Jesus Shows Geese the Way

Migratory Canada geese flying out of Central Park Reservoir to journey south.

"Geese Police" staking out daily, a goose-empty Harlem Meer.

Gaggles of Canada geese preparing for flight at Jackie Onassis Reservoir this morning.

Organizing for take-off.

Conner and Connie nervously grabbing a few bites this morning before Geese Police arrived.  But, where were Cochise and Carol?

For the first time in almost a year, I could not find the four domestic ducks, (Cochise, Conner, Connie and Carol) when going to Harlem Meer yesterday morning -- despite walking twice around the entire lake.

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But, the Geese Police van was there, despite the fact there have not been more than 5 geese at Harlem Meer anytime this summer or fall.

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There were no geese at the Meer yesterday and haven't been any since Cago perished almost two weeks ago.

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Disgusted by what seemed the sheer insanity of a "Get the Flock out" van at a location there were no goose flocks to "get out," I spoke to one of the two Geese Police employees, a pleasant-faced man in his late 40's or early 50's.  

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He was standing around, peering over the mostly bird-empty lake and drinking coffee.

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"Why are you here when there haven't been geese at the Meer in any numbers for months?" I asked.  "Are you also going to harass the migratory geese who come here to winter?"

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"As you can see, we haven't taken the dog or boat out and haven't for some time at the Meer," the man answered.  There are only three geese in Central Park right now and we leave them alone. We are not trying to eradicate the geese."

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"What about the migratory geese arriving to the Reservoir now to rest and then journey south?"

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"We don't stake out the Reservoir," came the reply.  "The Reservoir is owned by the city. Our contract is with the Central Park Conservancy.  We patrol the rest of the lakes and ponds in the park."

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"How long does your contract run?"

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"Our contract runs all year except for June and July when the geese are molting."

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"Well, that means you will be harassing migratory geese who, in December or January fly down from frozen lakes upstate to spend six weeks here at the Meer and other Central Park lakes!"

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"People complain about the geese.  They make a mess and each goose weights 17 lbs."

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"First of all, no one is picnicking or fishing at Harlem Meer in the middle of winter and secondly, geese do NOT weigh 17 lbs!  The typical goose weighs about ten pounds and less."   (I hate it when people deliberately lie and exaggerate to make their "case.")

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"We realize some people get upset with this," the Geese Police man continued.  "Some guy blamed us for chasing out the swan earlier in the year.  But, the swan had gotten stuck in ice last winter and had to be rescued."

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"The swan was here until April and flew out!" I replied. "I thought at the time the swan left because of the fishing, but he was obviously harassed out!"

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"The swan could fly?"

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"YES!"

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Embarrassed, the man again proclaimed that Geese Police was not there to "eradicate" or "harm" geese and that they did not harass ducks or other birds.

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"Then why can't I find the four domestic ducks this morning anywhere on the lake?" I questioned.

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The man had no answer for that other than to claim he and his partner had not seen the domestic ducks.

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While not a nasty or particularly confrontational conversation, it was unpleasant nonetheless.

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When later arriving home, I immediately called Caroline Greenleaf who is an administrator with Central Park Conservancy to complain about goose harassment this time of year -- when migratory geese arrive to the park.

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Greenleaf was apparently unaware of the migratory geese flying into and out of the Jackie Onassis Reservoir over the past couple of weeks.

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She told me the reason for employing Geese Police all year long was because any geese in Central Park represent a "health hazard."

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"Jesus Christ!  Are you telling me that THREE geese in an 843 acre park represent a 'health hazard'?  Please don't insult my intelligence!"

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"I will not continue to speak with you if you insist upon yelling and cursing," came Greenleaf's indignant reply.

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Trying to calm myself from what I perceived as one lie after the other, I told Greenleaf that the harassment was apparently having a frightening impact upon the four domestic ducks at Harlem Meer who I could not find yesterday.

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"I called the Wild Bird Federation about those domestic ducks," Greenleaf claimed. "We are concerned about the safety of those ducks over the winter when the lake freezes over."

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Aside from not knowing the correct name for the Wild Bird Fund, it was obvious that Greenleaf was confusing the domestic ducks at Harlem Meer with the three new domestic ducks abandoned at the Boat Lake last month.

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(The four domestic ducks at the Meer have been there almost a year, and the Conservancy didn't give a damn about them last winter when the lake nearly entirely froze.)

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Greenleaf further claimed that the Conservancy was not looking to "harm" the geese, but simply chase them out of the park.

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"But, you DO harm the geese when you send them somewhere else to be rounded up by USDA and slaughtered or shot upstate." I countered.

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The conversation was not only unpleasant, but downright confrontational.

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It finally ended when I told Greenleaf to remove my name from Central Park Conservancy's donor mailing list.

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"I will not contribute a dime to this endless persecution of wildlife."

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This morning, I returned to Central Park and Harlem Meer shortly after dawn.

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Good news is I saw two of the domestic ducks. 

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Bad news is I saw two of the domestic ducks.

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I did not see Cochise or Carol, but Conner and Connie warily emerged from the small island in the middle of the lake to visit with me briefly.

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When the Geese Police van showed up, the two ducks had already returned back to the island and totally camouflaged themselves amongst the trees and brush.

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I have to hope that Cochise and Carol were also hiding there, though I never saw either one.

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It is both, pitiful and disgusting that these vulnerable, flightless ducks have to take to "hiding" every morning when the lake is staked out by Geese Police awaiting any "terrorist" or "health hazard" goose flock that happens to show up.

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But, here is the kicker:

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The hundreds of migratory geese arriving from Canada and Sub Arctic over the past couple of weeks apparently KNOW that the only safe (unpatrolled) watercourse in Central Park is the Jackie Onassis Reservoir. 

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All the migratory's have flown into the Reservoir, rest overnight and then take off early in the morning to continue their long journey south.   (The Geese Police man told me they do not go to Reservoir because it is owned by the city and their contract is with the Central Park Conservancy.)

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I cannot figure how geese from thousands of miles away could possibly "know" not to fly into Meer or any of the other lakes and ponds at Central Park where Geese Police stakes out daily.  

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It must be that Jesus Christ (apparently a curse phrase to some people at Central Park Conservancy) guides and shows them the way.

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I did not call the Lord's name as curse, but rather as aid to confront obvious lie.

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Thank you, Jesus for looking out for and protecting our forever maligned geese.  Please continue to bless and guide them to safety.  -- PCA

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                                     *********

On the Wings of the Wild Geese

The three new domestic, Muscovey ducks at the Boat Lake in Central Park.  Debeaked and human imprinted, the survival outlook for these ducks over winter is bleak.

Goose 1 and Goose 2 returned to the Harlem Meer last night, seemingly seeking Cago.

 

Desperately Seeking Cago?

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Shock of shocks.

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There were TWO Canada geese at Harlem Meer in Central Park last night!

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Quick!  Call out the Geese Police, USDA WS and the National Guard!

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While not certain, it is suspected the two geese were "Goose 1 and Goose 2" who had been taken under Cago's wings some weeks back, but were likely harassed out of the Meer by Geese Police following a brief stay.

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I wondered if Goose 1 and Goose 2 returned to the Meer seeking Cago again?

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If so, their return was too little, too late as Cago perished last week.

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The geese appeared to recognize me and briefly came on the embankment to greet and check out. But, they were quickly spooked by some passers-by and flew back to the safety of the water.

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The kind of skittish, wary behavior was reminiscent of Goose 1 and 2 and so yes, I do believe it was them.

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But, I could not tell them that their mentor and adopted earth mother was gone.  They had to find that out for themselves.

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I suspect that either when not finding Cago and flying out on their own or again being harassed out of the Meer, Goose 1 and Goose 2 will not be at the Meer when I return.

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If they are, it will be even greater shock than finding them again in the first place.

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There are no welcome mats for geese anywhere in NYC these days.

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A Roundup of Nobel Purpose

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It is not often that we learn of goose and duck "roundups" that do not result in death of the animals.

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But, out of Montana today, come this refreshing video of domestic ducks and geese rounded up for their own protection over the winter -- as apparently is done every year:

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http://www.krtv.com/news/ducks-geese-rounded-up-at-gibson-pond-for-winter-54211/

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But, here in NYC, the domestic waterfowl in our park lakes and ponds are left to fend for themselves over the winter, usually having to swim 24/7 in order to maintain tiny pools of open water on otherwise frozen watercourses.   Those people daring to feed the domestic waterfowl over the winter are typically yelled at and scorned.

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If all this is not grim enough to think about, there is also the fact that three new domestic ducks were recently abandoned at the Boat Lake in Central Park.

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The Muskovey ducks are debeaked and extremely human-imprinted which results in them walking up to everyone and begging food.

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It is hard to imagine these three naive and overly trusting ducks surviving over a New York City winter. While one might hope they learn the basics of survival in a public park from the wild mallards, there are not a whole lot of mallards at the Boat Lake these days.  What's more the domestic ducks are debeaked and cannot graze in the same ways mallards or even unmutilated domestic ducks do.

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Were New York City, Montana, these particular ducks would presumably be rescued and sent to some sort of sanctuary -- especially over winter.

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But, New York City seems to be "liberal" and "compassionate" in claim only.

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Labels and claims ultimately mean nothing when it is action and non-action that ultimately determine the dispositions and actual lives of others.

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I am fantasizing about moving to Montana.

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And In Another Part of New York City.....

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No sooner was it written in this journal that virtually all birds over 4 lbs are in peril in New York City, then the media jumped over the latest bird to be labeled "nuisance" and "plague."  -- In this case, wild turkeys living in Staten Island:

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Wild turkeys plague an extended family on Staten Island (video) | SILive.com#i

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Dozens of wild turkeys on Staten Island have already been captured and slaughtered by USDA WS just a couple of months ago. But, the goal is obviously for more.

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Unfortunately, it is not difficult to find those individuals who have complaints about wildlife and the media is only too happy to provide propaganda soap box, complete with loaded terms, like "plague" or "health threat" to describe targeted wildlife.  

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Almost daily, local media in NYC provides "15 minutes of fame" to those people who have gripe against geese, raccoons, turkeys or even wild parakeets.

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Typically, the complainers will say they "don't want the animals killed, just removed." 

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But, anyone following wildlife management in this and other states, knows what "removal" almost always means.

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"Removal" and "euthanasia" are the two favorite euphemisms for killing by USDA WS.

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It's past time for the public to take its head out of the proverbial sand box and realize the true consequences of our whines (despite the attention it gets on TV). 

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USDA WS must be truly salivating with the prospect of more make-work killing contracts on animals  -- this time on turkeys.  

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Now that most of the geese have been wiped out in New York City, it is time to direct our murderous activities on some other hapless species such as swans, turkeys or raccoons.

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USDA WS thrives upon human/animal "conflicts" as indeed, it is these, that keep their coffers constantly filled.

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On the Wings of Geese

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I am not sure where Goose 1 and Goose 2 came from when suddenly returning to Harlem Meer last night.

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But, I am quite sure they will not be permitted to stay.  

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I would like to be there when they either leave on their own or are chased out by Geese Police.

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And then say a prayer to God to suddenly grant me the power to ride on the wings of geese.

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                                    *********

                                             

Silent Fall -- A New York City Future Without Geese and Other Birds

The NYC resident geese of summer.  A species surely on the road to extinction in our fair city (along with other birds).

In the aftermath of Cago's untimely death, I walk around a goose-empty Central Park now and try to envision the future.

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There is absolutely no doubt that the goal of the Dept of Parks and Recreation, (as well as numerous other city, state and federal agencies) is that New York City will be entirely devoid of its resident Canada goose population within a decade (or likely, sooner).

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Certainly, that is the goal of Central Park Conservancy, though they don't admit in so many words.   Nor is the Conservancy entirely responsible for the negative attitude towards geese as it trickles down from other, more powerful agencies, as well as numerous politicians.

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But, let it be noted that destructive attitudes towards wildlife and birds is not limited to Canada geese or Central Park.

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Currently, there is plan underway to "remove" (i.e. kill) mute swans at Gateway National Park under the same ruse of the "Bird Hazard Reduction Program." 

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USDA Wildlife Services is requesting public comment to the plan, but rest assured it will go through regardless of what a hand full of people think (just as it did for Canada geese, more than a thousand of whom have been rounded up and slaughtered over the past two years at Jamaica Bay Wildlife "Refuge").

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http://www.scribd.com/doc/174721071/Mute-Swans-USDA-APHIS-Supplement-to-the-Environmental-Impact-Statement-SEIS-Bird-Hazard-Reduction-Program-John-F-Kennedy-International-Airpo

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Never mind the fact that swans are almost never involved in airline collisions.

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If it wasn't the airline excuse, other rationalization would be conjured up for the swans' ultimate demise -- just as they are for Canada geese.  For one matter, mute swans are typically labeled an "invasive species" by federal agencies, unlike the more desirable and less plentiful tundra swans.

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So, the swans have to "go," along with the geese, cormorants and a variety of other birds labeled "nuisance or threat" by so-called experts.

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For the most part, (unless actually following these matters) the public is kept in the dark about local and national parks' plans to "remove" wildlife -- usually with the aid of USDA Wildlife (killing) Services.  Media doesn't report on the shooting or slaughtering plans. And indeed, the only "concern" USDA seems to have in the above document is that members of the public might happen to see (and get upset over) swans being shot on a so-called "refuge."  Presumably, this is why most goose roundups and other wildlife slaughters are conducted in the wee hours of the morning or when public parks are closed -- so that members of the public don't happen to stumble upon and witness bird massacres.

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With all this in mind, it doesn't require sense of paranoia to imagine that a few years from now, there will be no resident geese in NYC parks and few, if any other birds over 4 lbs that are considered "threat" to the millions of planes flying in and out of the city. -- Even if those birds rarely, if ever venture out of a local park (unless harassed out).  

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Currently, the resident population of geese flying into Central Park during the spring to return to nesting and molting sites is about 40.

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But, when these geese pass on, there will be none to replace them as all the eggs of nesting geese in Central Park are now oiled (i.e. prevented from hatching). And harassment is conducted on Canada geese in Central Park starting from the early spring and continuing through most of the year.  Should harassment now be conducted during the winter, that will result in even migratory geese not being allowed to temporarily winter in Central Park.

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Little by little, geese and other stately birds are vanishing from our parks and few people seem to notice or care.

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It is only a matter of time before the mallards are similarly targeted just as the geese have been. (After all, ducks fly too and Wildlife Services needs to earn pay checks now that they are entrenched in New York City and most geese have been wiped and/or harassed out.)

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Small wonder under all these considerations that the main job of Urban Park Rangers these days is to provide guided tours and "education."  Why would rangers need kayaks or other rescue equipment when there is little wildlife left? They can always point to statues or concert venues on their guide tours.

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As I do not run, bike or frequent concerts, movies and plays, there will be little reason for me to visit Central Park a few years from now.

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Even now, it is fast becoming a place of sad memories and the ghosts of painful loss and eerie silence.

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And yet, I ironically still see the vans of "Geese Police" regularly patrolling in a place there are no geese left to harass and chase out.

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Of all the things that so profoundly disturb about the recent death of Cago is the realization now that the few geese she befriended and attempted to align with over the past few months were likely harassed out of Harlem Meer by Geese Police.

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I particularly recall Cago as gentle "stranger on the shore" to welcome the injured Toluse when he flew into Harlem Meer in late July, stumbling on a sprained leg. Over the following week, Cago nurtured, mentored and protected the slowly recovering gander.  Indeed, I thought the two might become a bonded, happy pair.

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But, then suddenly,Toluse was gone. And though I thought at the time, Toluse sought to return to his original mate or flock, that was about the time goose harassment resumed in Central Park.  Cago could not go with Toluse as she was still molting in late July and could not fly.

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There was, in short, no chance for Cago to again bond with her own kind -- a kind of death knell for Canada geese as such could ultimately lead to nothing other than repeated despair and sense of loss and hopelessness.

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And though I now personally mourn the loss of Cago, I know there are those who likely celebrate it.

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The words of a Dana Discovery Center employee reverberate in my head now as in answer to the question of why the Harlem Meer geese were being harassed a couple of years ago, the curt and cold reply was, "We don't want the geese here."

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The question is, what DO they want at Harlem Meer?

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Just fishermen with polls?

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I fear for the four domestic ducks still surviving at Harlem Meer, as well as the mallards who come and go according to the time of year -- or harassment.

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And I dread the day that I go to Central Park only to see tens of thousands of runners, cyclists, concert goers, tourists and fishermen.

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But, in many ways, that day, like a song, is already here. ("Send in the clowns.  Don't bother, they're here.") 

One cannot help but wonder if that was the original intent for Central and all other NYC parks and so-called, "Wildlife Refuges?" --  Entertainment venues as opposed to peaceful places of nature, wildlife and human retreat?  

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It may be silent fall now in a park devoid of the glorious calls and antics of Canada geese.

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But, it is surely not in the more rural parts of our state where the sounds of powerful rifles pierce the blue skies and ultimately bring down and forever silence those geese who no longer find welcome in any part of the country.  

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Rest in peace, Cago.

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May you find in the next world what was so ruthlessly and brutally taken from and denied you in this one. -- PCA

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                             **********

The Last Goose

In memory of a very special goose, Cago.

Thank you to all the children and other good people of Harlem Meer who cared and showed kindness to Cago anyway.

 Cago passed away yesterday.

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Or, perhaps it is more accurate to say she had to be euthanized.

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"Euthanized" in this case, meaning the ending of suffering that was neither treatable nor curable by medicinal remedy (unlike USDA WS's usual use of the term to cover deliberate slaughter of healthy animals).

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Cago's condition deteriorated to the point she could no longer stand nor hold her head up.  Water had to be removed from her cage for fear she might drown in it. And with additional loss of vital motor skills, returned the terrors once again.

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The vet virtually ordered euthanasia as the only merciful end to Cago's suffering. Medicines and force-feeding had failed to bring any improvement in Cago's condition and it was clear that whatever was gripping and bringing Cago down, was terminal.

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Though retaining composure throughout the phone call from the director of the Wild Bird Fund, I broke down following it.

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Though fully realizing the severity and graveness of Cago's condition, I maintained some small hope for miracle recovery.  She had, after all, survived so much already and proven herself to be such a resilient, courageous goose.

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But, there are some things in life that are not survivable -- even for a goose.

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Though I am told that geese don't usually succumb to viruses, that is not to say they never do -- especially when undergoing periods of extreme stress.  One might reason that losing not only one's family or mate, but seemingly, the entire gene pool might be cause for extreme stress in a goose.

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In the three months that Cago was at Harlem Meer, in Central Park, she barely saw any geese at all.  And it seems that the few who temporarily flew in from time to time, were quickly harassed out by Geese Police.  

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Stress upon stress, one might speculate.

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Cago seemed to have gotten particularly close with the two geese who flew into the Meer some weeks back and actually stayed for a couple of weeks.

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But, even "Goose Two" and "Goose Three" were eventually chased out.

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Perhaps it was really that which ultimately marked the beginning of the end for Cago. -- The irretrievable loss of her own kind.

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Last night, when going to Harlem Meer, I was once again, haunted by ghosts. 

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But, not just a few ducks or even one goose (Cago), but in fact, many geese.

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I thought back to only a few years ago, when Harlem Meer in late summer and early fall, was resplendent with at least a hundred geese and as many ducks.

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The mallards are still there, but the geese, long gone.

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That there has only been one goose at Harlem Meer during this normal season of plenty (in terms of food supplies) seems to suggest that some of us are observing first hand, the total eradication of a species in a public park.

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And it is that which is most depressing about this entire series of events, much of which is cataloged in this journal.

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Currently, I am aware of only two geese in all of Central Park.  And from what I am told by another waterfowl observer, even those two geese typically hide in the mornings to the point she sometimes can't find them.  (Geese Police typically patrols Central Park in the early mornings.)

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A situation like this would have been unimaginable only a few years ago when geese were plentiful all around Central Park in late summer and early fall.

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But, in these last few months of patrolling my end of Central Park, I was down to the very last goose.   

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And now no geese at all.

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These are indeed, depressing times when it is easy to fall down a hole and believe that everything is hopeless.

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I feel "ghosts," remorse and profound loss when going to Harlem Meer these days.  

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But I go anyway. 

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(There are, after all, still the ducks of which to care about and be concerned.)

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I hate the USDA WS goose slaughters and I hate the way my city -- including Central Park -- is treating these peaceful, loving and majestic birds.

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But, I am grateful that despite all the unspeakable horrors, one goose knew kindness and love at Harlem Meer anyway.  The grown men, older women and young children who smiled, rejoiced in and offered treats to Cago everyday while she was there. -- All the people who truly loved her.

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In the end, none of us could replace what Cago had lost.  We were not and could not be her kind.  It was ultimately not possible to save her.  But, she was afforded sanctuary and kindness anyway.

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That is what I try to think about and am grateful for now. All the days Cago graced us with her presence and love and all the days good people gave back to her. There was no goal nor plan and there was never guarantee.  It was just nice for the times that were uniquely blessed with sense of sharing and exchange with this special goose.

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I only mourn now that such time was cut so short.

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We have to appreciate and celebrate our blessings while we still have them. And sadly, we have to keep fighting for them even if it seems no one is listening.  

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To every child, woman or man who smiled upon Cago, took her photos or offered her treat during her times at Harlem Meer (despite park rules against the latter), I say, "Thank you." 

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Thank you for showing that you cared when it was fashionable not to.

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Thank you  (like the song) for caring anyway.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uLtyzRgmyI  

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Those are the memories and inspiration to cherish and hold on to now amongst the ruins of grief, injustice, cruelty and ghosts.  -- PCA

                                  *********

                                                        **********

"The Stresses of Being Alone" -- Death by Broken Heart

Shadows and disconsolate memory. Cago and me last Sunday night.

Last night, after visiting with the four domestic ducks at Harlem Meer in Central Park and walking around the lake, I was suddenly gripped by sense of loss and ghosts around me.

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The ghosts of lives and spirits passed.

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From the pekin ducks of a few years back to the more recent losses of Angelina, Piggly, Wiggly, Honker and perhaps the most painful of all last year, Brad. 

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Brad had been the Rouen domestic duck who had seemingly ruled the Meer for years.

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He died alone on the water just before summer's end last year -- his death a mystery to this day.

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I thought to myself that were it not for Cochise, Conner, Carol and Connie (the four domestics) still surviving at Harlem Meer for nearly a year now, I would not go there at all. The memories and losses are becoming too painful.

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That is especially true now, because it appears that there is soon to be a new one to add.

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But, in this case, a goose......

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It was exactly one week ago today, that I found myself looking around for Cago, the loner Canada goose at the Meer since June.  She was not in her usual spot by the banks of the lake with the mallards.

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But, then something caught my eye in a far off corner of the grass by the Dana Center.

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It was Cago.

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To my horror, she was pushing backwards against the fencing that protects this small area of grass from human activity.  It is a favorite gathering and roosting spot for the waterfowl of the Meer.

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But, it was obvious that Cago was suffering some form of pain and acute distress.

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I stood for some moments observing Cago.

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Her head was down and bent over the back of her body.  She appeared to be having trouble keeping balance and clearly seeing.

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Worst of all, when attempting to walk, Cago appeared to have problems stepping forward and instead, stumbled backwards.  At least two or three times, she slumped and fell down.

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In all the years of observing geese and ducks I had never seen anything even remotely like this before. -- Birds walking and stumbling backwards, like a drunk.

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It was clear that whatever was happening, it wasn't some trivial matter that would quickly resolve on its own.  Cago needed to be rescued.

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Unfortunately, I discovered Cago in this condition shortly before midnight.

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There was no one to call at that hour for rescue and I had nothing to put her in.  

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But, early the next morning, (Saturday) I returned to the Meer with my friend, Liliana, in attempt to rescue the clearly ailing goose.

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Cago appeared a bit better than the night before as she was seemingly "adapting" to walking forward -- at least a little -- though she still continued to stumble backwards.

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She had also moved from the Dana Center grass to the western part of the Meer. 

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(Perhaps that was because "Geese Police" was already patrolling the Meer to insure that if there was more than one goose, they would be unceremoniously harassed out of Central Park. )

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Part of me wanted to believe that perhaps someone had slipped Cago something with alcohol and that she would recover with time.

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But that was simply wishful thinking.

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Liliana and I attempted to rescue Cago and bring her to the Wild Bird Fund which is a rehabilitation center for injured or ill wild birds.

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But, our efforts were severely hampered by people walking off leash dogs at that hour in the morning, as well as runners.

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Although Cago still recognized me and managed to come close, she was eventually spooked by a dog and retreated to the water, not to come out again.

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Our effort had failed.

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Due to family, church and other obstacles, Liliana and I would not get another attempt at rescue until Monday morning.

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But, would Cago survive until Monday?

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Not feeling comfortable in allowing Cago to suffer until Monday, I called the Urban Park Rangers as soon as arriving home to request rescue of the goose who was clearly in bad shape.

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And though I called several numbers, no one answered and nor were my messages returned.

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I returned to the Meer both, Saturday and Sunday nights with my daughter (who was visiting for a few days) to check on Cago.

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Bravely, still hanging in there and coming to me, Cago's condition was otherwise deteriorating.   

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Not only was Cago having difficulty seeing, focusing and keeping balance, but she was also developing what seemed sheer fright of the mallards who are normally her buddies.

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More than once, mallards accidentally knocked Cago over and she appeared in absolute terror of them (probably because of her vulnerability and weakened condition) and nearly everything else.  

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Perhaps the only "hopeful" sign was that Cago was still eating.  But, everything else was quickly going downhill.

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Monday morning, I met with Liliana before dawn and we quickly headed to the Meer.

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Fortunately, no one was around at that hour.

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As I offered the weakened Cago some cracked corn from my hand, Liliana quickly snuck up behind her and in a flash, dropped a sheet over and grabbed Cago.

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To the shock of both of us, Cago put up a fight, using every bit of her strength to try and flap wings and get away.

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Its surprising how powerful the wings of geese actually are -- even sick geese.

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It took both of us to contain Cago in the sheet and wrestle her into the soft kennel carrier where she continued to struggle off and on until finally reaching the Wild Bird Fund.

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Later, when returning home, I called the Urban Park Rangers again -- this time to let them know that we had rescued Cago.

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But, when getting the voice mail again, I left a very angry message, virtually accusing Park Rangers of being useless and not earning their paycheck.

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"Its unacceptable that regular pedestrians are expected to rescue suffering wildlife in a park or watch birds die on the water."

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I had barely hung up, when immediately receiving a call back from one of the park rangers. (Apparently, leaving angry messages is the way to actually connect with them.)

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The park ranger offered all kinds of excuses for why injured or sick wildlife in the park is not rescued in time for saving.  Mainly that, "Rescue is not our main job. Education is."

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I apparently didn't realize the main job of park rangers was to be tour guides.  One guesses that is the reason Urban Park Rangers are not properly equipped for wildlife rescue. (For example, having kayaks for waterfowl rescue in water.)  Its simply not priority.

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Following the somewhat unpleasant exchange with the park ranger, I called the Central Park Conservancy to register still one more complaint about goose harassment this time of year -- and especially when there are less than three geese in all of Central Park.

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"Are you going to harass the migratory geese too when they fly in before winter?  What kind of 'Conservancy' is that?"

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Unfortunately, these calls and complaints seem to mostly fall upon deaf ears. And yet, they need to be made.

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Cago has now been at the Wild Bird Fund for nearly a week. 

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She was examined by a vet, has been receiving antibiotics and excellent nutrition and care, but her condition is nevertheless, very grave.

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The speculation from the director of the Wild Bird Fund is that Cago "has a virus that laid dormant for some time, but manifested due to the stresses of being alone."

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There is no immediate or known cure for the brain swelling and neurological symptoms that Cago is displaying.   She may ultimately have to be euthanized unless showing some kind of dramatic and miracle improvement over the next few days.

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The one thing that plays repeatedly in my mind through all this are the words, "due to the stresses of being alone."

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I remember when Cago first arrived at Harlem Meer in late June after likely surviving a USDA goose cull elsewhere in the city at that time.  A slaughter that likely took her mate and/or entire family.

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Though Cago adapted very well and courageously to her unfortunate circumstances, one could nevertheless always feel a sense of profound loss and grief in her that was not ultimately quelled by a bunch of ducks.

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While Cago later appeared to form alliances with Toluse and two other geese who arrived in September, it is now suspected those geese were harassed out of Central Park by Geese Police.

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".....the stresses of being alone."

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Thanks, City of New York, USDA "Wildlife Services," Geese Police, Urban Park Tour Guides, Central Park "Conservancy" and perhaps most of all, Senator Gillibrand (whose real name should be Killibrand).  

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Thanks for turning the once beloved Harlem Meer and Central Park into a haunting place of spirits and ghosts.

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And thanks for adding still one more goose to your long list of death by broken heart.

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Though her official demise may occur in the fall of the year, Cago is nevertheless, still a casualty of summer because irretrievable death of heart came in June at the bloody hands of USDA.

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Cago's place at Harlem Meer will forever be haunted by shadow and disconsolate memory as so many who have perished before her. -- PCA

                                                           

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Bonding and Attachment -- Not Just About Humans (or Dogs)

Cochise on right.  The stubborn and lazy one the others have to sometimes retrieve.

Cago, the widowed goose without a flock who has managed to form unusual bonds and attachments out of necessity.

All four ducks happy again the other night following not-so-dramatic "rescue" of Cochise (front).

Those of us who have been caregiver to more than one dog (or cat) at a time probably have witnessed the extraordinary bonding that often occurs among animals living together.

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Certainly this is true of my two current dogs, Tina and Chance who have been together about six years.  (I rescued Chance in 2007 when he was ten years old, after already having Tina since 1997 when she was approximately two-years-old).

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Chance is now 16 and Tina at least 18-years-old.

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But, the two and half mile walks to and from Harlem Meer in Central Park have become too much for Tina over the past six months or so.   Though now on medication for aging joints and doing remarkably well, it doesn't mean Tina has been restored to the vigor and strength of youth. 

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I am simply relieved and grateful that Tina can now go up and down stairs with ease and enjoy a walk around the neighborhood.

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Chance, on the other hand is still more than capable of the two mile walks and appears to enjoy them.

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So, sometimes I take Chance with me to Harlem Meer and leave Tina at home (which she seems OK with).

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But, the fascinating thing is that when arriving home with Chance, Tina rushes to the door to first greet Chance  -- and then me!

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Aside from the slap to ego for the fact my older dog values her dog companion over the human actually caring for and feeding her, I am reminded of the deep bond many animals form with each other -- even dogs who are noted for their loyalty and devotion to their humans.

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No question either of Chance's deep devotion and love for Tina.  Indeed, the two dogs are never more than a few feet from each other (usually somewhere around my feet). 

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Indeed, I fear the day I lose one dog and still have the other.

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But, such bonding is not unique to either dogs or cats.

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It also exists in the world of ducks and geese.

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Over the past few weeks, I have noted that the four domestic ducks at Harlem Meer have taken to usually roosting at the south western portion of the lake. (They have been moving about much since the summer ended.)

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So, when going to the Meer the other night (with Chance) I went to the embankment at the south side first.

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Surprisingly though, the domestics were back roosting near the Dana Center to the north part of the lake. (Probably because there weren't many mallards there the other night.  The domestics are somewhat annoyed with the recent surge in mallard activity at the Meer).

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Their keen eyesight however meant they could see me and my Pomeranian from across the lake.

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Immediately, Conner, Carol and Connie left the grassy patch near the Dana Center to swim across the lake and greet me.

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But, Cochise (who is often a little slower and lazier than the other three) stubbornly remained behind.

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The three "barnyard" ducks arrived squawking, waddling up to and begging me for some treats.

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But, after swooping up only a few morsels of cracked corn, all three ducks suddenly looked around and noticed Cochise was not with them!

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More squawking.

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But, this time, one imagines the conversation to be different:

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"Hey, come on, guys, we gotta go back and get the lazy one!"

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Then, one by one, all three ducks suddenly did an about face, returned to the water and hurriedly swam back to get their chum.

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For her part, Cochise appeared a bit frantic and annoyed on the other side of the lake, pacing back and forth as if questioning why her cohorts suddenly up and left without her?  How could they do this to her?

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But, the drama quickly ended as soon as Conner, Connie and Carol returned and the four quackers were once again reunited.

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(OK.  One can imagine some squabbling occurring such as, "What's the matter with you? Couldn't you see our treats were here?  Why do we always have to come and get you?")

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Within seconds, all four ducks were swimming quickly across the lake and waddling on the embankment to reclaim what they feel is rightfully theirs.

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"OK.  We are all here now!  Forget the mallards and that one pesky goose!  What do you have for us?"

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Feeling sorry for Cochise because she had a rough time, I gave her an extra handful of cracked corn (even though she is the plumpest of the ducks).  Cochise has special way of playing with heartstrings -- as she apparently does with her own flock.

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But, the point of this story is to relate the strong bond among these four domestic ducks who, abandoned together almost a year ago, have survived partially due to that intense closeness and devotion to each other.  Indeed, a bond that is closer than even the drive for food.

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It is also a bond observed in geese over the years.

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For example, last year when there was a flock of geese temporarily staying at the Meer in the winter.

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One young goose had tendency to often wander away from the gaggle -- a scenario that always resulted in two of his flock mates having to leave the family (usually in the water) to come and "rescue" him on land.

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There was usually a flurry of honking to accompany the retrieval of their straying sibling or offspring.

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"Why do you keep doing this?  Don't you know that is the way to fall to a predator or get your head blown off?   You need to stay with the FAMILY!  All for one and one for all!"

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But, it seemed the headstrong youngster never fully got the message.

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As long as he knew family members would come to reclaim his butt, he seemed to feel a certain liberty and independence to do what he wanted and when.

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Not sure if "Mr. Independence" ever fully learned the rules of goosedom because when temperatures began to warm, the entire family eventually left the Meer.   

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But, at least he went with them.

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So, one imagines the lesson in all this to be about bonding and attachment.

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They are not just about humans or even dogs for that matter.

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They are in fact, part of the very survival of many species on the planet, including especially it seems, ducks and geese.   -- PCA

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