Late Migrating Canada Geese -- The New "Canaries in Coal Mines?"

Late arriving migratory geese.

"Thunderbirds" and Roll Calls

Like fleets of precision Blue Angels or military thunderbirds, they descend from over the skies and land gracefully on the water with all the focus and direction of an arrow hitting its target.

They are not planes, but rather skeins of migratory Canada geese arriving late to New York City's Central Park from some mysterious location, hundreds or even thousands of miles from Manhattan.

From the beginning of the new year, I have experienced the thrill of hearing and seeing countless waves of migrating Canada geese either arriving to or departing from the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park -- particularly under the cover of darkness.

Perhaps the geese feel safer flying at night (from hunters in rural areas) or perhaps they use stars and night skies for navigation.

But, it is apparent that the birds know exactly where they are going and land with the precision and organization that would make a military fleet on a mission envious.

A few nights ago, while walking the path surrounding the Reservoir, I heard the excited honks from what sounded like dozens of barking dogs loudly approaching from the north.

But, of course, they were not dogs.

I looked in the skies above me and could suddenly see the perfect "V" of at least 30 Canada geese quickly descending just over the trees and zeroing over and on the water.  They landed and zoomed across the water in perfectly timed small groups, until all 30 geese were safely on the Reservoir. 

But, they continued to call out, presumably to other geese arriving behind them.

Within minutes, other smaller gaggles of geese continued to arrive and landed on the water, not far from the initial group.

When about 60 geese were finally settled and moving about slowly in the water, various, singular "calls" went out, seemingly from one group to the other.

It reminded me of roll calls that are conducted in schools to get a count of all the students in class.

"Mary Smith?"  "Present!"  "John Brown?"  "Present!"

Do geese actually do roll calls of their members after completing a long migratory flight?

It sure sounded that way.

I stood for at least 15 minutes listening to the seemingly questioning and replying honks.

But, even when finally walking away, it seemed the geese were still accounting for their numbers, locations and presence.

It was very different from the loud, excitable honks done in unison when the geese are flying and arriving to or departing from a location.

These were instead, lower and singular honks coming from different directions and seemingly in question and reply form.

It really took me back to the days of roll calls in grammar school.

The New Canaries in Coal Mines?

Apparently, the Reservoir in Central Park is a "gathering or resting point" for many flocks of migrating geese stopping by for brief periods (while on their way elsewhere) as it is an actual wintering location for other flocks of geese and ducks who decide to stay.

I am not sure what exactly prompts the geese to stay or go or when. 

Weather in New York City has been abnormally mild for January while apparently in Canada and parts of the western US, it is frigid with near or actual blizzard conditions.

This probably explains the sudden flurry of goose flying activity over NYC these past two weeks.

Apparently the geese were able to stay in more northern and western locations far longer than normal and are only making necessary migrations now.

I personally believe this signals much in terms of global warming and climate change.  But, to the geese, they simply pack up and go when absolutely forced to. The geese are extremely organized and adaptable either way and are probably less impacted by climate change than many other
species, including our own.

This brings us unfortunately, to more "whining" articles about Canada geese.

http://westchester.news12.com/scarsdale-to-euthanize-local-geese-population-1.4437076

The media piece above doesn't actually provide any numbers of Canada geese in Scarsdale although it reports that the geese are to be "euthanized" by USDA later this year.

Nor, does it differentiate between so-called, "resident geese" and migratory geese who presumably might be there now, but who would leave no later than next month.

One doesn't know where to begin in addressing misinformed media pieces like this whose reporters don't even bother to research the meaning of the word, "euthanize" or question USDA roundup and slaughtering methods.

I left comment to the article and video and hope others do. 

But, it is really the people of Scarsdale who need to vigorously oppose such barbaric and ruthless slaughter -- especially in light of actual facts and non-lethal means of goose population "control."

Then again, it could be said that large goose numbers in certain unusual locations this time of year are more  symbolic of rapidly changing climate conditions and that should concern us far more than any inconvenient "goose poop" on the ground.

It is, after all, not "normal" for geese to be migrating this late in the wintering season nor staying in locations that usually this time of year would be covered in snow and ice.

One might venture to say that late migrating geese might actually be the "canary in the coal mine" for us humans who apparently prefer to complain about trivial result than to actually address critical cause. -- PCA

                                                             



                                       ********

They (the Geese) Call and Fly by Night; Happy Update for a Duck

(Photos:  1-- A Canada goose about to take off.  2-- Casper, happy at last!)

They Call and Fly by Night

Although to the casual observer it might seem that the roughly 80-100 Canada geese on Central Park's large Reservoir everyday are the same ones "loafing" around since the start of winter, the reality may speak otherwise.

And I mean literally "speak."

Canada geese settled into an area are usually fairly quiet except when taking flight to pond hop around a park.

However, when geese are on the move, especially when making long migrations, they are anything but "quiet."

Since the new year began, walks near or around the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park (especially at night) treat one to a concert of animated sounds and seeming "conversation" among the Canada geese who are either flying in or flying out or sometimes appearing to rest on the water.

Such was once again the experience last night.

Although initially appearing fairly quiet with most of the ducks and geese peacefully roosting in the middle of the Reservoir, I noted what were several sizable flocks of geese swimming slowly and lazily across the water.

There was much "honking" conversation occurring between the geese at the front of the long line and those toward the back.

What was it they were discussing, I wondered?

Definitely, it seemed an actual discussion, as one or two geese would honk and others further away would answer. 

Were they discussing weather or the best areas in the Reservoir to rest or find food?

Apparently, they were discussing taking off. (again.)

Just as I was pondering conversation, first one group of about 15 "calling" geese took off from the Reservoir and about a minute later, another group of about equal size and finally the last, smaller group of about 8 geese.

They all took flight traveling in southern direction, honking loudly and following each other.

Some minutes later, a skien of equally noisy geese (about 20) arrived from the north and landed like skiers in the water.

While the Reservoir may serve as a wintering location for a number of ducks and geese, it appears to be more of "stopover" or resting point for many others who arrive, perhaps spend a night or two and then move on to whatever southern point represents their actual winter destination.

The geese we are seeing throughout the winter months may look the same, but in many (or even most) cases they are not.

Rather, just as some skeins are arriving, others are taking off.

And although I am no expert to describe the activities occurring during the day time, I can say from observance that many geese appear to call and fly by night.

Perhaps it is the moon and stars that call to them and provide guidance and direction to go?

                                                            ----------

Happy Update for Casper the Duck

Casper the flightless domestic and debeaked duck rescued from Harlem Mere in November has found a safe and forever home in upstate New York thanks to the efforts of The Wild Bird Fund.

Please read Casper's full and happy story in the latest newsletter from the Wild Bird Fund which provided treatment for his "Bumblefoot" condition, as well as it secured a responsible home for Casper:

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=c84716162cb0039ad355ddb90&id=4537b0988a&e=b08dc08252

The other stories in this wonderful newsletter are every bit as inspirational and warm as Casper's.

We who love and appreciate birds in New York City are very grateful and lucky to have this outstanding organization to bring injured or troubled birds in need of rescue, care and veterinarian treatment.   Please support The Wild Bird Fund in any way you can.   -- PCA

                                                            


                                     ********** 

Mysteries of Geese and Warm Winters

According to the National Weather Service, 2012 was the warmest year on record for both, New York City and the entire country.

Although 2013 is barely a couple of weeks old, temperatures are supposed to rise in NYC to nearly 60 degrees over the weekend.

While on the one hand, such spring-like weather is delightful for humans and much wildlife alike, it is also concerning due to its abnormality. 

Usually by this time in NYC, most of the watercourses would be frozen over, temperatures would be plunging to single digits and kids would be celebrating "snow days" in the park and off from school.

But, so far this winter, we have had barely an inch of snow in the city, the lowest temperature has been 23 degrees and all the watercourses in Central Park are still open.

What ice still remains on park lakes and ponds is almost sure to melt this weekend.

But, perhaps the biggest sign of an unusually warm winter (so far) are the skeins of migratory geese flying over park skies in January as opposed to the typical November or (last year) December.

Apparently, it is only now that watercourses are freezing over in Canada and the Arctic enough to send the birds packing.

And it is not only in New York City that we are suddenly and finally seeing the migratory geese arrive.  Judging from recent newspaper articles, the same is true elsewhere in the country.  (Some of these articles have been posted on (25) Call of the Canada Geese.)

Last night I experienced the thrill of hearing and seeing a large flock of about 25 Canada geese flying from the North and loudly announcing their arrival to the Central Park Reservoir.

As noted on New Year's Day, the Reservoir has been a popular landing and wintering site for arriving migratory geese and other birds over this winter -- with most of them flying in during the past week or two.

Few things are more exciting than hearing the haunting calls of Canada geese in the far distance and then seeing their beautiful, organized "V's" as they pass over the skies.

What is even more astounding is watching the graceful and orchestrated  way these majestic birds land on water -- like professional water skiers.  First one group and then another and another. 

The "honking" gradually subsides as the geese finally settle down on the water after a presumably exhausting trip of hundreds or potentially even thousands of miles.

Last night was exciting in more ways than one.

I am not sure if it is the same family of Canada geese who have been bouncing back and forth from Harlem Mere over the past few weeks, but during the previous two nights, they are back at the Mere (or, it is a different family, perhaps migratory geese).

And once again, Jessie, the loner goose at the Mere for more than a month, "tags along" with the new goose gaggle on the water, though not actually being part of them.

When all ten geese came on the embankment last night, I noticed (once again), Jessie was careful to keep respectful distance from the rest of the clan, though at various times, their paths seemed to cross.

When that occurred, the alpha gander of the goose family gave small chase to Jessie, but not in such particularly aggressive fashion as to send her fleeing back in the water.

Rather, the light pecking and chase seemed more to be reminder to Jessie to stay respectfully back.

"Its OK for you to hang with us, but know and keep your place.  Perimeters only!"

For their part, the other geese in the flock paid little mind to Jessie and from appearances, seemed to accept her.

The lead gander on the other hand, was not only dominating and bossy towards Jessie, but with his own family as well, pecking at rear ends and vigorously keeping the troupe in line.

In that sense, geese are not so different from wolf packs and other animals that stay in family groups.   There is a definitive hierarchy in goose gaggles with usually the "Daddy" (Alpha gander) of the family calling most of the shots, responsible for protection and keeping the group in line. 

I am not so sure however which of the "alpha male or alpha female" (i.e. parents) of geese actually decide when to fly and where.   It appears females are the ones to decide where to nest, although the ganders usually are the ones to throw the grown up goslings from the previous year "out of the nest" so to speak.

I observed this from "Mama and Papa geese" a couple of years ago.

When the spring arrived and they were initially still with their five goslings from the summer before, Papa aggressive ran off the yearlings so he could again pair up with Mama, his mate.

It was quite romantic and endlessly fascinating to observe -- though a bit rough on the youngsters.

Unfortunately, Mama's eggs did not hatch in 2011 and by the end of summer, the family was again reunited. 

But, what does this all mean in terms of Jessie eventually being accepted and becoming part of a new goose family?

As previously said and again noted last night, it does not seem Jessie would have that much difficulty being accepted into a new goose gaggle.

But, she would presumably have to "tag along" for some weeks, assume lowest status in the group and elect to make the choice herself to leave with them when the family takes flight.

So far, the latter has not occurred. 

Perhaps that is because visiting goose families have not stayed long enough for Jessie to be fully assimilated or because Jessie herself elects not to leave with them.

I keep hoping one of the goose gaggles will stay long enough for Jessie to again find "family."

But, Jessie appears to be hoping for something else: Reunion with her own family or mate.

But, even with all the new migratory geese arriving to Central Park these days, I just don't believe Jessie's former mate or family will be among them.

Whatever caused Jessie to wind up alone is mystery and not within seeming remedy to cure.

If she wants to survive, Jessie will need to take advantage of opportunity when presented.

The gander of the new goose family may be a stickler for "rules," but that is exactly how and why Canada geese are such survivors and seemingly resilient to all that would otherwise destroy them -- particularly humans.  

For the moment, Jessie is smartly playing by the rules, while at the same time, still holding on to hope.

Only time will tell how this situation ultimately resolves itself as time will eventually tell what these unusually warm winters actually mean.   -- PCA

                                                                  


                                **********

"Whose Afraid of the Big, Bad Goose?"

Most of us old enough to remember the Kennedy's also recall a time when wolves were deemed the most feared and "hated" animal on the planet.

Wolves were depicted as menaces to little girls in fairy tales and the constant bane of farmers.  They were considered "vicious varmint" to be feared by everyone (including little pigs) and were nearly hunted and massacred to extinction.

Unfortunately, government policies usually follow perception, rather than fact.

Fortunately for wolves however, popular writers, scientists and eventually documentaries helped to quell the fears and misperceptions about wolves and eventually led to greater awareness, respect and legal protection of this vital part of the ecological food chain.

These days, the new and popular target for human "hate" and fear is Canada geese -- especially in the press.

For example, the article below ("Canada Geese...the World's Most Hated Bird") recently appeared in at least one major newspaper and was circulated on Yahoo yesterday attracting almost 200 comments, most of them demonizing of the geese:

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/goose-cooked-canada-geese-growing-reputation-world-most-202505926.html

"Whose Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?"

Apparently few people these days (as rightly should be).

The mantra has instead become, "Whose Afraid of the Big, Bad Canada Goose" -- the most "hated bird" on the planet?

And that is (judging from public comment) almost everyone.

As someone who has studied and observed up front and personal, Canada geese for a number of years, I cannot understand the hostility and propaganda against these peaceful and majestic birds anymore than I could understand the vitriol towards wolves so many years ago.

But, I do know it spells big trouble for Canada geese in the future as it has spelled extermination campaigns against them (and wolves) in the recent past.

Policies (and Editorials) usually follow perception, rather than fact.

Another example of this is an opinion piece published today out of Wisconsin.

http://gazettextra.com/weblogs/opinion-matters/2013/jan/08/can-plan-cook-these-park-geese/

In it, the writer (who is a fisherman and apparently inconvenienced by geese) says that, "It seems" goose poop is a "hazard."

"Seems" is perception based upon writer's personal annoyance or paranoia, not fact.

But, most people will read that sentence as fact and will thus fear that contact with goose droppings might kill them.

This paper will follow on Wednesday with an actual Editorial on the goose issue which, (judging from the published opinion piece) will not be charitable towards geese.

Policies and Editorials follow perception. 

While I attempted to post two comments to the above opinion piece, neither one (to this point), actually published.  So, I sent the writer an email.

But, part of me feels like it is 1960 and I am attempting to advocate for respect and protection of "big, bad" wolves.

"
Hey there, Little Red Riding Hood, be nice to the big, bad geese."  -- PCA

                                                    


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

In the Dark of Winter, a Lone Goose Waits

There are times when one wishes to be wrong.

I thought when arriving to Harlem Mere last night that I was wrong in speculating that Jessie, the lone Canada goose at the Mere (for at least a couple of weeks) would need "time" to eventually assimilate herself into a new goose family.

It seemed golden opportunity for acceptance had arrived at the Mere in the previous few days with the arrivals of at least two new goose families.

Last night I did not initially see any geese on the lake at Harlem Mere, prompting me to happily surmise that Jessie must have flown off with the other geese.

I was relieved to be wrong in such circumstance. Though a new goose in a gaggle would be low on the totem pole in terms of hierarchy, it was certainly better for a "loner" goose to find and have an actual flock.

But, not totally trusting initial appearances, I decided to walk around the entire Mere.

And then I saw Jessie standing alone on the ice in the middle of a half frozen lake -- a forlorn and unusual figure to say the least.

Yes, the other geese had left. 

But, Jessie did not go with them.

This is undoubtedly a "choice" Jessie again made for herself as it was almost a sure thing she would be accepted by the other geese. There appears to be nothing wrong with her wings or anything else physical that would have prevented her from flight.

Upon recognizing me, Jessie did eventually swim to the embankment and partake of some treats offered to the ducks.

But, I know it is not because of me or treats or even the ducks that Jessie elects to stay at Harlem Mere, rather than leave with her own kind when opportunity presents itself.

I believe Jessie is still hopeful of eventual reunion with her lost mate or family.

She could have easily joined up with at least three flocks of visiting geese over the past couple of weeks.  Geese who from all appearances seemed to accept Jessie in their brief stays at the Mere.

But, for some reason Jessie did not.

She has instead chosen to wait it out alone.

Call it "speculation," but it appears that geese put family loyalty and fidelity even above what is actually beneficial for them in terms of ultimate survival. 

Just an observation, but an interesting and fascinating one. 

Not sure how many humans would actually do that. -- "Wait" for a lost loved one or family, rather than move on for the sake of self preservation.

In the dark of winter, a lone goose chooses to wait, throwing all caution and practicality to the wind.  

Hope, as they say, springs eternal. -- PCA 

                                                           

                                **********

Wintering Geese an Opportunity for Jessie to Again be a Goose?

(Photos:  1-- Jessie, "loner" goose at Harlem Mere)


Migrating Geese a Sign of Winter

It is ironic and disheartening that most of the news columns published about bird activities and migrations comes form hunters. (Can't help wondering what that says about the rest of us non-hunters?)  Even more disheartening is the information that last year, more snow geese were killed by hunters in New York than even Pennsylvania.   That comes as a surprise -- though perhaps it shouldn't considering my state's "war on Canada geese." 

Apparently, the war extends to other geese as well:

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/799481_Snow-geese-a-sign-of-winter.html

Nevertheless, it does seem that all geese are indeed, moving about these days.

Since the new year began, I have been hearing and seeing much Canada goose activity over Central Park at night. 

It seems that many geese have presumably left the frozen watercourses of the Arctic and Canada now to migrate to those areas south with still open water.

As previously noted, many geese (and mallards) are currently wintering at Central Park's Jackie Onassis Reservoir.

Although in previous years, the Reservoir would nearly freeze over in winter, this year it has so far, remained entirely open.

Other watercourses in Central Park are partially frozen -- including, Harlem Mere. However, with warmer temperatures predicted for next week, there is good possibility the other lakes and ponds of CP will entirely or nearly thaw.

Geese wintering in Central Park thus have reason to "pond hop" according to ice formations on lakes.  Open waters might potentially attract other migrating geese and waterfowl as well, though so far, I personally don't see much evidence of that.

Most of the geese seen and heard over the past week are presumably passing through New York City en route to somewhere further south.

Goose numbers at Harlem Mere have remained low or non-existent since winter began, though last night there were two goose families there (about 15 geese in all). That is down from nearly 100 geese last winter.

Mallard numbers at Harlem Mere are, however, about the same as last year.

As long as the lake doesn't entirely freeze over, mallard numbers seem to remain fairly steady -- unlike fluctuating goose counts from year to year.

I am just grateful and happy to see any geese flying over and staying in Central Park.

It seems testimony to the smarts and resiliency of these magnificent birds despite humans never-ending and intolerant "war" on them.

The sights and sounds of Canada geese flying over our parks give some semblance of hope for the future.

                                                       ---------------

Opportunity for Jessie?

With one goose family staying more than a few days and another one apparently arriving yesterday, Jessie (the loner Canada goose at the Mere) has seemingly recognized herself to be a goose over the past few days,

Its been good to see Jessie hanging out and swimming with the other geese -- though she still maintains a respectable distance from other goose families most of the time.

The reason I am able to differentiate and recognize Jessie from the other geese is because (in addition to keeping some distance away), she is a little smaller than the other geese and she also has a strange indentation on the lower front side of her neck (crop area) -- as if at some point she had been shot with a pellet gun or sustained other injury.

At first I was concerned when noting the strange demarcation, but since Jessie is eating, swimming and presumably capable of flying, I am guessing now that it might be par for the course of being a goose these days.

Its unfortunately not that unusual to see some geese who are banged up in some way either with injured feet, wings or "strange indentations" on the body somewhere.  It is not the first time seeing a goose in this condition.

Though it is too early to say, I am hoping that eventually Jessie is assimilated into another goose family though I don't see that happening immediately.  For assimilation to actually occur, a goose family would have to hang around a while at the Mere. Jessie (as she is doing now) would "tag along" for a while and the goose family would eventually send signals that she is
being accepted into the flock though at lower rank than actual family members.

Unfortunately, to this point, no other goose families have hung around at Harlem Mere more than a few days and that is simply not enough time for acceptance and assimilation of Jessie.

But, Jessie cannot continue to live the rest of her life as a duck.

Hopefully, the new geese stay a while for Jessie's sake, if not my own. 

Crossing my fingers to keep seeing geese, but in this case, for mostly unselfish reasons.  

I am hoping they are opportunity for Jessie to again be a goose.  -- PCA

                                                         


                                                                   *********

Fidelity a Choice for Canada Geese

(Photos:  1-- Jessie -- a choice to wait and grieve.)

Almost half the lake at Harlem Mere was transformed to ice last night.

This was, of course no surprise considering the sub-freezing temperatures of the past two days.

Nevertheless, half of the lake was still open water and that is, for the moment, good news for the waterfowl still at the Mere -- especially, the six flightless, domestic ducks.

I was surprised not to find Jessie (the "loner" goose) in her familiar place on the south embankment last night.

But, then there was a small flock of geese in the water and I wondered if she was hanging with them?

For the past month or so there has been one family of geese that regularly comes and goes at Harlem Mere  Sometimes they are there and sometimes not.

Last night, they once again graced the Mere with their presence and came to greet me with the ducks and Hector, the swan.

Hector was not at all respectful or polite towards the family of geese as he is towards Jessie, the one goose.

Still seemingly annoyed with the embarrassing incident with a mallard the night before, Hector was ornery and pushy with both the mallards and new geese last night.

For their part, the ducks and geese didn't seem to care that much about Hector's antics.  Though forced to do some "dances" out of the testy swan's way, most of the birds just tried to grab whatever morsels of cracked corn and sunflower seeds they could from the ground -- many of them sitting down in the process to conserve warmth.

After a while, Jessie finally showed up.

Although the family of 7 geese appears to be easy going and accepting, Jessie, nevertheless kept a respectful distance from them.

As she does each night, Jessie ate a little bit of food while being completely surrounded by a small army of ravenous and assertive ducks.  It is uncertain how much treat Jessie actually manages to get.  The four new domestic ducks are particularly aggressive about grabbing practically every seed and kernel of corn even before they hit the ground.

But, I have yet to see Jessie even peck at another bird, much less chase them away.

My hands frozen and the bag of treats quickly gone, I finally gathered my two dogs to leave.

Although I was hoping that Jessie might try to ingratiate herself to the family of 7 geese, that is apparently not her choice.

As I walked away from the feeding area, Jessie followed me along with many of the mallards in familiar "departing ritual" -- leaving the goose family behind.

I don't know if Jessie is actually a female or a male.

But, it does appear that once having lost a mate or family, Canada geese (of whatever sex) do not just "find another one."

I am almost sure the family of 7 geese would have peacefully accepted Jessie -- but it is her choice (for now) to still wait or still grieve.   

Fidelity is apparently an elective choice for Canada geese -- even when circumstances, opportunity and practicality might call for "moving on."  -- PCA

                                                  

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