The New Un-Normal

(Photo:  Annie, two nights ago on the Great Lawn.  Not seen since then.) 

Annie, the lone goose who was at Turtle Pond for approximately three weeks is gone.

I am not too surprised with this development.

As safe and pleasant the conditions at Turtle Pond, the fact is, there are no other geese at the location. Geese are of course, flock birds devoted to their mates and families and dependent upon them for ultimate survival.

When seeing Annie scouting around the Great Lawn a couple of night ago, it appeared she was (still) searching for something.

The few weeks at Turtle Pond were apparently used to recover from the trauma of either losing or becoming separated from her flock mates and to build up the strength and resolve to again look for them.

And so I am guessing that Annie (bizarre and unnatural as it is for a goose to fly solo) took to the skies with the determination and anticipation of finding her mate or family. 

And if not finding them, hopefully finding another gaggle of geese somewhere who will accept her as Papa and Mama's family accepted Ruffian (the first of the four Central Park "loner" geese over the past three weeks).

But, if I somewhat expected Annie to leave in search of her mate or flock, what I did not expect was Papa and Mama's family to leave the Boat Lake again after surprisingly returning the other night.

But, last night, they too were gone (again).

(This brings the number of Canada geese currently in Central Park down to zero.)

Once again the same old quandaries and questions of what is "natural" and what is not.

Did the geese leave on their own or were they harassed out of the park?

In a city where more than 4,000 geese have been rounded up and killed over the past three years and God only knows how many others have been endlessly "harassed" from one location to another, it is utterly impossible to know the effects and impacts of such wide scale destruction and persecution upon "normal" goose social structures, behavior, flying and life patterns.

Perhaps the only statement one could make with any clarity or certainty these days is that the new normal is in fact, the un-normal.

Rats are, ironically, safer in New York City parks than are Canada geese.  -- PCA

                                                              



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The Rocky Road to Truth on "Goose Management"

(Photo:  Ruffian, "the goose with the necklace" back at Central Park last night, along with Mama, Papa and the rest of their loyal gaggle.) 

Hugely significant and disturbing article out of Fairhope, Alabama today:

Geese removed from Fairhope's swimming beach last week - GulfCoastNewsToday.co

The journalist does an excellent job in trying to determine what actually happened to more than 40 geese in the community whose fates were widely reported to be "discussed" in a meeting on August 8th.

Instead, the geese were covertly drugged, rounded up and supposedly "relocated" to some mystery location (most likely a slaughterhouse or hunting area) last week.

The goose toll would have been much higher, but according to the USDA, a number of geese had flown the coop before WS showed up with their drugs, baited bread and other tricks of the trade.

The thing that makes this article so significant is the way it describes how the community and the press was basically misled (and lied to) by politicians, officials and WS.

Just prior to publication, the reporter was still having difficulty getting straight answers or anyone to actually talk.   The suggestion between the lines is that roadblocks were continuing to be put up in effort to keep the facts of the covert goose roundup mostly hidden.

Of course, here in New York City, obfuscations and"hidden facts" are the norms not the exceptions when it comes to "goose management."

One month after NYC goose roundups, we still don't know whether more than 1200 geese were slaughtered, gassed, "euthanized" or sent to Pennsylvania for slaughter.  

All of the aforementioned were reported in the media (who at this point appear totally incompetent). 

According to the New York Times, only "400" geese were rounded up this year from New York City.  This because their numbers were so "low."  

"Accuracy in reporting" seems to be something that has "flown the coop" along with the few dozen geese who reportedly escaped the recent roundup in Alabama.

Nor do I personally know for sure, whether geese are currently being harassed in Central Park as they were a year ago around this time -- though most signs appear that way.

Like the press, the public too, gets different answers depending upon who one speaks to.

One can only make guesses these days on actual truth and facts.

However, one little interesting fact over the past day, is that the Mama, Papa and their gaggle (including Ruffian) returned to the Boat Lake yesterday.  (More about this joyful event tomorrow).

A little nervous and more wary than the ways we are used to seeing them, the family appears nevertheless, invincible.

Even poor old Mama, despite her age and the odd and frayed look of her wings most of the time, is apparently able to fly away and return when she has to.

Canada geese are truly, truly supreme wonders of nature.

We can only hope that this remarkable and loyal family of geese will be left alone in peace at the Boat Lake in Central Park.

But, like the journalist who wrote the article above, so much is left to conjecture as the path to actual truth and facts is littered with roadblocks, obfuscations and the un-normal.    -- PCA

                                                                      

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Media Response and the Expanding Horizons of Annie, the Central Park Goose

(Photos:   Annie, walking upon and looking around on the Great Lawn in Central Park yesterday.  But, what exactly did the exploring and surveying mean?)

The Importance of Media Response

Though not the volume of response one would hope to see to a vile media piece attempting to spin atrocity into "charitable" act, I am very proud of the few people who took the necessary time yesterday to intelligently and informatively comment to the recipe blog on slaughtered park geese:

The Epi-Log on Epicurious.com: 500 Pounds of Goose?

As has been covered multiple times in this blog, media has not been at all friendly or even "objective" in covering the geese.

In fact, what should have been a huge media story this summer, (the roundup and slaughter --or gassing -- of 751 Canada geese from Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge) was only covered by small and local newspapers.  The story was not reported at all on television news nor in the larger, syndicated newspapers.  

This seems to demonstrate the power of politicians (like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand) to dominate and to some degree, actually control the news being reported -- a very troubling development even putting aside the issue of goose slaughters.

But, that should not signify that we who advocate for the protection of Canada geese should give up and just comment to each other on Facebook or worse, move on to other things.

Quite the contrary, in fact.

Rather, it means we must take advantage of the little power and opportunity we have to "answer back" and respond to media spin, lies and recipe photos.

Most articles and published blogs have comment logs.

When taking the necessary time to comment to misleading, deceptive or poorly researched media stories, one is not only sending a message to the author of said "spin" but also to the publication itself and any individuals quoted in the offending piece.

Volume of reader comments, as well as the stances that most reflect definitely have impact upon what will be reported in the future, as well as the manner the stories will be reported -- just as "ratings" determine the kind of programs that will be aired on TV and ticket sales determine the kinds of movies that Hollywood produces.   

Put simply, if we don't like what the media is reporting (or failing to report) then it is our duty to challenge and require better.

Even more than politicians and other officials, ultimately, the media is beholden to their readers and viewers without whom they simply cannot exist.

This is precisely why reader and viewer comments are so critically important.

No comments usually means a story generates no reader interest and will probably not be covered again.   Negative comments send a message that the story needs to be covered differently. Positive and supportive comments usually result in greater coverage of the story and issue.

In the media piece highlighted over the past couple of days, it was extremely critical to deliver the message to the author, the publication AND the officials of the Westchester Food Bank that the public is "not buying the hype."

The very concept of using the poor as pawns for what essentially is cheap public relations ploy at its very worst is something that needs to be protested and challenged vehemently.

Praise and thanks to those few who took the necessary time yesterday to accomplish this vital endeavor.  Question and disappointment to those who did not.

If geese and other animals cannot rely on their human advocates to speak up for them when it is absolutely imperative, who and what can they rely on?

The goose slaughters will continue indefinitely unless and until such time there are enough people willing to publicly speak out against such carnage in the small ways that count the most -- to the press.

Unfortunately, right now our numbers are just too few to have actual impact.  That is something that needs urgently to be worked on over the coming year. 

                                           
                                ----------------

The Expanding Horizons of Annie

Yesterday, when returning to Central Park, I was shocked to discover one goose causally strolling upon the Great Lawn!   (I had not seen any geese on the Great Lawn since the spring and that had only been two.)

Initially, I could not be sure if this was still one more "lone" goose showing up in Central Park or if the goose was in fact, Annie who has spent the last three weeks at Turtle Pond.  

Securing my two dogs to the fence surrounding the Great Lawn, I walked closer to the goose to get a couple of photos.

Her ease and comfort around people told me she was in fact, Annie. But, since geese look almost identical to each other, I could not be certain.

I stayed for a few minutes to observe the goose.

The time was close to sunset and there were still a number of mostly young people playing ball or throwing frisbees around the Great Lawn.

The goose was not at all deterred or seemingly nervous with the human activity. 

On the contrary, she walked upon the grass curiously and confidently like a little person taking in the views or looking around for something.

The goose did not appear that interested in grazing the grass (which is good, considering the Great Lawn has signs posted around that it was recently sprayed with Pesticides) as much as she seemed busy exploring and just surveying.  

Assuming, but not knowing the goose to actually be Annie, I then walked to Turtle Pond to check if Annie was actually there.

She wasn't.

No question then that the wandering Great Lawn goose was Annie.

This new discovery both answered and raised questions.

Obviously, Annie can fly without problem (this was assumed, but not known for fact). 

Although Turtle Pond is very close to the Great Lawn, both are surrounded by fencing and a goose would have to fly over the fences to get from one to the other.

And although the goose casually walking over the Great Lawn demonstrated some new sense of confidence, risk-taking and boldness, I could not be certain what the "surveying" and exploring actually meant.

Was Annie simply adapting to and becoming more familiar and comfortable in her new environment (or "neighborhood" so to speak)?

Or, was she rather still searching for her mate, gaggle or other geese?

Either was possibility, but if true, would have different outcomes.

If familiarity, curiosity  and comfort were the purposes of Annie's little adventure yesterday, then presumably she will remain at Turtle Pond.

But, if Annie was rather expanding her search for her lost mate or flock, then she will presumably leave Turtle Pond very soon, if she hasn't in fact, left already. (This is what I actually suspect by Annie's  "looking around" posture yesterday.)

The problem with the latter possibility is that there are no other geese presently in Central Park.

Annie could have both, a long wait and long search to find her flock partners again.

But, Annie does not appear a goose who gives up easily, her search for seemingly lost horizons. -- PCA

                                                                    

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The Last Refuges -- Launching Points for (Goose) Cooking Grills?

As I walk miles in Central Park these days to find one goose, imagine the revulsion upon reading this cooking piece today, entitled, "500 lbs of Goose?"

http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/editor/2012/08/500-pounds-of-goose-.html  (Please comment.)

If some of us wonder what is happening to our park wildlife, we may find them pictured on recipe blogs. 

Probably the greatest reason for being so impassioned (or some might accuse, "fanatical") about trying to save our park and wildlife refuge geese is because if animals cannot be save in a park or refuge, where in fact, can they be safe?

Each day, more than 6 million animals are slaughtered for "food" in our country.   Millions more are tortured in laboratories, gassed or lethally injected in so-called, "shelters," shot in rural areas and otherwise, trapped, poisoned, harassed or massacred for a myriad of reasons and excuses.

But, I always thought the few safe areas for animals were represented by the peace and serenity of city parks and so-called, wildlife "refuges."

But, we have quickly learned over the past few years that not even these locations are exempt from the human hand of tyranny and slaughter. 

Last month, 751 Canada geese from Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge were rounded up and slaughtered.   Even in a refuge, geese could not find safety.   

Now, we find ourselves looking at photos in recipe blogs of cooked animals who only weeks ago, were swimming peacefully around a park lake (or refuge) or even taking treats out of the hands of small children.

"Mommy, what happened to all my goose friends?" a child asks. 

"They are on your plate, dear." Mom replies.

Granted, my two comments to the above cooking piece may appear sarcastic or over the top.

But, I am actually not meaning to be fictitious.  

One truly does have to wonder seriously when park mallards, squirrels or other wildlife might eventually end up as the geese quickly vanishing from the perceived safety and protection of urban parks to wind up in cooking magazines.  

Is this what ultimately happened to the rabbits and sheep who once used to roam or graze  city parks?

Are our last animal "refuges" slowly becoming instead, launching points for cooking grills and recipe blogs?  - PCA

                                                                   

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"I am a Rock, I am an Island." -- Annie Wings It Alone

(Photos:  1-- Annie perched, relaxed and preening last night on small island rock at Turtle Pond, 2-- The mallards returned to favorite perch at Turtle Pond.  3-- "Naughty" raccoon returned from vacation?) 

"What a difference a day makes."

One of the things learned when observing nature and wildlife on a daily basis, is that things are never exactly the same from one day to the next.

Following a rain storm the other night, I could not find one mallard at Turtle Pond in Central Park.

Yesterday, the weather was fair and sunny and the mallards were back on what seems to be their favorite perch.  -- The rock formation to the east side of Turtle Pond.

But, what was puzzling, was that Annie, the lone goose at the pond was nowhere near the rock as she normally is.

Had Annie flown away? 

Since Annie had been at Turtle Pond for at least two weeks, it seemed strange that she would suddenly up and leave.  But,  if seeking other geese, that might be the logical thing to do since geese are not normally "solitary" birds.

Once again, I could not be sure.

However, when walking to the west side of Turtle Pond, it was surprising to find Annie perched on the small "island" rock that Mama and Papa goose used to so frequently sit when they sought peace and relaxation.

Annie was preening her feathers and looked perfectly secure and content.

It was good to realize Annie is exploring and discovering her environment more. These are signs of greater comfort and adaptation to her new and obviously, unusual circumstances.

Indeed, one of the primary things learned about Canada geese over the years, is that they, like coyotes, can seemingly adapt to anything -- even the stress of being alone and without other geese -- if they have to.

Apparently though the prospect of living without other geese was not so acceptable to either Danny at Harlem Meer or the one goose at the Boat Lake, alone since Papa goose's family flew out more than a week ago.

Both ganders have since left their solitary locations. 

I am guessing (though again, cannot be sure) that since ganders usually decide when and where to fly with their flocks, perhaps the male geese are a little more confident flying solo or perhaps their sense of adventure and risk taking is slightly greater than females.  

Another possibility might be that ganders simply have a harder time being alone and females are slightly more independent.  

Still, a third possibility is that the two geese were harassed and forced to leave, though one imagines were that the case, Annie would have been likewise harassed.

In any event, the "goose count" number at Central Park right now seems to be down to a very lonely (and dwindling) "one."

Nevertheless, I still don't know for certain, whether that is due to natural circumstances of geese moving around this time of year or that the couple of dozen geese in Central Park following the molt where harassed out, as occurred last year and previous years.

I suspect some harassment was conducted as the goose numbers during this summer's molt were comparable to last year's.   That would also explain more easily, geese becoming separated from their flocks.

The question now is, will harassment be used against one goose in Central Park?

As preposterous as that sounds, I don't in fact know that any number of geese is considered "too low" for harassment or even culling.

A family of five geese were targeted for "culling" in a British community two weeks ago.  Fortunately, some of the residents protested and it was later decided to round up and relocate the geese:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-19065057

In New York City, as few as 7 geese in a location have been rounded up and sent to slaughter by USDA.  And last year, as few as 6 geese (at Harlem Meer) were harassed out of Central Park following the summer molt.

Presumably, contracts are contracts -- even when numbers of "target" animals are so low, such measures would normally not be conducted by any stretch of common sense.  

With all these things in mind, it is possible (though highly unlikely) that one goose could be "harassed" out of Central Park.

Harassment when employed, raises, in fact, a whole lot of questions -- and in some instances, misinterpretation and even paranoia.

I now believe it was misinterpretation of harassment measures that resulted in the strange "stories" heard over the past couple of months.

Stories reporting a "goose roundup at the Reservoir" and ducks "gotten rid of" at the Boat Lake.

It is likely the vendor working the Bethesda Fountain area in Central Park didn't know a duck from a goose and both misunderstood and misreported goose harassment as "getting rid of the ducks."  (Then again, when goose harassment is conducted, it usually scares off the mallards and other waterfowl with the geese.)  

The same with the bizarre story about "geese being rounded up at the Reservoir" which was told to me by an otherwise, educated and professional type woman.

The fact is, it would be extremely difficult to round up geese at the Reservoir -- even when the geese are molting.  The Jackie Onassia Reservoir is surrounded entirely by rocky inclines. There is no flat grass or ground in which to set up corrals.  

Moreover, the only times there has been sizable populations of geese at the Reservoir were during and following winter migrations. -- Times when geese can fly.

Migratory geese naturally leave at the very first signs of spring -- usually in late February.

But, as noted, one of the problems with harassment (when witnessed)  is that it is open to misinterpretation, as well as it creates a kind of distrust and "paranoia" insofar as a park's attitude towards wildlife.

Additionally, (and perhaps most frustrating of all) harassment creates confusion in terms of being able to decipher what is "natural" behavior in targeted animals and what is not.

The other day I wrote, "The more one learns, the less one actually knows."

This followed the realization (as reported below) that "private firms" can be hired and contracted to actually round up and kill geese as what occurred recently in a  Voorshead, New Jersey community:

Disappearance of geese saddens and gladdens in New Jersey - Philly.com

Disturbing news like this opens up possibility that no matter how seemingly "bizarre and off the wall," reports of goose roundups and killings from local parks could be true even if not specifically targeted by the USDA.

I had to question, Could "management" of Central Park geese actually be more than harassment alone?  What if park management contracted with a private company for goose killings as they have contracted with private companies for goose harassment?

The bottom line to both harassment and culling is that both are designed to basically "empty" a location of Canada geese.

Perhaps that is why some people have a hard time deciphering between the two.

It is also why some people (like myself) question such measures of intolerance possibly spreading to other park wildlife, such as raccoons or even mallards.

But, on the latter two species, there was good news last night.

The ducks were all fine and in their usual spots.

And two families of "missing" raccoons finally turned up last night in familiar location. 

I had not seen the raccoons in at least six weeks, nor any signs of them. (Usually the "calling cards" of raccoons are rummaged trash and the occasional overturned garbage can. Apparently, Central Park Conservancy has not yet tried, "mint" coated garbage bags which are quite effective in detracting "naughty" raccoons and other critters.)

I am not sure where the two raccoon families were hiding out over the past six weeks, but it was nice to see them again. 

Or, perhaps they were not hiding at all.

Perhaps, like humans in summer, they packed up the "kids" and took them on holiday for a while.

I am hoping the two familiar goose families are also on brief "holiday" and will again be back some weeks from now.  

And presuming that to be the case, there will be one very happy goose at Turtle Pond.

Annie may be a "rock and an island" for now, but one suspects she would much rather just be a goose.  -- PCA

                                                           



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Alone -- A Solitary Goose Waits....

(Photo:  Annie, alone last night at Turtle Pond. On diligent watch and lookout for something.-- But, what?)

A rain storm blew into New York City last night, temporarily putting a refreshing damper on the oppressive heat.

By the time I left with my dogs for Central Park, the rain had trickled down to a few light showers creating a surprisingly pleasant evening.

There was hardly a soul in the park, giving it the quiet and peaceful aura most associated with winter evenings.

Except for some light breezes swaying leaves on trees, nothing stirred.   Even the Jackie Onassis Reservoir, appeared like a still, inky black mirror with depths going on forever.

It had been a while since I walked around the Great Lawn at night.

The lack of people and the quietness of the evening reminded me of the time two years ago, when seeing a coyote magically appear and fly over the fencing surrounding the Great Lawn like a deer.

Upon seeing my dogs and me, the coyote then crouched low in the grass and never moved a hair until my dogs and I moved away.

But, there was no coyote last night.

In fact, I did not see any "critters" at all -- until arriving to Turtle Pond.

And then there was only one.

But, at first, I did not even see the one.

Turtle Pond, covered by light green duck weed in the summer, appeared like a pastel painting under the somewhat milky, weeping skies.

Surprised not to see any mallards on the water, I surmised that they must be resting or even seeking shelter from the rain amongst the marshes, weeds and plants surrounding Turtle Pond. 

As popular as the saying, "like water off a duck's back," it doesn't seem in reality, that ducks actually enjoy rain that much.   If they have means to avoid it, they do.

Figuring that the lone goose, "Annie" was either with the mallards or perhaps had flown away from Turtle Pond, I was about to leave when spotting something that appeared like a white chin strap against the one dark spot in the water.  

Walking closer, I was surprised to discover the very still "object" was in fact, Annie.

The Canada goose had not moved so much as a feather during the entire five minutes that I had been standing there.

"Hi Annie.  What are you doing here all alone?  Where are all your mallard buddies?"

Not directly answering me (of course), Annie nevertheless moved from her nearby position on the water and actually used her wings to fly on the rock where I was standing.

It seemed she was grateful for a little company.

I reached in my bag and tossed some treats to Annie

But, not particularly hungry, Annie ate a few seeds and nuts and then just stood on the edge of the rock intensely peering out over the still water -- as if looking for something.

Sitting some feet away from Annie, I was struck by how forlorn and "alone" she looked.

In the several years of closely observing Canada geese, I have never actually seen one entirely alone before. -- Without even a duck nearby.

It seemed apparent that Annie came to the rock, not for treat or even acknowledging me so much as to simply spend a little time with another familiar life form.

And so I stayed for about 15 minutes despite the rain falling a little heavier. Both, Annie and I peered out on the quiet pond together, though presumably for different reasons.

At least between myself and my two dogs sitting with me, Annie wasn't completely alone and she seemed to be temporarily comforted by that.

But, eventually I had to leave.

Annie remained quietly standing in a dark space by the water's edge.  Were any "threat" to suddenly present itself, it would be easy for Annie to jump into the water.

It occurred to me that the reason Annie was probably not with the mallards, is because unlike ducks, geese seem to always need "open spaces" and full viewing range in order to see possible predators. Vigilance is key to geese and that might be even more true of a solitary goose than geese with a flock who can take turns keeping vigilance.

One wonders how a goose like Annie (without flock mates) is able to get any actual rest?

As I left Turtle Pond, Annie was still posed, like a soldier on lookout, at the rock's edge keeping careful watch out for something.

But, I could not be sure if that "something" was potential threat and danger -- or her lost flock longfully flying over the park?

Walking home from Central Park, I did not see or hear any "flying V's" of geese overhead and indeed, did not see another animal.

To my knowledge, there are presently only three geese in Central Park. 

All three of them are in different locations and all three of them are on their own.

If waiting, watching and hoping for reunion with her lost gaggle, Annie could have a very long wait.

Though completely alien to geese, "alone" might be a condition Annie (and others) has to adapt and get used to.  -- PCA

                                                                


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"Watch Out! There's A Goose in the Water!" (and other, Quick Takes)

"Watch out!  There's a goose in the water!"

While I have not yet heard the above warning from anyone in Central Park, I fully expect to one of these days -- assuming there are still any resident geese left in our city parks a few years from now.

I have however, heard other animal warnings from people and they always startle me.

"Look out, Ma'am, there's a raccoon up ahead!" 

"I would not go there, Miss!  There is a rat in the area!"

One should be grateful and appreciative of the good intentions and warnings of others.  But somehow I never am.  Rather, I find the warnings both, annoying and depressing.

My typical response to those warning about raccoons is,

"So?  As long as we don't bother them, they won't bother us!"

My response however the other night to the worker from the Delacourt Theatre warning me of a rat around Turtle Pond was less "kind."

"Do I look like I am afraid of animals?  Its a park for crying out loud!   One expects animals to be here."

The woman, taken aback, muttered, "I was only trying to be helpful."

(Admittedly, that little snappy, rude exchange occurred shortly after I returned from finding the Boat Lake almost entirely devoid of geese despite the two goose families who had been there for the past two months.  One could say I was not in the mood to be warned about the "dangers of wildlife.")

Such "help" to me is like someone on a city block warning, "Look out!  There is a poodle up ahead!"

How far have we disconnected from nature and animals that even the presence of a raccoon or small rat in a park sends us into a tizzy of dire fear and warnings to others?

What would such people have done two years ago the night I rejoiced on seeing a coyote in Central Park?   

"Oh my God!  A coyote!  Call out the National Guard!" 

"Look out, Ma'am, there is a goose in the water!"

Yes, I fully expect to hear that one day.

But, that is to be extraordinarily optimistic that there will still be a few resident geese around Central Park a year or two from now.

                               -------------

"Private Firms" in the business of killing park wildlife.

Very disturbing news out of New Jersey today:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120805_Disappearance_of_geese_saddens_and_gladdens_in_New_Jersey.html

(Kudus to the Animal Rights advocates investigating and protesting this brutal goose slaughter.)

The very troubling part of this article is learning that the community hired a "private firm" to round up and gas the geese.

(I personally was not aware there were "private firms" that were in the business of killing geese or other wildlife from neighborhoods and parks.)

Learning this news brings to mind a recent and disturbing conversation with a woman in Central Park who told me geese had been rounded up from The Reservoir a few years ago and taken away. 

The woman based this upon information given her by a purported "eyewitness."  

At the time, I dismissed the report because Central Park has never been listed as a site of a USDA goose cull.  

But, now I am forced to wonder if the information shared might actually have been correct?

In former conversations with USDA officials, when asked why USDA had never rounded up geese from Central Park, I was told,  "Central Park has its own management program for the geese."

I was aware (and assumed this referred to the fact)  that Central Park has in place a program of harassment and egg addling of geese (as written of yesterday).  

But,  could it in fact, be more?

Another woman at Central Park told me recently that when questioning the sudden disappearance of many mallards from the Boat Lake a year or two ago, a food vendor told her that ducks had been rounded up and taken away because they were considered a "nuisance."

Once again, it is very difficult to believe these stories especially coming from second hand "witnesses."

But, the news about private firms in the business of rounded up and killing park animals now gives food for thought and possible credence  to such stories, as incredible as they seem. 

Over the past two months, I have been wondering of the seeming disappearance of several families of raccoons that had lived near and around Harlem Meer for at least a couple of years.

I recently asked Central Park Conservancy officials about this and was told nothing was done with the raccoons.

But, knowing how fearful many people are of raccoons, (as earlier described)  I seriously have to wonder?  -- Especially noting that the raccoons seemingly vanished during the period of heaviest human activity. 
(Normally, human activity attracts raccoons because of the extra garbage and "food" left behind.)

Additionally, raccoons generally don't move around a whole lot from their home base.

I always knew where to see raccoons in Central Park.  But, now in the area they were most prevalent, I don't see any.

Sometimes the more one learns, the more paranoid one becomes.

"Private firms" in the business of rounding up and destroying park wildlife via contract.

This gives whole new dimension to the term, "paranoid."

Or is it just one more ugly reality that we now need to be aware of and possibly have to confront? 

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"Knowledge can be a dangerous thing."

Sometimes, the more one learns, the less one actually knows.

When first embarking on this quest to observe, learn and write about Canada geese (and other waterfowl) in our parks, the goals were mostly those of a naturalist, photographer or researcher to discover and share the wonders of nature with self and others.

It is fascinating after all, watching and learning how animals naturally communicate, interact, construct a social order, mate, rear young, migrate and otherwise survive a sometimes hostile and challenging world.

But, more and more those goals of studying the natural became instead, lessons in learning about the unnatural.

The "unnaturals" of goose harassment, egg destruction, roundups and killings.

As has been demonstrated time and time again and especially over the past couple of weeks, it is impossible to know what is actually "natural" and what is not and especially when the object of study is Canada geese.

The recent mysteries of "loner geese" for example.

Ultimately, it's been impossible to know whether these birds were results of natural occurrences (a gosling becoming lost from family on a first flight, for example) or that the animals were rather, survivors of recent goose culls or even geese who became separated from flocks during a goose harassment operation.

Nor do I know if the two goose families who recently left the Boat Lake in Central Park flew away on their own natural will or were rather chased away via harassment. 

Now today, I learn that recent stories told to me (and at the time seeming so far fetched and unbelievable) could actually be true as there are private companies in the business of rounding up and killing community or park wildlife by contract.  

Yes, the more one learns, the less one actually knows for certain.

I am not sure if knowledge is actually a "dangerous" thing as much as it ultimately illustrates to us  how much we actually don't know at all.   -- PCA

                                                             


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