The Gull Who Would Be Goose and A Waterbird-Empty Lake

"Harry"-- Herring Gull at Reservoir in precarious circumstance.

The gull who would be goose.

Harry with tip of right wing dragging on ground.

Harlem Meer -- lovely, but quality of unrealness about it.

Harlem Meer -- lots of duck weed, but no ducks.

Harlem Meer -- memories of what was, but is no more.

Back at the Reservoir (and life), Harry and a couple of his now goose pals.

 

When first seeing the bird, I thought he was a Black-crowned Night Heron, as one occasionally sees them on the rocks surrounding the Central Park Reservoir.

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But, when getting closer, it became apparent he was a Herring Gull, something that was strange considering gulls are not usually on the Reservoir at night and virtually never seen roosting on the rocks.

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It didn't take long to realize the reason for this unusual sighting. The gull appears to have a broken wing.

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Feeling sorry for the injured bird, I tossed some black oiled sunflower seeds and dry cat food towards him, which he ravenously ate. The treats immediately drew some hungry geese to the area.

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A little concerned whether the geese might attack or push out the compromised gull, I stopped tossing the treats, but the worry was unfounded. The geese completely ignored the gull.  Though seeming a little nervous at first with the sudden rush of geese, the gull apparently figured out quickly, the geese were no threat to him and comfortably settled in.

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It was an interesting photo op -- a Herring Gull eating in the middle of a gaggle of geese.

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Since the first sighting a the gull a few nights ago, I have seen him every night since in the same area.

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Though his right wing hangs haplessly to the ground, he is able to flap both wings and otherwise appears healthy and alert with a good appetite. 

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I consulted a couple of bird rehabbers to discuss whether rescue was the right option for this bird or even possible.

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The consensus for the moment, is to carefully monitor and support through feeding as apparently, gulls are not easy rescues. (No bird is an easy rescue at the Reservoir. I was told last year that Park Rangers don't even have access to Reservoir. Ten water birds died there over the winter and two nesting geese perished there in the spring of last year.) 

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For sure, if rescue is attempted, it would have to be by someone experienced with gulls (who have sharp bills) and can deal with fencing and jagged, sloped rocks. It is likely the gull would then escape to the water, making rescue even more difficult. Moreover, even if successful in capturing the gull, it is not guaranteed the wing can be fixed. It depends upon the severity of the break.  Many gulls with broken wings are euthanized.

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So, for the time being, to keep careful eye on "Harry" (just making up a name) and hope that some responsible plan can be worked out for him. Since gulls are more aerial than geese generally, a broken wing for a gull can be life ending.

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After checking on Harry and the geese this morning at the Reservoir, I decided to walk north to Harlem Meer.

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It had been several weeks since I last visited the Meer.  I rarely go there these days as (to put it bluntly), it is simply too depressing for the consistent lack of waterbirds there.

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But, it was even more depressing -- and downright shocking this morning.

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Despite an abundance of duck weed covering much of the lake, there were no ducks!

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It is almost unfathomable to realize this virtual paradise for waterfowl (grassy lawns, marshes, water and duck weed) and not see even one waterbird of any kind.

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The lake appeared completely lifeless.

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When using the term, "shock" to describe this morning's visit to Harlem Meer, it is because I have memories of what this lake was, only a few years ago in the summer.

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Harlem Meer was resplendent with a healthy population of mallards, geese, occasional egrets, wood ducks, shovelers and even a pair of mute swans.

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Now there is absolutely nothing. Just a lot of duck weed with no ducks to actually feed from it.

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It was in fact, Harlem Meer that served as my primary introduction to and fascination with ducks and Canada geese, as I used to swim at the nearby Lasker Pool a few summers ago. I looked as forward each evening to seeing the ducks and geese on the lake as I actually did swimming.

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But, now I avoid the location because it has become almost death-like to me.

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Memories of once was, but is no more.

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How relieved was I this morning to return south, drop in one final time to see "my" geese and ducks still happy and very much alive at the Reservoir and finally arrive home.

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I think it's going to be a long, long time before going to Harlem Meer again. -- PCA

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