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 

                                                           

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