(Photos: 1-- "Hector" returned back to Harlem Mere. 2-- A few Canada geese in Central Park. 3-- "Oliver" last night at the Mere on the way to speedy recovery.)
"Swan Lake" in Central Park -- Welcome Back, Hector!
"Hector" the swan is back at Harlem Mere.
Assuming him to be the same swan observed two years ago, Hector has been back for a few weeks.
I had not seen Hector since he was chased out of the Mere in December of 2010 by a goose harassment company.
But, with so few Canada geese at Harlem Mere these days, it is hoped that Hector (who appears on in years and walks with a limp) will be left alone.
Although swans can sometimes be a bit tough and assertive (especially around dogs), they are truly beautiful and majestic creatures to observe and enjoy on park lakes and ponds.
So much so as to inspire a beautiful ballet by one of the world's greatest composers.
I truly hope Hector is allowed to stay around a while.
It's nice to have a "Swan Lake" in Central Park again -- even if only one swan is actually there.
-------------
Where the Wild Things Are -- New Contraption for the Terrorizing of Canada Geese
Not the subject of ballets or operas and still the target of non-stop harassment and lethal culls are of course, Canada geese.
It appears now there is a new device in the never ending arsenal against these peaceful, harmless birds:
Perhaps as one bitterly opposed to nationwide slaughters of Canada geese, I should be grateful for all those non-lethal measures and devices designed to terrorize geese from parks and golf courses.
But, I am not.
I do not wish to see the beauty of park lakes with waterfowl peacefully swimming to be marred and replaced by ugly manufactured contraptions zipping across the water and defiling them.
It would be like placing a black hood over the Venus de Milo.
One has to wonder, what exactly is our problem with all things natural?
Have we become so alienated from everything in nature that we can only look at elephants as "ivory," deer as "targets," many species of animals as "food" and geese as "pests?"
For those who abhor and are so repulsed by nature, one wishes them to stay home, waddle in a keg of beer and build plastic bubble around themselves.
Don't foist your intolerances, fears and hostilities on the rest of us who happen to enjoy being out where there are still a few wild creatures left in park, forest or stream.
--------------
The Resiliency of Nature -- Oliver's Remarkable Recovery Process
Still recovering from his near leg-breaking encounter with discarded fishing line, "Oliver" at Harlem Mere is looking remarkably better over the past couple of nights.
When first released back to the Mere (after being medically treated for more than a week at the Wild Bird Fund), Oliver was initially shaky and unsure of himself on the then-freed leg.
He would often hold the leg up (as was routine when twisted in the fishing line) and when finally putting it down, Oliver acted surprised that he could actually stand and even hop around on it!
The leg was again usable!
Now, Oliver seems somewhat comfortable moving around on both legs and there is seemingly less pain and struggle.
Though still obviously lame and limping, Oliver is walking now with some regularity and even small bursts of speed.
I am hopeful for if not, 100% recovery back to normal, something very close to that.
The resiliency of nature is truly something to behold and revel in.
That only more people would open their eyes to and appreciate it for the spectacular lessons it teaches and shows us. -- PCA
**********
No comments:
Post a Comment