Swan Song in New York State -- Unless......

"Hector," photographed at Harlem Meer in Central Park, December, 2012.  Sadly, Hector was harassed from the Meer in the spring of 2013 and has not been seen since.  Will all of New York State's mute swans be "eliminated" by 2025 as per the current DEC plan?  If we want to still see swans in New York, we have to speak up for them.

All animals eat.  All animals poop.  And virtually all animal species occasionally display dominance or territorial behavior.

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But, more and more these days we are seeing various species of birds and other animals targeted for destruction based upon nature's dictates and callings.

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In the particular case of birds, they are also targeted for flying ability for the fear they "could" represent a "threat" to airliners.  (Never mind the fact that a person has a far better chance of being hit by lightening or winning a hundred million dollar lottery than going down in a plane due to a bird.)

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The latest bird species in the cross hairs for deliberate destruction are the 2,200 mute swans of New York State -- all of whom are targeted for "extirpation" by the NY DEC by the year 2025.

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The DEC prepared a document citing its rationalizations for "eliminating" the swans and requests public comment by next month:

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http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html

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Of course, many of the allegations against the swans are similar to the ones we typically see against Canada geese. -- They eat aquatic plants, they "displace" other birds, they represent "threat" to airline safety and they are sometimes "aggressive."

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But, it seems we could say these things about many species of birds. Should they all be eliminated?

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The swans are also labeled as an "invasive species" because they were brought to this country in the nineteenth century by Europeans.

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But, this is a charge that could also be leveled against many animal species from horses to cats and dogs.  Should every animal species introduced to this country be targeted for "elimination" even if released to the wild? 

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Animals adapt and adjust to changes as do environments. Certainly, the species with the most impact upon ecology are humans and yet, environments and animal species have had to adjust to our presence and manipulation in this nation for hundreds of years.

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Why should we believe that a state and environment as large as New York cannot tolerate and adapt to 2,200 mute swans?

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Its the humans that can't seem to tolerate them.

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We need to start asking ourselves some serious questions.

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For examples:

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Can we agree that most of us like diverse wildlife in our communities? 

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Can we agree that humans are part of the ecology and have direct impact upon it for better and for worse?

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Can we agree that some birds and animals do better and adapt easier in areas with much human activity than do others (such as mallards, Canada geese, pigeons, sparrows and gulls)? Can we agree that it is virtually fruitless to try and "restore" environment and animal species to what they were prior to the pilgrims arrival? (Those days are never coming back.)

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Can we agree that it is both unwise and arrogant to "assume" that because some species have difficulty adapting to a mostly human created environment, that the more adaptable species are to blame? 

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Can we agree that just because humans introduced some species to this country, that is insufficient reason to target those species for "elimination?"

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If you agree with some or most of those statements, please submit opposing comment to the DEC plan as directed in the above link. Or, you can also post comment and sign the petition below that opposes the cull:

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https://www.change.org/petitions/new-york-state-department-of-environmental-conservation-stop-new-york-state-s-swan-killing-plan

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Ideally, we do both.

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The days of many of us seeing and admiring the beautiful swans swimming in our local lakes may soon be gone forever -- as they already are in Central Park in New York City.  -- PCA

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"Might, May and Could" -- Lessons in (Wildlife) Intolerance

Mute swans and Canada geese -- victims of "might, may and could."

Today our wildlife lessons are in the use of terms like "might, may or could" to generate fear and demonize whatever we deem to be nuisance or inconvenience.

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The first lesson comes from Aurora, Illinois where a church that apparently owns more than 70 acres of property is complaining about the mostly migratory Canada geese that roost at an icy lake there this time of year.

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Crossroads Church in Aurora battles geese invasion | abc7chicago.com

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The geese "squawk" when they're flying over and according to the pastor, they "occasionally chase children."  (Something I personally have never seen despite observing Canada geese in Central Park for more than five years.)

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Of course one is hard pressed to see any children in the video of an icy lake and mostly snow covered fields. Generally "soccer and baseball" are played in the summer.

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The pastor goes on to say that he "may eradicate the problem here," but it will go somewhere else in what seems blatant attempt to instill fear in neighbors that they will soon be "invaded" by geese.

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But in an outdoors (hunting) article and video out today, it is clear that the geese moving around Illinois now are migratory and in large part "attracted" by a refuge that encourages a large goose population for hunters to shoot at:

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http://www.wsiltv.com/news/local/Canada-Geese-Return-to-Southern-Illinois-240375511.html

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According to the above article, the migratory geese will leave Illinois naturally in about 60 days -- well before soccer and baseball seasons.

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Perhaps the church pastor is as ignorant about wildlife policies in his state as he is seemingly ignorant on the bible which quotes God as saying, "Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind."

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It is truly ironic that geese were shot at this church property immediately following Christmas:

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http://oswego.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/geese-hunting-at-crossroads-church-ceased-discussion-to-follow

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As there was "no room at the inn" for the Christ child, there is apparently no room on church grounds for wildlife more than 2,000 years later.

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Little has changed.

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In the more typical use of "might, may and coulds" to rationalize the deliberate killing (or "culling") of animals, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced a plan to "eliminate" free-roaming mute swans in New York State by the year 2025:

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Mute Swan - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

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The document makes the case for this by asserting the swans "might have a detrimental impact upon aquatic ecosystems."

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My grandmother "might" have a detrimental impact upon aquatic ecosystems -- except for the fact she is dead.

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I "might" have a mansion in Hawaii -- except for the fact I don't.

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It seems "might, may and could" are convenient words for when we don't know what we're talking about, but want to assign blame or instill fear anyway.

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And few species have become more victimized by that mentality and human tendency than Canada geese and apparently now, mute swans. -- PCA

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"You Don't Need a Weatherman to Know Which Way the Wind Blows"

Leaning light post at Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park after several days of punishing winds.

Geese and ducks hunkering down on ice-covered Reservoir yesterday.

"We have only to wait it out, guys."

Icy Reservoir.

Ducks on ice at Harlem Meer.

Arctic Vortexes are like red carpet events. -- One has to dress appropriately for them.

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So it was that with temperatures plunging this week to 4 degrees in NYC and wind chills below zero, I was compelled to dress in layers -- including tights and leggings under loose fitting pants and the hood of my jacket completely covering head and lower part of face. Who cares about "fashion" when the weather is like this?  The main thing is to insulate and protect.

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For the waterfowl of Central Park, watchwords are apparently the same.

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And though they don't have satellites in the skies or meteorologists on TV warning them of oncoming "Arctic Vortexes," the geese and ducks appear to have accurate means of knowing beforehand, drastic weather changes about to occur, as well as taking appropriate measures to protect themselves through them.

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Prior to the snow storm of more than a week ago, Canada geese left the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park only to return shortly after the storm ended.

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Prior to the "Arctic Vortex" arriving this past Tuesday, geese also left the Reservoir with the ducks soon to follow.    (I am not sure where they all went to avoid the worst parts of the weather blasts. Presumably, some location with "cover" which is mostly lacking at the Reservoir.)

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Though I did not initially plan to go to Central Park this past Tuesday in what media  describe as "dangerous conditions," curiosity got the better of me and after donning plenty of layers, I made the trip anyway shortly after sunset.

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The temperature was 8 degrees with wind chills of minus 6.

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It was the first time ever I had gone to Central Park and not seen one living being -- either animal OR human!

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Central Park was like the twilight zone.  Eerie, but beautiful in a chilling, peaceful kind of way.

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Unsurprisingly, Harlem Meer was a frozen block of barren ice with no waterfowl on it.

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Very surprisingly however was that the bird empty Reservoir was still mostly open water! 

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The reason for that was because of the cutting winds blowing brutally from west to east, turning what is usually a calm body of water, into what appeared a raging ocean, complete with ice caps and waves.  Put simply, the water was whipping and moving too fast to freeze over.

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Small wonder all the geese and ducks left!

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The following day, a friend asked, "Weren't you afraid to be in the park when no one was there?"

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"Not really." I answered honestly. "Last night was probably the safest time of the whole year to be in the park. It was too cold for criminals."  (On that note, it was reported on the news that a escaped convict from Kentucky turned himself into the police after experiencing two days in freezing cold.)

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Returning to the park the day after the deep freeze, people were beginning to reappear as were the geese and ducks at the Reservoir.

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But, the winds were still blowing hard and water was surprisingly still open, though ice had formed around the perimeters of the Reservoir.

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Walking back from the Reservoir, I noted a light post suddenly tilted like the leaning tower of Piza.  If metal had a hard time standing up to punishing winds, how would feathers and slim bone?  It was easy then to understand why all the geese and ducks had left just prior to the "Arctic Vortex" -- especially as it blew into the Reservoir.  Yet, most of the birds were returning, as if consulting with their internal "weather reports."

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However, the greatest surprise of all was yesterday.

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Temperatures yesterday warmed up to freezing in NYC and the wind finally died down.

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But, the entire Reservoir was covered in thin sheets of ice!  (Something rarely seen at this location.)

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Normally, when ice starts to form, geese and mallards organize to vigorously swim circles and try to maintain some open water.  

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But, the geese and ducks were all standing stoically on the ice with nary any attempts to swim circles or break up ice sheets.

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Apparently, they were aware that temperatures were warming and the ice would eventually melt on its own.  There was no need to waste energy by trying to break it up.

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Some ducks also returned to a frozen Harlem Meer last night and like the ones at the Reservoir were content to roost and rest on the ice with little movement.  "We have only to wait it out," being the apparent watch phrase of the evening.

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As temperatures have warmed even more today, it is speculated that much of the thin ice at the Reservoir will have already melted and even some at Harlem Meer.

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As Dylan once sang, "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."

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In my case, I have only to observe the behaviors of the geese and ducks at Central Park to know what the weather the following day will be. -- PCA

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The Iceman Cometh to New York City and Wildlife Takes Cover

Mallards grabbing what food can be found on frozen lake and ground last night at Harlem Meer in Central Park. Temperature in NYC today 4 degrees with 20 below zero wind chills.

Temperature this morning in Central Park, NYC was 4 degrees with 20 below zero wind chills.  High temperature today will be only 12 degrees.

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That represents more than a 50 degree plunge from yesterday's balmy 57 degree thermometer reading and an all time low for Central Park on this date.

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When arriving at Harlem Meer last night, (after a day of heavy rain and unseasonably warm temperatures) I expected some of the ice on the lake to be melted.

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But, I was wrong.

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The lake was a frozen block of ice, as if in preparation for the deep freeze about to occur (not a hole of open water anywhere).

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Surprisingly, a bunch of mallards still remained and came "ice skating" across the frozen lake to me in search of food.  -- The ducks are amazingly adept at this skill, almost as good to qualify for Olympic competition. 

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But, I suspect the only reason the mallards were still at the ice covered lake was in anticipation of an early evening meal.  Its highly unlikely they stayed -- unless perhaps to take cover in some of the tall weeds and marsh that still surround the Meer.

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Weeds and marsh do enable waterfowl to find some protection from particularly brutal winds, as evidenced in the following incredible video shot the other day in Prospect Park:

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http://vimeo.com/83449105

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The understanding today is that Prospect Park is also now covered in ice with only a "tiny hole" of still open water.

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Unlike Prospect Park and Harlem Meer, there is very little brush remaining around the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park for waterfowl to take cover from wind as virtually all of it has been cut down during the past year.

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It is speculated that is the main reason for virtually all of the Canada geese to suddenly vacate the Reservoir as of late yesterday afternoon despite the fact that most of the ice had melted and there was open water.

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The geese had also left the Reservoir just prior to the snow storm last week.

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Normally geese like "open spaces" as they allow for easy viewing of potential predators.

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But, apparently during storms or particularly brutal wind chills, they seek cover from the elements.

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Mallards and other ducks were still present at the Reservoir last night. But, being smaller than geese, it is hoped and anticipated they can find some cover in the few small plants and weeds scattered on rocks around the watercourse.

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But, regardless of exactly where the birds are during this frigid spell in New York City, they undoubtedly are forced to "hunker down" and just toughen out the harsh times.

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By the end of the week, temperatures are predicted to balloon up again to 50 degrees.

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I can then say again how much I "love winter" in New York City and particularly Central Park.

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But, for now, I and the ducks and geese are simply saying, "Bah humbug! This can't end soon enough!"   -- PCA

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Mystery of the Mallards Who Elected to Stay on Frozen Lake

Sun setting on frozen Harlem Meer yesterday.

Tree overlooking completely frozen lake.

Not a duck or goose to be seen anywhere.

Night falls on frigid scene.

And suddenly, out come the ducks -- including Mister Mister!

But, why did the flying mallards elect to stay on frozen lake?

At the Jackie Onassis Reservoir, geese who had been hunkered against cold the day before, suddenly had to "work" to maintain open water on quickly icing over watercourse.

Temperatures in NYC warmed yesterday to a balmy 25 degrees.  It almost felt like spring!

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But, considering near single digit plunge of the previous few days, I fully expected Harlem Meer in Central Park to be a frozen block of ice -- and indeed it was.

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There was not a single goose or duck to be seen anywhere on the ice-covered lake when first I arrived.

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But, the reason for going to the Meer was my concern for "Mister, Mister," the mallard drake with a broken wing since last spring.

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Could Mister survive at all on a frozen lake? -- Especially alone?

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I walked all around the Meer yesterday searching for Mister or any sign of waterfowl life only to be met with sunset photo opportunities.

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But, as the sun sunk below the horizon and I had walked a complete circle around the Meer, I suddenly noticed, not one, but a total of 5 mallards walking on the ice!

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Where had they been hiding? I wondered. (Apparently in marshes and weeds.) And why were 4 flying mallards still at the frozen Meer?

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The second question I had no answer for as it is extremely unusual for ducks or geese to remain on a totally frozen watercourse.

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That is, unless there is some sort of "bonding" with a flightless mate or flock member or there is anticipation that ice will shortly melt and open water soon become available.

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I am not sure of the answer in this case as I was not aware of Mister having any bonded flock mates or if the ducks could possibly know that temperatures would warm today and the thinner ice sheets likely melt.

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The four healthy ducks remaining were comprised of two drakes and two hens (pairs, I imagined).  But, exactly why they stayed to tough it out with the flightless Mister when all the other mallards and geese left shall remain a mystery.

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Chalk it up to still another example of just when you think you "know" everything about natural duck or goose behavior, something occurs that knocks your socks off and basically informs that you are an idiot.  (i.e."You don't know anything at all!")

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After tossing some cracked corn to the hungry five on ice who provided few answers, I decided to check out the scene at the Jackie Onassis Reservoir where presumably most of the geese and ducks still remained.

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But, I was in for another shock when finally arriving to the Reservoir.

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In less than 24 hours, nearly 90% of the Reservoir became covered in ice!   (As previously noted, the Central Park Reservoir, rarely freezes over even in the coldest of winters. To suddenly see it like a giant ice sheet and in so short a period was startling to say the least!)

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I could however, make out goose shapes in the far distance and made my way over to the north side of the watercourse -- or ice course, more accurately.

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And yes, the geese, mallards and coots were still there -- but unlike the previous day when geese were mostly hunkered down against the cold with their heads tucked into their backs, the geese were hard at work last night.

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They apparently realized that with 90% of the Reservoir quickly icing over, they had two choices:

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They either flew out to search for a safe, open water location somewhere else. 

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Or, they organized into "working groups" to swim vigorously in circles to maintain an open pool of water.

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Most of the geese obviously chose the latter. --  If they wanted open water at the Reservoir, they had to work for it.

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And so swim and "work" they did.  

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I did not in fact see even one goose last night sitting on rocks with head tucked into back like the day before. 

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Each goose had a role and job to do.

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And for their part, the mallards and coots assisted.

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While geese, being larger and heavier than mallards or coots are good at breaking up thin sheets of ice, the smaller birds (being quicker) assist by keeping the pools open through vigorous, energetic swimming.

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Its interesting how waterfowl, who can be competitive and even combative with each other during other times of the year are amazingly cooperative when the chips are down and conditions challenging.

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This was not the first time I had witnessed geese and ducks working cooperatively to create and maintain open water during winter's challenges.  Indeed, it is par for the course.

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But, I still can't figure out those four mallards who elected to stay at a completely frozen  Harlem Meer!

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Perhaps Mister Mister has something going for him besides a broken and now calcified wing?

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It is said that nature often "compensates" for that which is taken away.

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I was aware that since breaking his wing, Mister Mister became the fastest duck on feet at Harlem Meer.   He moves on land with the swiftness of a dart which is the one factor that makes a rescue of this flightless mallard nearly impossible.

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But, did nature compensate Mister Mister in some other way I am not aware?

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Perhaps a hefty dose of charm or persuasion?

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Only the mallards know for sure -- and they ain't telling.    

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I will simply have to be content to know what I do not know.  -- PCA

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Geese, Snow and a Selfie!

Canada geese hunkered down by rocks at Reservoir and in front of any scant foliage they can find.

Typical wintering position of geese in frigid weather. Gotta protect head and neck!

"Snow goose!"

Hungry geese scrambling for crumbs.

Running path covered in snow and lone jogger on Reservoir.

"Selfie" in winter.  Like geese, gotta protect head and neck!

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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Journey to Central Park on New Year's Eve -- But For the Geese

More than 100 Canada geese gathered last night to the far north east side of Jackie Onassis Reservoir during New Year's fireworks.  Though frightened and unnerved, the geese remained undaunted and unbowed. They ultimtely waited out the hoopla -- though not without lots of "discussion" and/or even debate.

Question today on a Facebook NYC Birding site:

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"What was the first bird you saw on the New Year?"

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My answer:

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"Lots of Canada geese at the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park last night (and mallards and American coots).  The geese were clearly unnerved with visible and audible fireworks occurring some distance away. Much distressed honking, but most of the geese stayed anyway.  Following the fireworks, the "discussion" continued among the geese, though at lower pitch:  "What WAS that?  Hunters, human war, celestial event? Will it come again?"  But, alas, it seems many of the geese had been through it all before and prevailed in response to simply wait out the hoopla, regardless of the fright. I believe that is called, "adaptation."  And if nothing else, Canada geese are highly adaptable -- to virtually anything, including New Year's fireworks.  Truly brave creatures -- which is one of the reasons they are so cherished and revered by some of us."

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Yes, as predicted, many geese have newly arrived to the Central Park Reservoir over the past few days as upstate (or Long Island) lakes and ponds freeze over.  These are the geese who normally "winter" at the Reservoir until about mid February when temperatures show the first signs of warming and the geese return to familiar haunts.  

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Unlike last New Year however, when many of the geese took off from the Reservoir with the first explosions of fireworks, most of the geese last night, elected to stay.

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That suggests that most of the geese were returnees and actually remembered, that despite the terrifying sights and sounds booming in the skies above them, there was no actual, physical "threat." 

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But, decision to "wait out the hoopla" did not appear to come easily to the geese or without heated debate and/or disagreement.

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The panicked and distressed honking coming from the water within the Reservoir was actually far louder than the fireworks exploding in the distance.

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One could imagine the goose dialogues as they were occurring:

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"Quick, quick, we gotta get outta here!  Bombs and gunshots breaking in the skies!"

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"No! No!  Don't panic!  It will pass.  No threat to us!  We just need to gather towards the north end of the water.  Come, come!  Let's keep together.  NO NEED to panic!"

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This back and forth banter among leaders of different gaggles continued throughout the entire half hour of the fireworks.

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And while a few small families of geese actually did take off from the water, most of the geese cautiously gathered to the far north east corner of the Reservoir and waited out -- albeit, nervously -- the event.

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When finally the fireworks ended, the discussions (surprisingly) continued, though (as noted), at far lower and calmer pitch.

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(On this note, it is fascinating to realize the variety, tone and pitch of geese's actual and numerous vocalizations, some sounding loud and sharp like barking dogs, some sounding like excited children and some sounding low and long like mooing cows and some even being short and curt like clucking chickens.)

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It's guessed that at that point, the geese were simply trying to figure out what had just happened and if it would occur again.

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"What do you think that was, Joe?  Storm?  But, there was no change in wind, direction or temperature.  Shooting stars?  But, it seemed so much closer.  Some new human harassment trick?  But, it never approached us."

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Its unlikely that the geese actually figured out a human celebratory event.

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But, what most of them apparently did figure out eventually, is that the "threat" was actually no threat at all despite scary appearances and sounds.

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That is evidenced by the fact that most of the geese ultimately elected to stay and even the few who temporarily moved, most likely returned later.

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I call that courage in the sense of facing one's fears. 

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But, then, I am a lover of Canada geese and it was they -- not fireworks -- who were the real reason for my journey to Central Park on New Year's Eve.  -- PCA

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