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Just prior to the snow storm that hit New York City on Thursday night, all the Canada geese flew out of the Central Park Reservoir in a cacophony of loud, boisterous honks.
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It was a bit puzzling to watch the geese take off in organized flocks -- like well timed planes from a runway -- especially this time of year.
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As previously noted, the geese at the Jackie Onassis Reservoir these days are not migratory geese flying south for the winter.
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Rather, they are geese most likely from various parts of the state where local ponds and lakes have frozen over. Usually, they stay at the Reservoir for about six weeks or until temperatures begin to warm.
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So, why were the geese suddenly flying out just before the storm?
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One theory is that they were seeking "shelter" (such as foliage and marshes) from the onslaught of heavy snow and harsh winds about to arrive.
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This past year, most of the tall plants, trees and foliage that normally surround the Reservoir rocks were cut down, leaving mostly bare rocks.
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It's not known why this was done as the location appears far more stark and barren now.
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Perhaps this is better for photographers hoping to capture the city skyline in background or perhaps the park just wants to discourage geese and other waterfowl from the location.
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Plants and foliage not only provided some cover from pounding rain, winds and snow, but presumably a food source for many of the birds and few raccoons that normally inhabit the area.
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But, regardless of exactly why the foliage and trees were cut down around the Reservoir, I presumed nevertheless, that the geese would return once the storm ended.
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The Reservoir is, after all, one of the few watercourses around Central Park nearly guaranteed to always have open, moving water despite frigid temperatures.
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Sure enough, most if not all of the geese (and mallards and coots) had returned to the Reservoir by late yesterday afternoon.
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But, it was apparent they were not "enjoying" the frigid, mid teen temperatures too much nor necessarily the frozen snow.
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Most of the geese hunkered down (with heads tucked tightly into their backs) near rocks or in front of any scant foliage they could find. Like humans, geese and ducks can survive bitter cold, but they have to make adjustments to it.
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I was happy to see the geese and ducks once again and tossed some handfuls of cracked corn, dry cat food and black oiled sunflower seeds to the hungry waterfowl.
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Yes, I am aware that many would condemn such activity (including park rules), but the fact is that animals (like humans) have higher nutritional needs in winter than other times of the year and natural food supplies are far scarcer -- one reason why many birds, including Canada geese and ducks tend to "calorie load" other times of the year in order to "fatten up" and get them through the lean times of winter. (If one is going to feed birds or other wildlife at all, winter is the time to do so.)
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Coming home from the Reservoir yesterday, I noted there were few runners on the path, but a number of people taking snow photos.
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But, most were taking "selfies" of themselves posed against the backdrop of the city and the snow -- "Selfies" definitely the phenomenon of the cell phone age.
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Not owning a cell phone, I laughed at the new trend and thought it a bit self-absorbed, but then later reconsidered.
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"Hey, if you can't lick 'em, join 'em!"
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So, this morning before heading out with my dogs for a walk, I donned a little lipstick and blush and took a camera selfie in front of my apartment window.
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And if some wonder why home instead of the park with trees and snow in the background, its because I can't figure a way to prevent my eyes from watering in frigid temperatures and wind.
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Didn't want to appear "crying" in winter photo.
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Because the fact is, I actually like and welcome winter and the snow -- though like the geese and ducks, have to adjust to it -- particularly by protecting head and neck. :) -- PCA
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