Winter, 2016 and the Living is Easy (for the Geese and Ducks)

Winter time and the living is easy.

A coot looking wistfully over the water.

Geese and ducks as far as the eye can see.

Last year at this time, the geese and ducks were hunkered down on solid ice.

Compared to the last two years, the migratory geese and ducks wintering at the Central Park Reservoir have had a cake walk this year.

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Sure, we had a 27-inch snow blizzard and a day when the temperature plunged to below zero. But, both events were short lived and quickly followed by rapid temperature warm ups. The same is true of the Reservoir icing over which has only occurred two days out of the entire winter, so far. Last year, it was iced over during all of February and part of March.

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It is likely due to such mild conditions that we have had a significantly larger number of wintering geese this year (more than 200), in addition to a variety of ducks and even a small group of coots!

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The birds have had few serious challenges to contend with. Such is easily observable in their more relaxed behavior and higher activity levels. (Last year, they were mostly "hunkered down" for nearly two months.)

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Most significantly, we have so far, lost no waterbirds this year, compared to nearly a dozen who starved to death last year on the ice.

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For humans too, this winter has been infinitely more pleasant. -- For one matter, not having to gingerly navigate slippery ice that covered the running path last year for almost two months.  

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All of this raises the question of when the current geese will actually leave the Reservoir to migrate back to where they came from? 

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I suspect the geese who winter at the Reservoir are not actually from Canada or the sub arctic, but places closer; perhaps neighboring states. Since they don't usually arrive until late December or early January, it is thought they come to New York City when local ponds or lakes freeze over. As such, they are also the first geese to leave and migrate back. (The true "migratory" geese from Canada and the sub-arctic are among the last to migrate in spring -- usually in mid to late March.)

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It is recalled that in prior warm winters, geese who wintered at the Reservoir sometimes left as early as late February. (Last year, they didn't leave until mid March.)

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In essence, everyday I still see the geese now is a small relief as it's always a little sad and lonely when they leave and the Reservoir is eerily still -- or at least until the later migrators arrive and depart.

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As said to another park observer last night, "Enjoy the geese while they are still here. Since these are migratory birds, they will likely leave within the next couple of weeks and things will then seem dull and empty."  -- PCA

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Still Waters Ice Over -- But, the Birds Adapt!

Geese and ducks adapt to suddenly iced over Reservoir.

Shovelers, geese and mallards cooperating to create open pool of water on the ice.

A little snow to deal with too.

All for one and one for all.

 

"Still waters run deep."

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I can't personally speak to truth of the old adage.

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But for sure, when weather chills, still waters ice over!

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This past Sunday, temperature in New York City plunged to minus one degree.

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But, it was not surprising to find the water at the Reservoir still open and moving.

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In fact, I had predicted such to a friend the night before:

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"It's too windy for the Reservoir to freeze over. The water is moving furiously -- like waves in an ocean."

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However, the following night (Sunday) I predicted the opposite to the same friend:

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"I think the Reservoir will ice over tomorrow, despite the warming temperatures. The water was like a mirror tonight. No movement at all."

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Sure enough, the Reservoir was entirely iced over last night (Monday). 

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The only open water was near the North Gate House where all the ducks, geese, coots and shovelers had gathered tightly together in order to create the open, moving pool.  

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Northern Shovelers are particularly adept in helping maintain open water because they swim constantly in a circle. But the geese and mallards were also cooperating by swimming in the open pool, though with less urgency and speed. There were enough of them to allow for periods of rest and alternations.

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One also got the sense that the geese and ducks were not particularly alarmed with the rapid icing over of the Reservoir as they could feel temperatures rising.

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"We only have to put up with this for a day or two." they said to themselves and each other.

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The birds know when they have to adapt and when they don't.  

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And so it seems the animals know better than we that, still waters belie the freeze occurring underneath, whereas the wind and the fury are predictors of warmth and openness.

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Question is, do these rules of the water also apply to humans? 

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Coldest Valentine's Day on Record for Separated Goose Pair

Warrior (front) and Princess last October when returning to Boat Lake with their four goslings.

The "melee" now at the Reservoir where wintering geese gather and still find open water.

Could Princess and the babies be among these?

Somewhere in the crowd is a mom and babies missing Daddy.

It seems ironic that the morning temperature in New York City yesterday was less than zero. It broke the record for the coldest Valentine Day's ever in the city.

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I can think of one lonely gander who was likely feeling the unusual chill of this Valentine's Day and one suddenly single goose mother feeling the confusion of seeming abandonment. 

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But, more about Warrior and his sweetheart later.....

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For me, the "Arctic Blast" was OK. I was mainly concerned about the geese and ducks of Central Park making it through the big chill.

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So far, they thankfully are.

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As described in the article below, as long as birds (and other outdoor animals) have access to food and open water, they are capable of surviving otherwise brutal temperatures and storms. https://www.audubon.org/news/gimme-shelter-how-do-birds-survive-snow-storm

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The reason so many water birds perished last year was not due to one particularly bad snow storm or a short bout of unusually cold days, but rather a steady stream of frigid days that meant snow on the ground failed to melt and frozen watercourses remained iced over for many weeks. With no access to food, thousands of ducks, geese and other water birds starved to death along the east coast, including more than a dozen at the Central Park Reservoir.

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Such is not the case this year. Though we had a near record snow storm of nearly 27 inches last month, a warm-up in temperatures shortly thereafter caused the snow to quickly melt. Likewise, temperatures are predicted to quickly rebound this week to normal and even above normal.

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Thus far this winter, the water at the Central Park Reservoir has remained open and moving (though park lakes and ponds are currently iced over).

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This explains why virtually all the migratory (and local) geese and ducks have taken temporary winter residence at the Reservoir. (That, in addition to goose harassment occurring everywhere else in Central Park.)

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Though obviously hungry and feeling the bitter pinch of winter, all the geese and ducks (to my knowledge) have so far and thankfully survived.

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One goose who, however, would likely not have survived this weekend due to an already compromised state, was Warrior.  

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Fortunately (as described a couple of days ago), Warrior was rescued and is currently being treated for various skin infections and general debilitation at the Wild Bird Fund.  

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My friend, Liliana, dropped in to see Warrior yesterday.

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Standing in his cage and wearing protective covering to prevent scratching of wounds, Warrior looked at Liliana curiously (and according to her, with some confusion). Sadly, we cannot explain to Warrior why he is at the Wild Bird Fund nor why he has to put up with annoying treatments or preventions.

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Because it was Sunday, the hospital was not at full staff and Liliana was not able to obtain much information nor spend much time with Warrior.

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But, I'm guessing it was comforting to the recovering gander to see his trusted friend, Liliana again -- if only for a few minutes.

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What has presumably got to be very tough for Warrior and his now estranged mate and four grown goslings is not being with each other.  

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Of course that was the case a few days ago when Warrior was apparently incapable to fly the short distance with his family from the Boat Lake to the Reservoir. Such was in fact, the main signal that rescue was required for him.

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Goose families do not willingly separate in winter unless there is something seriously wrong with one or more of the geese. Moreover, once mated, goose pairs do not separate at all until death of one of the partners. (Generally, goslings are "kicked out from the nest" at about a year-old or until the parents again want to nest.)

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Presumably, Warrior's mate and youngsters are still at the Reservoir, though it would be impossible to recognize them amongst the roughly 200 geese currently there. Warrior was in fact, spotted at the Reservoir a couple of weeks ago with the family, though they returned to the Boat Lake a couple of days later where they stayed until the day of rescue.

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There is also another goose family of seven that was typically hanging with Warrior's clan. Hopefully, the two families are still together even in Warrior's absence.

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So, it was the coldest Valentine's Day on record in New York City.

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And though it is chilly, lonely and confusing for two geese who, long partnered, are now separated, hopefully (like the weather), there are warmer days ahead.

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When finally time for Warrior's release, it is anticipated that his Princess and their goslings will be patiently waiting at a then unfrozen Boat Lake.

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Loyalty runs deep in the goose world.  -- PCA

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Arctic Blast, a Lone and Ailing Goose and the Heartlessness of Geese Police -- The Rescue of Warrior

Warrior, alone and ailing on the bitter ice yesterday at the Boat Lake in Central Park. Despite obvious debilitated condition, Geese Police prepared to harass him with dog and ball-filled, metal canister.

"I got to the Boat Lake at 10 this morning. It was almost entirely frozen. There was only one goose on the ice. Then, I saw the man from Geese Police arriving in his van.  He removed the dog from the back and also took out the large, metal canister filled with balls."

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'"What are you doing?" I demanded to know."

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'"There is a goose out there!'' he replied."'I am just doing my job."'

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"Have you no heart? It's 20 degrees and he is all alone! Let him be!"

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"The man finally left without doing anything. I then walked toward the goose and discovered it was Warrior!"

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I listened intently yesterday afternoon as Liliana related her earlier experience over the phone with me.

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Normally under such circumstances, I would be furious to hear that Geese Police was intent on harassing one goose on a frozen lake.

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But, the situation itself was reason for alarm and required attention of a different sort.

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Warrior is the lead gander of a family of geese that includes him, his mate and four youngsters hatched this past summer -- though somewhere out of Central Park. 

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The family returned to Central Park this past October and have mostly been staying at the Boat Lake.

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Warrior is easily recognizable because of the scars of old battle wounds along his neck (hence the name, "Warrior") and a recurring eye infection.

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Both, Liliana and I have been following Warrior and his mate for some years. Since Warrior returns regularly to the Boat Lake and usually stays for some time, Liliana has developed a particularly close relationship with him and his family. Liliana feeds the family everyday, paying special attention to Warrior and spending peaceful time with him. 

Though generally wary of strangers, Warrior loves and trusts Liliana with his life. (That would become paramount later in the day.)

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There have been times in the past when Liliana and I discussed rescuing Warrior to secure medical attention to his wounds and infections. But, the timing was never right.

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Either rescue would have entailed leaving his mate alone and unprotected or, in the past few months, abandoning the entire family.

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But, both, Liliana and I knew yesterday that the "time" for rescuing Warrior had finally come.

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The fact he was alone on the lake signified that he was apparently unable to fly out with his family (and the rest of the geese) on the lake when either it froze over or the geese were harassed earlier in the morning by Geese Police. (Typically, when park lakes ice over or the geese are harassed, they move to the Central Park Reservoir which is free from Geese Police and is usually last to freeze over.)

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I offered to meet Liliana at the Boat Lake and to bring a cat carrier.

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The plan was to capture Warrior and bring him to the Wild Bird Fund.  

Wild Bird Fund | Saving NYC Wildlife

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With temperatures predicted to hit zero on Sunday morning with minus 25 degree wind chills, an older, already physically compromised goose alone on a frozen lake stood little chance of survival. The situation was dire.

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But, things rarely go according to "plan."

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I had run to meet Liliana on an empty stomach (except for a quick coffee) and did not dress properly for the low 20's degree weather.  

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By the time I walked the mile and a half to the Boat Lake, I was feeling somewhat nauseous with cold chills running up my legs, to my stomach.

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I felt a need to throw up.

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Nevertheless, I found Liliana sitting at the ice's edge attempting to coax Warrior to come to her with some cracked corn. He was resting on the ice a few feet away and seemed to just be taking peace and comfort in her presence.

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"I fed him a few minutes ago," Liliana turned around to tell me. "He might not be that hungry now."

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Sensing in that moment, the rescue might take some time, I laid the cat carrier down and told Liliana I needed to leave for a few minutes and would return.

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The quickly gulped coffee was turning somersaults in my stomach.

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I headed for the ladies room near Turtle Pond and once upchucking the coffee, felt better. I then returned to the Boat lake.

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Warrior started to move closer to Liliana and it seemed we might get lucky.

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But, suddenly sensing the food, two other geese came flying across the ice -- seemingly from nowhere.

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It was the other pair of geese ("Man and Lady") who lay claim to the Boat Lake most of the year.

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Man aggressively charged after Warrior, sending the challenged, older gander scurrying across the ice.

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By the time the attacking gander was finally satisfied and let him be, Warrior was in the middle of the frozen lake, far away from any chance of rescuing him.

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He sat down on the ice and did not appear to move.

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Meanwhile, Liliana put some food out for Man and Lady near a tiny pool of still open water. The two geese were eager to eat.

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We then looked at Warrior far out on the ice and determined there was little chance of getting him any time soon -- especially with Man and Lady in the vicinity.

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"From what I understand, freezing to death is not so bad." Liliana said with resignation.

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Not wanting to discuss the obvious, I asked instead,  "Why don't I leave the carrier with you? Perhaps you might get a another chance later or tomorrow morning."

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"No, no!" Liliana answered adamantly. "I got some loaves of whole wheat bread for you. Put these in the carrier and give them to the geese and ducks at the Reservoir! I insist!"

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Since the carrier had wheels, I loaded the heavy loaves of nutritious (day old) bread into it. I learned long ago, that Liliana is not one to take "no" for an answer.

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"Don't worry!  If Warrior comes back, I have this canvas bag I can put him in." Liliana added confidently. "You go on now!"

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Walking back from the Boat Lake, I felt bad. But not physically, emotionally.

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I thought of Warrior all alone on a frozen lake on a night of Arctic temperatures.

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He would be easy, stand-out prey for a hawk.

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But, not wanting to dwell on failure and grim outcomes, I went instead to the Reservoir to break up and toss some of whole wheat bread Liliana had given me. There were the still-living birds to think about.

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The hundreds of geese and mallards at the Reservoir were damn happy to get the whole wheat bread and ravenously gobbled it up. 

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Finally home and a few hours later, the phone rang.

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It was Liliana.

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"Warrior is at the hospital now."

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"Really? But, how......?"

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"I guess he knew it was do or die for him. I went to the Ladies Pavilion and Warrior began to walk along the ice. He eventually came to me. As he was eating, I slipped the towel over him and put him in the bag. He honked and struggled a bit, but I was able to secure him and bring him to the Wild Bird Fund."

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Perhaps I should have been shocked, but wasn't.

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Liliana has rescued many birds from pigeons to ducks to geese. At this point, she is a "regular" at the Wild Bird Fund.

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While feeling bad that I was no help to Liliana, I was immensely relieved that she was able to rescue Warrior and that he was safe, warm and getting good care.

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But such rescue could never have occurred without the close relationship of trust and bond between human and wild goose. -- A trust and bond so loving and intimate that this battle-scarred gander even trusts Liliana with his very life.

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It will be some days before we know for sure the ailments plaguing Warrior and why he was unable to fly out with his family.

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Good news is that he has no broken bones nor lead poisoning. Initial assessment is infections from old wounds. Hopefully, Warrior doesn't have to be hospitalized too long and can soon return to the Boat Lake to be eventually reunited with his wife and kids.

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My personal guess is that battling constant infections and somewhat advanced age have compromised Warrior. Though a "tough old gander," severe cold and perhaps the stress of daily goose harassment served to further weaken his condition, leaving him unable to fly out from the Boat Lake with his family and the other couple of dozen geese recently there.

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But, hopefully, nurturing care, some antibiotics and warmth and safety can fix Warrior right up again.

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All of this brings us back to the original feeling of fury when learning Geese Police was actually going to "harass" this helpless, ailing, elderly and solitary goose on a frozen lake in sub-freezing temperatures.

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Since when is heartless and intentional animal cruelty a "job?"

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More calls and letters are in order for the Central Park Conservancy.

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As for the other good guys in this story, please donate to The Wild Bird Fund

Wild Bird Fund | Saving NYC Wildlife without whose service and expert  medical help, birds like Warrior would be left alone to die horrible deaths in public places right under our noses.

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It would greatly please my friend, Liliana, to make such donation in the name of Warrior.

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He is a very special goose and greatly loved by a very special woman.  -- PCA

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"Night" Geese Adapting to their Circumstances

An easy winter as the geese swim lazily along the open water at sunset.

Just waking up and on the move.

"Hello! You got anything for me?"

Romantic pair.

Off into the fading sun.

 

We have been richly blessed this winter with many Canada geese and other water birds at the Central Park Reservoir -- at least twice the number we had last year at this time.

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While difficult to give a precise number (because the geese fly in and out, causing it to vary), most evenings the number is around 200.

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It's also hard to know the exact reason for the increased number of geese, but I suspect a mild winter (so far) and totally open water at the Reservoir has served as attractant.

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It's quite probable that many migratory geese who might have otherwise flown further south for winter elected to stay in NYC due to favorable conditions. (Though generally creatures of habit, Canada geese are also opportunists. If they don't have to fly, they don't.) Because they are large birds, flying requires high energy output for geese -- especially that associated with long migrations.

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Another change noted this winter is the behavior of the geese.

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They are far more active and vocal than they were last winter.

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I suspect that is due to the extremely harsh and inhibiting conditions last winter (Constant snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures.) The geese (and ducks) were mostly "hunkered down" last winter in order to conserve heat and energy. They were extremely quiet and barely moved except when I came to feed them.

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Contrast that to this winter when the geese are observed typically swimming casually upon the water and engaging in lively "conversation" among the different family groups. Some nights, the geese organize themselves into flocks of a few geese up to 25 and fly out in search of grass. Other nights they seem content to just "chill" on the water.

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Finding food has not been a particularly challenging problem for them this winter.

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As for why the geese are most active and flying out at night to find food, I suspect has to do with goose harassment methods (i.e. Geese Police) still utilized in Central Park during the daytime hours. 

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Put simply, geese are prohibited from any day time grazing on park lawns.

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Though normally geese eat during the day and roost at night, they are obviously birds who can adapt behavior and habit to fit the circumstances.

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And that appears to be precisely what the geese have done this and other winters.

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But, if the water birds have had it unusually easy during this "El Nino," winter (not withstanding the one blizzard), that might soon change as snow is predicted for the middle of this week and temperatures predicted to plunge to the teens by the weekend.

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My "spoiled" geese and ducks might have to deal with some ice once again. -- but, hopefully not for too long. -- PCA

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Keep Going Left or Right and You Eventually Go Over a Cliff

A reason for the gate....

 

Keep going left or right and you eventually go over a cliff.

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Recent blogs have focused on what could be perceived to be a far left (or "fringe") direction of Animal Rights.

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But, the "progressive" campaign to ban (or even limit) carriage horses in New York City recently went down in flames as passion without substance and sense of realism usually doom most human pursuits or causes.  

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But it is not just Animal Rights that sometimes become victim of its own runaway passions and stridency.

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Sometimes it is political parties and even the country.

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One is struck for example, by the scramble to far right direction of the Republican party and the leading candidates' claims of being the most "conservative" in the race. It's as though the term, moderate has suddenly become a dirty word in American politics. Those candidates who might represent centrist or "establishment" positions find themselves at the bottom of the heap, far behind others promising to "build walls" or "carpet bomb" the Middle East.

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But, if the fiery and sometimes bombastic speeches of Republican Presidential hopefuls are not enough to raise alarm bells in the casual observer, the rhetoric from the other side is every bit as concerning.

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Recently, former Secretary of State and Democratic candidate for President, Hillary Clinton was criticized by her political rival, Bernie Sanders for "not being progressive enough" and for even previously admitting she was a "moderate."  (Horrors!)

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I recall days when moderation and centrist positions were considered practical and necessary. But, now these are terms that politicians run from and apologize for.

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But, where does that leave the centrist voter?

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Will we be forced in November to choose between one candidate who wants to build walls or launch new wars in the Middle East and one whose only foreign policy appears to be, "I was opposed to the Iraq war?" (I was also opposed to the Iraq war. But that doesn't qualify me for President of the United States and Commander in Chief.)

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All of this is bringing back bitter memories of the 2000 election and what happened to Democratic and slightly left leaning, Presidential candidate, Al Gore.

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But he wasn't "progressive" and liberal enough.

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Those driven by "passion" voted for third party (Green) candidate, Ralph Nader.

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And in one of the closest, most contentious elections ever, George W. Bush was elevated to the Presidency (via the Supreme Court and electoral votes) despite having lost the popular vote.

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Two years later, we got the Iraq war -- something we are still paying for.

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One hears now about all the "passions" felt for Bernie Sanders.

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But for me, it is sense of deja vu. -- Not only of the 2000 election debacle, but also the failed Presidency of progressive and idealistic, nice guy, Jimmy Carter.

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Keep going left or right and you eventually go over a cliff.  -- PCA

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