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USDA Wildlife Extermination Services may try to beat down Canada geese in every way possible. But the fact remains, these are among the most extraordinary animals on the planet.
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Those who have been following the saga of "Cago" on this blog, know that the loner Canada goose arrived at Harlem Meer in Central Park late this June having likely escaped a USDA goose "cull" elsewhere the city.
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Because he apparently molted very late, Cago was still flying when most geese had lost flight feathers and were literally, "sitting goose" targets for easy government massacres.
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But, all was not sunshine and roses for the goose who, just having lost flock or mate, found himself grieving in a strange place surrounded by all kinds of human-related activities (including fishing, off leash dogs and thousands of people coming and going). But, there was not one single goose at Harlem Meer in those fading June days.
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But, wherever he came from, Cago was apparently very used to and trusting of people.
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Cago acclimated well to human activity and even managed to make friends with and form important alliances with the four domestic ducks at the Meer and the few dozen mallards.
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It is always a challenging time for geese going through the molt (i.e. losing flight feathers). But, it is all that much harder for a goose alone who has lost his/her flock of mate.
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Nevertheless, Cago bravely got through it -- with a little help from his duck friends.
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When the molt period finally ended for most geese (in mid July) a number of geese suddenly flew into Harlem Meer.
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It was hoped one of the new flocks might accept Cago, but such new alliances take time and none of the small gaggles of geese stayed long enough for bonding and status assignment to occur.
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Cago ended up alone, again and again.
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And then this past Saturday night (August 3), something strange happened.
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When first arriving to Harlem Meer on Saturday, Cago was alone in the sandy area to the east of the Meer where people typically picnic or bring kids to play. It was not surprising to find Cago in this location as he is very comfortable with everyone, including fishermen.
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I proceeded north west to the more "protected" fenced in area by the Dana Center where the domestic and wild ducks typically stay.
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But, when returning from the ducks and passing Cago again, I was suddenly stopped dead in my tracks.
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Were my eyes deceiving me?
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There was suddenly another goose!
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The new -- and solitary goose was in the water and making her way slowly towards Cago who was standing and watching curiously at the edge of the sand.
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Carefully and demurely, the new goose stepped on the sand and it was then I noticed she was completely crippled and could not put any weight on her left leg.
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In order to "walk," the goose had to hop and flap her wings for balance.
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The wing flapping seemed to unnerve Cago a bit as he could not figure it out and backed off a few steps.
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I watched this for some moments and even tossed a couple of kernels of cracked corn to the new goose who seemed grateful for treat. But, I had to put directly in front of her as every step was obviously painful and challenging.
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Cago continued to watch and even partook of a couple of treats himself.
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He made no attempt to harass or chase the new -- and obviously needy goose.
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I finally left, both stymied at the new sighting and amazed that of all the places in an 843 acre park, this compromised and "lone" goose miraculously found her way to another lone and to this point, "compromised" goose who cannot yet fly! (Because he molted so late, Cago is still in the process and is flightless.)
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What are the chances of something like that occurring?
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But, of course I could not know or predict what would happen the next day.
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Would Cago accept this new and damaged goose into what has now become his "turf?' Would he chase her away? Or, would he ignore her?
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Would the new goose simply take off after a brief rest and look for her own flock?
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Certainly the latter was possibility as it was obvious that although not able to walk, the new goose could definitely fly. I more or less guessed the goose I temporarily named "Toluse" would try to take off in search of her own. (Perhaps with her damaged leg, she was not able to keep up with her own gaggle when they took off following the molt?)
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Lots of questions, but no real answers. Only time would tell.
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But, last night when returning to the Meer I was in for even more and far greater surprise.
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Neither Cago nor Toluse were in the sandy, highly public area of Harlem Meer.
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Rather, Cago apparently guided his debilitated new friend to the protected, fenced in area by the Dana Center where his duck pals usually stay.
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There, she could be near water, have access to food, but would not have to walk or put any strain on her damaged leg for safety purposes.
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Incredible, I thought. Absolutely incredible!
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There was no mistaking that the two loner and compromised (in different ways), geese has formed a kind of bond no matter how temporary it may be.
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Cago remained close to Toluse and kept an eye out for her. For her part, Toluse felt comfortable and secure enough to sit down and rest her leg.
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At one point, Toluse got up and bravely managed to hop a couple of steps to partake of treat with her new friend. She still flapped her wings for balance, but did not appear to be in quite as much pain as the night before.
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So what does all this mean?
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Will Toluse stay with Cago or will she, when perhaps feeling stronger, take off to find her own flock?
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I absolutely have no idea.
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I am guessing Toluse's damaged leg not to be broken. Nor, is it encased in fishing line. I am hoping the injury is temporary and will heal with time on its own.
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(Calling a park ranger for rescue would be, I believe a mistake at this time because Toluse can fly and would likely be frightened away by attempt to capture her with net. In such case, she would have no one for either company or protection.)
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The only thing known at this time for sure, is that Canada geese are extraordinary animals:
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Toluse for finding her way to the one goose in the entire 843 acre park that can both empathize with and aid her (and to large degree is in similar circumstance).
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And Cago for being so willing to take under his wing and protect, a goose sorely needing wing and guiding eye to help get her through the pain and challenge of bodily injury.
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USDA put that in your pipe and smoke it - along with all your other hallucinogenics.
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Only this one is not hallucinatory drug. It is very real.
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That only humans had such class, dignity and generosity of spirit as Canada geese.
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Sadly, when it comes to our own species, we have to seek and hopefully find ways to create humanity in the human race.
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The geese learned and practice humanity centuries ago. -- PCA
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