Mother's Day -- But, Not for Central Park Geese

Mary, last May, confused and perplexed with empty, unviable eggs at Reservoir in Central Park.

She stayed with broken eggs for two days.

Mary and her mate, John seeming to grieve together over lost eggs. This year they are nesting again in same place. Hope springs eternal.

It is a lovely, sunny Mother's Day in New York City.

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Later, I look forward to hearing from my daughter.  We will discuss weather, singing contestants on The Voice and possibility of she and her husband buying a home this year.

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But, it is not a cheerful day -- especially in light of the mysterious deaths of two nesting goose hens (and loss of their eggs) in Central Park over past two weeks.

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I do not anticipate new goslings in Central Park this year despite the three currently nesting goose hens there.  Rather, it is expected that like last year, all goose eggs will be addled (oiled) and fail to hatch.  Would-be goose parents will be left to wonder and grieve over their tattered egg remains and hold what appear to be, small funerals.  But few, if any humans will notice, much less care.

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For nearly a month, I have repeatedly asked Central Park Conservancy officials if eggs are being oiled this year and if so, why, considering there are less than 15 geese in the entire 838 acre park? 

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But, directness and honesty have not been forthcoming as have been, stonewalling and unkept promises to "discuss."

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It doesn't require a brain surgeon to surmise CP spokespersons don't want to divulge news they anticipate the recipient doesn't want to hear.

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Communications with "Sunny," the Urban Park Ranger the other day were equally frustrating when begging aid to rescue the dying goose, Floozie at the Jackie Onassis Reservoir.

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Sunny's claim of "no access" to Reservoir is dubious considering that landscapers cut down most of the trees last year growing through rocks at the Reservoir, as well as goose eggs were apparently oiled on those same rocks. 

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Obviously, some people have access, but not for rescue of injured or dying birds.  

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Sunny (like her name) attempted to be upbeat and positive in the conversation, if not entirely honest.

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When questioned why Geese Police has boats to harass geese on the water, but park rangers don't have boats for rescue of distressed and suffering water birds, Sunny's cheerful reply was, "But, Geese Police has not had to use the boats at all this year!"

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One has to suspect that even those who hate geese might question money spent and use of boat to chase and harass two geese on a huge lake.

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Although Geese Police patrols Central Park everyday with their vans, boats and dogs, the truth is there is virtually nothing for them to actually "do" with so few geese in the park.

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More than once, the guys from Geese Police have stood beside their vans, enjoyed the scenery while drinking coffee.  -- An easy living, one might guess.

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But, this is not to deride or mock Geese Police as there are places where their goose harassment and egg destruction services might be warranted and actually help to stave off a potential USDA WS roundup and slaughter of geese.

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Rather, it is to say the services of Geese Police could be put to better and more appropriate use in Central Park. -- Especially, their presumed expertise with boats and ownership of them.

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For example:

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Although some might believe that regular police mainly arrest people and write out tickets, the truth is that more often than not, cops are called in to aid people in some way such as defusing disputes, maintaining control at large public events or even on occasion, delivering babies.

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So why couldn't the services of Geese Police also be used in positive manner -- such as to occasionally aid in rescue of injured or sick bird on water?

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Why pay these guys to stand around and drink coffee while at the same time, telling people who call for rescue help that you have "no access" or "means" to retrieve a dying bird on water?

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These were questions also posed to Central Park Conservancy, which, like all others, have been completely dismissed and gone unanswered.

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Last week, while monitoring the nesting goose at west side of the Reservoir (Mary) I met a fellow goose lover.

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"Nita" told me she treasured the geese in Central Park and was extremely distressed with all the harassment and egg destruction perpetrated against them for what is now, years.

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"Have you called or written the Conservancy about these grievances?" I asked.

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"No, what's the use?" Nita answered.  "They don't care.  What I have done is stopped donating.  When they send solicitations for money, I write a note on the pamphlet and send it back."

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"Well, its good that you do that." I replied -- though fully realizing such "note" would only be read by a receptionist or other low level staffer and tossed into the trash.

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But, a week later, I am now thinking Nita was right. 

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Despite "spinning wheels" for a long time trying to respectfully discuss issues with park officials and asking questions, I am no further along than Nita's scribbled note ending up in the garbage.

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But, at least Nita didn't waste the time I did and she didn't waste hope.

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I am completely sad and frustrated. I dread the soon arriving day of seeing would-be goose parents mourning over their unviable and tattered eggs once again.

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 "Motherhood" for them, never to be in Central Park.  -- PCA

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