Demons at the Door -- USDA Vans in Parks and a Senator Out for Goose Blood

Good news and incredibly bad news today.

 

First, the good news.

 

More than 20 outstanding comments posted to yesterday's fine article from the Times Ledger.

 

http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2012/24/goosewatch2012_fh_2012_06_14_q.html

 

Not only were the number of comments important, but the content of them was impressive and highly informative.  Thanks to any and all who participated so intelligently to the discussion and defense of our beleaguered geese.  If however, you are only seeing this article now, please take the time to add thoughtful commentary.  It is certainly not too late and the more commentary, the more additional impetus to the article itself. 

 

Now to the really bad news which unfortunately heavily outweighs the good today and will for the next month to come.

 

First there is this update on Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's relentless and ruthless crusade against the geese of New York City. She apparently wants virtually all of them dead before this summer is out.  This is the latest press release from Gillibrand's office, issued today:

 

http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/gillibrand-pushes-forward-on-cutting-red-tape-to-rid-nyc-airports-of-bird-strikes-now-that-public-comment-period-to-usdas-environmental-study-has-ended

 

One is at loss of words to say about this.  Obviously, this ambitious politician cares as little for the views and feelings of her constituents as she does the lives of the pitiful geese. One surmises Gillibrand did not spend even five minutes reading the public comments to the EIS or an equal five minutes on any day of the week noting the hundreds of people who routinely stop to enjoy, photograph and even feed geese in our public parks.

 

Gillibrand would sooner ring the neck of the goose a small child feeds then give any thought to what the scene actually signifies -- a child's early connection to nature and wildlife in his or her public park. -- A place supposedly of peace and tranquility.

 

Add to this horrendously bad news, reports today of white SUV's with government plates showing up this morning at Capt. Tilly Park in Queens and Inwood Park in Manhattan.  (Presumably, USDA.)

 

True, at this point, USDA is likely completing their "surveys" and presumably putting the final touches on roundup plans very soon to begin.  But, it is disturbing nonetheless.-- Literally like the demon or invader rapping at the door.

 

I think about those nearly grown, innocent and totally defenseless goslings practically nuzzling my face last night in Central Park and trustingly allowing me to pet them and I realize that neither myself nor any of the hundreds of other people growing to love these newly hatched birds over the past six weeks have any way to save them.

 

For under Gillibrands demands and wishes, it seems that even the geese in Central Park would not be 'safe" despite the Conservancy's otherwise stated wishes to protect them.

 

How did we ever end up with "leaders" like this?

 

I am personally at complete loss of words -- and probably soon to be at loss of our beloved geese seeking "safe sanctuary" at Central Park and other New York City locations throughout the molt. -- PCA

 

 

 

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