Its apparently too beneath his dignity.

Words cannot describe the thril in seeing the newly arrived geese!

Though I obviously love geese for many other reasons, in this case, they really helped to make matters so much easier for the ducks (though admittedly that was not necessarily their goal, as much as to simply find open water or escape the worst of the blizzard). 

The question is, where did the geese arrive from?

They may have pond hopped from the Reservoir or they may have flown in from harder hit areas like Long Island or even Connecticut.

But, perhaps none of that matters.

The important thing is that the geese -- like the Lone Ranger -- arrived just in time to save the day for the other waterfowl surviving a blizzard and an angry, iced over lake.  -- PCA

                                                             

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The Blizzard and Iceman Cometh -- A Test for Wildlife of City Parks

"Get it while you can." -- Me with domestic ducks, mallards and a goose fueling up before the storm.

Lianna and the birds.  The six domestic ducks (Connie, Carol, Conner, Cochise, Wiggly and Honker) are the first to grab what they can.  The mallards have other options when the going gets tough.

"Blizzard!"

That is the warning for tonight and tomorrow morning in New York City.

Already the streets in the city are slippery and treacherous as it is wet snow combining with sleet, icy rain and salt that creates a kind of "navigate at your own risk" sloppy mess.

Later, it will turn into an all snow event, accompanied by 45 MPH winds and lack of visibility for at least three hours -- technically, the definition of "blizzard."

It is out of the question to go to Central Park tonight.

While I like to think of myself as fit and able to navigate almost anything in terms of weather and condition, I am not about to go trasping on frozen lakes (and fall through ice as two tourists did this past week in Central Park) or test my survival skills against a blizzard.

Of course, I wonder and worry for the wildlife of our parks -- particularly, the domestic, "barnyard" ducks at Harlem Mere.

So far, the six flightless ducks have had to contend with a hurricane, a couple of Nor'easters, at least two weeks of sub-freezing, bitter temperatures and a 98% frozen lake.

But, they haven't experienced snow in any appreciable amounts this winter or blizzard force winds.

This will be still one more daunting test for ducks who ideally would be living on a quaint "Old McDonald's farm." 

In anticipation of a day or two when trips to Central Park might not be possible, my friend,  Lianna came with me last night to feed the domestics and other waterfowl presently at the Mere.

Although bringing some extra cracked corn with us, the food was literally gone before it hit the ground.

All the ducks and one family of geese seemed to have a sense that change was in the air and that it was vital to "fuel up" while they could.

There were no mallard "bar room brawls" last night or geese playing hierarchy games. A bad storm was on the horizon and it was obviously time to get serious and prepare for what could be several days of hunkering down.

Will the mallards leave (as they usually do) when the going gets especially tough?

Will the lake freeze entirely over, leaving the six domestic ducks struggling frantically to keep a tiny pool of water open?

Both of the these are likely scenarios as temperatures tonight are plummeting to the low 20's and combined with the strong winds and snow, the Mere will become nearly inhospitable for waterfowl.

Last night, the Mere was about 70% iced over.

And although all of the approximately 50 ducks, geese and one swan appeared to be earnestly "working" the still open pool of water, there are not enough of them (in my judgment) to maintain it.

My hope is that the 40 degree temperatures predicted for next week will be sufficient to melt at least a small part of the ice at Harlem Mere.

Meanwhile, it is expected that many, if not all of the mallards present last night, will move to the Reservoir over the next couple of days.  With so many geese and ducks already there, it is unlikely the Reservoir will entirely freeze over --
even with the blizzard.

Mallards are not stupid.  They have wings and will use them when the situation calls for flight.  

But, for the flightless ducks, it is a different story.

The most challenging test of all now looms for these domestic ducks who without any preparation at all, were one day dropped off at a city park to fend for themselves. 

Still, when one thinks of the usual fate of ducks bred and raised for "food" perhaps even a blizzard is not all that bad. 

The birds can after all, rely on their own smarts and devices to save themselves -- something not possible under human dominance and control.

The sad fact seems to be that even nature is not capable of dishing out the same misery and carnage to animals that humans can.

I don't know for certain, but, I am guessing that most -- if not all of the domestic ducks will make it through the blizzard.

The fact is, waterfowl of all types have more to fear in the spring and summer when heavy human activity (especially fishing and USDA goose roundups) again resume in city park lakes.

The fact is, I have never lost a known duck or goose in the winter.

Death, when it comes appears to silently tip toe on the heels of gentle breezes and warm summer sunshine.  -- PCA

                                                         


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The Best Ever! (Good News Animal Stories)

"The Bad Four" -- Domestic ducks, Connie, Carol, Conner and Cochise, writing their own stories at Harlem Mere.

The One that Got Away

I am sometimes a harsh critic of media. 

However, once in a while, the media actually does some good.

For example, when the press shows up to film a panicked animal just escaped from a slaughterhouse and giving cops a hard time.

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_york&id=8983689

The goat from the ABC news video above was destined for slaughter, but miraculously escaped. Thanks mostly to news coverage, he is now safely at the Farm Sanctuary in upstate New York.

But, a video like this serves as reminder of the fates of millions of animals everyday who are not so fortunate to find miraculous escape from their violent, premature end.

Let us not delude ourselves to thinking the cows, chickens, ducks, pigs, goats and other animals have no sense of their impending doom and go happily to their deaths.  They certainly sense and they don't go willingly.

One was simply lucky to get away -- and find a news camera.

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Danville, Virginia, Here I Come!

As noted so many times in this journal, "news coverage" on Canada geese is almost always demeaning, inaccurate and negative. Geese have continually been excoriated in the press and by petty government officials who falsely brand geese as airline terrorists, child attackers, water destroyers and monstrous threats to human health and welfare.

Imagine the utter shock today to find an article and video that was actually positive for the geese!

http://www.wset.com/story/20994183/danville-residents-happy-to-still-feed-geese

For several years, I have wondered if there was any place in America where geese are actually welcomed and appreciated?

Apparently, they are appreciated in Danville, Virginia!

Not only are geese respected in this community, but according to one woman's doctor, interactions with the geese are beneficial to human health.

I daresay, this is the most accurate and positive piece on geese (and humans!) seen in a long, long time.

Its enough to make one want to pack bags and grab the next train to Dansville.

Considering New York City's gassing and slaughter of thousands of Canada geese over the past few years, I for one am tired of feeling shame and distress with my city.

It would be really nice to feel proud of being an American once again.

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Games Duckies Play

A couple of amusing recent observations at Harlem Mere.

The other night, "Cochise" (the black domestic duck with wing feathers sticking up) stayed too long pecking cracked corn off the ground.  He failed to notice his three flock mates taking to the water and moving to the other side of a half frozen lake.

When finally satiated and looking around, Cochise appeared to be a bit panicked that his companions had taken off without him.

Jeeze, where did they go?

Cochise hopped in the water and began to swim all around quacking loudly.

Meanwhile, Conner, Connie and Carol sat quietly among some marshes on the opposite side of the lake and seemed to take some perverse delight in poor Cochise's frantic search for them.  They refused to move a feather or open their mouths.

Cochise continued his search and calling on the ice, along embankments and in the water for at least 15 minutes.

By this time, I felt really bad for him and wondered why his flock mates didn't call out or give some indication where they were?

Fortunately, as about 60% of the lake was covered in ice, Cochise finally spotted his trickster companions hiding out in the tall weeds.

He quickly swam in their direction loudly quacking! 

"What the hell!!  Why did you guys take off on me like that?  You trying to give me a heart attack or something?  That's not funny!!!"

Granted, I wasn't close enough to take a photo or actually see the others ducks' reactions.

But, I would bet my bottom they were having the laugh of the day on an otherwise, cold and challenging night.

A duck's gotta have some fun, no?   Even at a companion's expense, apparently.

But, all was well in the end and "the bad four" were once again together, though with one temporarily bruised ego.

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The Duck Police

During the brief, "spring-like" warm spell early last week, some of the mallards were once again up to their old tricks and "bar room brawls."

Two drake mallards were going head to head with each other, when Connie (one of the two blonde domestic ducks) stormed up to them and pecked each mallard hard in the butt.

"Hey, there is no fighting here!!!  Get your act together! NOW!"

Surprisingly, both drakes appeared to heed the reprimand and took peacefully to the water.

I was quite impressed with Connie's policing and peacemaker skills at the time.

That is, until the other night, when she joined in playing a kind of mean trick on her flock mate, Cochise.

Ah, it is always so much easier to spot the bad behavior in others than ourselves, isn't it?

Apparently, that is as true in the duck world as the human one.   -- PCA

                                                        


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Something to Shoot - Boston Town Rationalizes Golf Course Goose Shoot in Middle of Winter

Migratory geese currently at Central Park Reservoir. These geese will leave to return home later this month.

Among the many disturbing, poorly researched and misleading articles about Canada geese is this one published a few days ago from Boston:

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/cohasset/2013/02/03/cohasset-golf-club-resorts-shooting-loitering-canada-geese/gjDCXKwEqGZxfZOlHZU55M/story.html

I sent an email to the author and asked who was playing golf in the middle of winter that the geese would pose such a problem?

He responded that it had not occurred to him to ask that question.

Nor did it apparently occur to the journalist to inquire what differentiates a "resident" goose from a "migratory" goose and when migratory geese actually migrate?

Many, if not in fact, most Canada geese currently present in the North East can be presumed to be migratory geese who would leave the location with the first signs of spring.

But, those defending the slaughter of migratory geese on a golf course in the beginning of February contend they are all "resident" geese and no one, including so-called reporters questions that.

The article is in fact, filled with misleading propaganda and simply appears as a mouthpiece for killing.

One guesses that if trigger-happy shooters weren't given geese to blow away, they would be holding squirrel or pigeon shoots in this town. 

What would we be in America without something to shoot at? -- PCA

                                                        


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Momentary Blanketing of Season -- Snow and its Gentle Respite for the Ducks and Geese

Geese at Reservoir taking advantage of newly moving water.

Migratory geese at Reservoir, "hunkered down" on ice. Saving energy for migrations later this month?

The unlikely romance.  Romeo watching over Wiggly.

Wiggly and her Romeo.

Mallards under tree on a snowy Harlem Mere last night.

 The whipping cold that gripped the city over the past few days was blanketed last night by a soothing, calming coating of snow.

Everything silent, pretty and white with barely a breeze stirring.

There is perhaps no better time to appreciate the beauty of Central Park than either during or immediately following a snowfall.

Even the waterfowl seemed to take brief respite in the blanket of peace and momentary stillness that surrounded them.  They could breathe once again.

The new and unlikely romance at Harlem Mere between "Romeo," a wild mallard and Wiggly, a flightless, domestic Khaki Campbell duck continues with the love-struck drake following Wiggly around constantly like either a dependent puppy or devoted protector.   For her part, the always independent Wiggly seems to revel in the adoration, but doesn't necessarily return it. 

Wiggly came for her treats last night barely noticing Romeo tagging behind at her feet. Wiggly ate while Romeo mostly stood as protector and admirer.  I don't know that I have ever seen such a "love sick fool" as poor Romeo.  But, for the moment, both ducks seem to be happy and getting along, so if it works, it works.   It is after all, nice for Wiggly to have a new boyfriend.  The fact Romeo can fly and she can't doesn't seem to matter, as Romeo has become like an appendage to her. Wiggly calls the shots and decides where and when to go and what to do.  Romeo might as well not have wings as they are now utterly useless.  

Earlier in the day I walked around the Jackie Onassis Reservoir which this year, has served as a wintering site for several hundred Canada geese, mallards, coots and wood ducks.

Most of the ice that enveloped about 80% of the Reservoir earlier in the week had melted during a brief, two day warm spell.  But the winds quickly returned and remained cutting and temperatures struggled yesterday to get out of the 20's.

While some of the geese took advantage of newly opened waters to swim and search out food sources, most remained hunkered down on ice with their heads tucked back, presumably to conserve warmth.

Migratory geese don't appear to move around very much when finally arriving and wintering at a location.  Rather, they mostly appear to rest, hunker down and wait out the season.  Perhaps migratory geese need to save their calories and energy for the long migratory trips back north as soon as the first hints of spring arrive.

Fact is, that most of the geese currently at the Reservoir, will be packing their wings in just a few weeks for their arduous journeys home. 

But, I am sure even they enjoyed the snow last night -- if for nothing else, a momentary blanketing of season. -- PCA

                                                          


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Love Blooms in the Middle of Winter -- A Valentine's Day Duck Wedding?

Love Blooms on Ice. --  Romeo (far right), a mallard drake next to his lady love, Wiggly, a domestic Khaki Campbell.

That tease of spring that dropped by New York City for a couple of days was gone almost as quickly as it arrived, leaving freezing temperatures and 40 MPH wind chills in its wake.

But, during the brief couple of days "spring" was here, it seemed to stir romantic notions in some of our feathered and furry friends.

The other day, a male raccoon was busy following around and cozying up to a female raccoon along the Reservoir.  It may have been the end of January, but there was little doubt the male raccoon's fancy had already turned to thoughts of love.

But, the biggest romantic surprise was to be found at Harlem Mere!

During the recent Arctic cold blast that enveloped the city for more than a week and iced up most of Central Park's lakes and ponds, I had been surprised to find one mallard drake mysteriously hanging with the six domestic (flightless) ducks at Harlem Mere. (see photo.)

The drake had inexplicably elected to stay behind after all the other mallards left the frozen lake in search of open water.

The behavior at the time seemed odd, considering the domestic ducks were seemingly left stranded on a icy lake in which even a tiny pool of water was about to freeze over.

Was the mallard injured, I wondered?  Was he old or ill?

Nothing about the mallard's appearance seemed abnormal.  I could not figure why a wild mallard would not leave with the rest of his flock and instead, elect to stay with a small flock of domestics struggling to maintain open water.

The one thing I never considered was that the drake was in love.

In love with a duck that is not of his kind.

Who is the recipient of this love-struck mallard's undying devotion?

Apparently, Wiggly!

Perhaps, "Romeo" (the mallard) has been awe struck by Wiggly's leadership skills and ability to work hard and prevent the lake from entirely freezing over.

Or, perhaps it is her loud squawks when calling the other ducks to buckle down and work the water.

Or, maybe it is simply the cute and confident way Wiggly waddles around seemingly in total command and control at Harlem Mere.

Whatever the attraction, Romeo has apparently fallen hard. -- So much so, as to forget all the rules about "birds of a feather flocking together" and instead, taking up with one of different feather and color.

How do I know this?

Because wherever Wiggly is, so is Romeo devotedly by her side.

The two "love ducks" were together the other night swimming as a couple on the water and last night they were together hanging with the 4 domestics near one of the embankments. --  This despite the return of the other Harlem Mere mallards during this week's warm spell.

Romeo refuses to leave Wiggly's side come ice, open water or return of his own kind.

As for Wiggly, she appears to be happy being part of a "couple" again.

Wiggly had previously been partner to Brad, the domestic Rouen duck who sadly perished last September.

Though I thought Wiggly would "stay" with Honker, the other Khacki Campbell duck who Brad also organized and embraced, once Brad died, the two female ducks went their separate ways -- despite being the same breed.  (Honker is currently hanging with the mallards, so perhaps she too will find a boyfriend, eventually.)

I am not sure exactly how long Wiggly and Romeo have actually been an item. The clandestine romance might have been occurring a while before I finally noticed, (after all the other mallards left).

But, even then I didn't attribute Romeo's staying with Wiggly (and the other domestics) to love!

"Interracial love" apparently exists in the animal (or bird) kingdom and apparently love can happen in the middle of winter.

Perhaps the next time I go to visit my duck friends, I need to bring a preacher and prepare for a wedding ceremony?

Who cares that its February and the lake is again freezing over.  

Perhaps a Valentine's Day duck wedding is in order?  -- PCA



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