Although its been several days since posting an entry here, I've actually written two, but decided at the last minute, to submit them as possible "Op Eds" to the New York Times.
The Times won't accept anything for publication that is already out in public venue.
While it is extremely unlikely that the Times will publish my personal submissions, (in which case, I will post here later in the week) I am hopeful that the paper will publish something that deals with the main subject matter of these entries:
That is, the very real threat that the current oil disaster in the Gulf can (and most likely will) result in extinction for Brown Pelicans, the state bird of Louisiana.
Brown Pelicans almost went extinct in the late 60's. This was mainly due to hunting, destruction of habitat and the harmful effects of DDT. But, then efforts were made to bring the birds back. DDT was banned, Brown Pelicans were added to the Endangered Species List and a protective rock barrier was created around Queen Bess Island (along the Louisiana coast) the favorite breeding ground for Brown Pelicans.
The efforts were successful and six months ago, the Brown Pelican was removed from the Endangered Species List.
My Op-Eds to the Times call for Brown Pelicans to be re-listed to the Endangered Species List as their recovery and survival chances after this catastrophic oil spill in the waters they feed from and the areas they breed, are in grave doubt.
Reality is, that even if rescued, cleaned up and released to other areas, such as Florida, the Pelicans are almost guaranteed to return to their homing (and now toxic) breeding grounds.
The outlook is extremely bleak for these magnificent birds (who are a vital part of the food chain and who mate for life) unless immediate and decisive steps are taken to help insure their protection and priority!
So far, 567 birds have been found dead in the Louisiana Gulf coast (with numbers growing alarmingly everyday.) Most have been identified as Brown Pelicans, but some are so oil-drenched they are beyond recognition.
86 Brown Pelicans (still breathing) have been picked up, but it is uncertain how many of those birds will ultimately live. There is a planned release tomorrow for some of the birds who have been successfully cleaned up, but as noted, Pelicans' normal "homing" instincts leave their long term survival in doubt.
It is important to not only write letters on this issue to the media, but also to contact our Senators, Representatives and the President to demand that Brown Pelicans be immediately re-added to the Endangered Species List.
BP can't list animals to the Endangered Species List (and truly should NOT be charge of their rescues or the Gulf clean-up!). Only our federal political leaders can.
Please contact the President and your elected national leaders first thing on Monday (you can get their names and contact information from the League of Women Voters) and demand, not only for Brown Pelicans to be re-added to the Endangered Species List, but ALSO that the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammals Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Act Treaty be ENFORCED.
Reality is, that had these laws been followed in the first place, we would not be facing the horrible tragedy we are now in the Gulf.
Sperm whales are on the Endangered Species List. BP was required by law to get permits before drilling in areas where there are protected species. Since Sperm Whales swim in Gulf waters, the likelihood is that BP would never have been granted federal permit to drill as it would have violated this important law of protection and put Sperm Whales under threat!
So, if anyone thinks this is just about birds, whales or other endangered wildlife, think again.
The oil spill that should have never occurred in the first place (had laws been followed) now threatens the entire Gulf coast and the health and livelihoods of its human as well as animal inhabitants. --PCA
******
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Fiddling (and Singing) While the Gulf Burns
It is very difficult not to feel shocked, confused and despaired right now with our country's lackadaisical and anemic response to the oil crisis in the Gulf. -- A crisis that could ultimately result in the entire region becoming a "Dead Zone" for all wild and marine life.There seems a deafening silence from the Animal Protection Community, the Environmental Community, the "bleeding heart" Hollywood sect, most of our nation's politicians and sadly, most of the public.
Indeed, the main people seemingly (and only?) upset about this national catastrophe are the shrimpers and fishermen in Louisiana who are worried over losing their livelihoods. -- Oh, and those involved in tourist industries who worry over the loss of business should the beaches all along the Gulf Coast degenerate into toxic, oil-leaden wastelands.
Well, "oil-leaden and toxic wasteland" is what the entire Gulf is likely to become unless a massive mobilization is immediately undertaken to try and clean up the mess and prevent the oil from reaching sensitive marshes, wetlands and beaches from Louisiana to Mississippi to Florida. Already oil is approaching Mississippi and Florida. It is now speculated that oil could continue spewing out millions of gallons of toxic brew through December. The "powers that be" are apparently powerless to actually plug the hole anytime soon.
What would a "massive mobilization" entail?
Well, something similar to what was organized to go into New Orleans after Katrina and Haiti after the earthquake. Money could be raised to pay for the relief efforts just as it was for the natural disasters: Telethons, concerts, public appeals, emails and texts.
The apparent "strategy" of simply waiting and wishing for BP to "plug up the hole" is no strategy at all.
Nor, is sending a few hundred workers with Bounty towels to wipe oil off grass any kind of "strategy."
It is so obvious that BP is NOT going to clean up the mess. They can't even plug the hole!
So where does that leave our nation's leaders in all this?
Well, today Obama made a commencement speech in Pennsylvania. Tonight, Paul McCartney is scheduled to "entertain" the President and his wife at the White House and receive some special award.
We are, (as a nation) essentially, singing and fiddling while the Gulf burns. -- PCA
*********
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
"You're Doing a Heck of a Job, BP!"
I realize that President Obama didn't go to the gulf coast and make the, "You're doing a heck of a job, BP!" comment.
However, he might as well have.
The photo op last week of Obama picking up oil chips from a gulf beach while bused-in workers pretended to clean up the toxic debris (and immediately left when the President did) is an insult to the American public and an utter joke to the so-called, "free press."
As much as one hates to say this, our President looked like a total buffoon. . Mouthing off the latest spin from BP and apparently not even knowing at the time that the most recent effort to stop the oil spil ("Top Kill") had already been halted (and deemed a "failure") while Obama was expressing hope that it would succeed!
The Deep Horizon oil disaster IS Obama's Katrina.
In fact, when one considers the long range economic and ecological impacts and destruction of this catastrophe (40 million gallons of oil and toxic chemicals poisoning waters, marshes, wildlife and marine life for generations to come), it makes Hurricane Katrina look like a tea party.
Where is the sense of outrage from the public, our President and the press?
Where are the Hollywood celebrities and New York "activists" making trips to the affected areas?
Where are the Telethons to raise money for a cleanup that would require years and many billions of dollars?
Where are the major Animal Protection organizations?
There seems dead silence from all the aforementioned with the exception of the grandson of Jacque Cousteau who actually made a trip to film some of the affected areas.
Anyone who thinks that an oil company whose main mission is to drill, baby, drill is going to somehow solve the mess it has created might has well be saying, "kill, baby kill."
That's like expecting foxes to nurture chickens.
It is of course wrong to blame the current President for all the horror that is going down.
Much of it lies with former administrations, especially the Bush/Cheney White House.
But, Obama was supposed to represent "change" from all the misguided policies of the past.
Certainly, Obama ran with great fire in the belly to win the nomination and the election for President of the United States.
But, that same "fire in the belly" is very hard to detect now.
However, he might as well have.
The photo op last week of Obama picking up oil chips from a gulf beach while bused-in workers pretended to clean up the toxic debris (and immediately left when the President did) is an insult to the American public and an utter joke to the so-called, "free press."
As much as one hates to say this, our President looked like a total buffoon. . Mouthing off the latest spin from BP and apparently not even knowing at the time that the most recent effort to stop the oil spil ("Top Kill") had already been halted (and deemed a "failure") while Obama was expressing hope that it would succeed!
The Deep Horizon oil disaster IS Obama's Katrina.
In fact, when one considers the long range economic and ecological impacts and destruction of this catastrophe (40 million gallons of oil and toxic chemicals poisoning waters, marshes, wildlife and marine life for generations to come), it makes Hurricane Katrina look like a tea party.
Where is the sense of outrage from the public, our President and the press?
Where are the Hollywood celebrities and New York "activists" making trips to the affected areas?
Where are the Telethons to raise money for a cleanup that would require years and many billions of dollars?
Where are the major Animal Protection organizations?
There seems dead silence from all the aforementioned with the exception of the grandson of Jacque Cousteau who actually made a trip to film some of the affected areas.
Anyone who thinks that an oil company whose main mission is to drill, baby, drill is going to somehow solve the mess it has created might has well be saying, "kill, baby kill."
That's like expecting foxes to nurture chickens.
It is of course wrong to blame the current President for all the horror that is going down.
Much of it lies with former administrations, especially the Bush/Cheney White House.
But, Obama was supposed to represent "change" from all the misguided policies of the past.
Certainly, Obama ran with great fire in the belly to win the nomination and the election for President of the United States.
But, that same "fire in the belly" is very hard to detect now.
In fact, it seems totally missing.
Shortly after the disaster occurred, Obama made a trip to help fund-raise for Barbara Boxer in California.
Apparently, the administration "assumed" BP would take care of everything.
Now, more than a month into the catastrophe and after taking some heat from media pundits, Obama is finally making some attempt to express "enragement" and distance himself from the honchos at BP who have so far, done little beyond lie and spin.
Then again what should the administration have EXPECTED from BP??
Its like Barbara Walters asking Scott Peterson or OJ Simpson, "Did you kill your wife?"
Do reporters asking these questions of murderers EVER expect a truthful reply?
Well, you don't ask BP either if they can fix and clean up the oil spill because you are not EVER going to get a truthful answer.
For, even if BP wanted to clean up the mess, the fact is, it can't now.
We will need ALL the resources available through whatever means -- scientific, environmental, military, animal protection, industry and yes, even celebrity and activism (to raise money) just to try and contain and clean up some of the toxic feast.
Instead of these politicians (and that includes Obama) worrying about how to raise millions for their next campaign runs, they need to be thinking of how to raise the BILLIONS its going to require to help address this truly NATIONAL DISASTER of epic proportion.
The time for "spin and photo Ops" is long past.
The American people need to demand real change and RESULTS.
"Change" is after all, what Obama ran on.
But, "more of the same" is what we're getting.
"More of the same" will not work for future generations -- or even the survival of the planet. -- PCA
*******
Shortly after the disaster occurred, Obama made a trip to help fund-raise for Barbara Boxer in California.
Apparently, the administration "assumed" BP would take care of everything.
Now, more than a month into the catastrophe and after taking some heat from media pundits, Obama is finally making some attempt to express "enragement" and distance himself from the honchos at BP who have so far, done little beyond lie and spin.
Then again what should the administration have EXPECTED from BP??
Its like Barbara Walters asking Scott Peterson or OJ Simpson, "Did you kill your wife?"
Do reporters asking these questions of murderers EVER expect a truthful reply?
Well, you don't ask BP either if they can fix and clean up the oil spill because you are not EVER going to get a truthful answer.
For, even if BP wanted to clean up the mess, the fact is, it can't now.
We will need ALL the resources available through whatever means -- scientific, environmental, military, animal protection, industry and yes, even celebrity and activism (to raise money) just to try and contain and clean up some of the toxic feast.
Instead of these politicians (and that includes Obama) worrying about how to raise millions for their next campaign runs, they need to be thinking of how to raise the BILLIONS its going to require to help address this truly NATIONAL DISASTER of epic proportion.
The time for "spin and photo Ops" is long past.
The American people need to demand real change and RESULTS.
"Change" is after all, what Obama ran on.
But, "more of the same" is what we're getting.
"More of the same" will not work for future generations -- or even the survival of the planet. -- PCA
*******
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Wonders of Canadian Geese
(Pictures: Daddy keeping vigilance while Mom and babies eat. The babies growing everyday -- especially, their spindly legs and feet! Daddy signaling the family to get in the water....leading the way.)
One of the truly great joys for me over the past week has been the discovering of the Canadian Goose family in Central Park.
I take my dogs every morning to observe and photograph them and to revel in the fast and amazing changes.
In less than a week, the six goslings are growing at a phenomenal pace -- especially their spindly legs and black, webbed feet.
They walk, they run and they swim. And although they make attempts to flap their tiny wings (in what really is a comical scene) when they run, they are still too young to fly.
But, if I find the baby Canadian Geese adorable, funny and fascinating, I am totally swept in and intrigued by the gosling's devoted and protective parents -- especially, the "Daddy" goose.
Daddy is on constant vigilance. Head high in the air, listening, watching and turning in all directions to carefully monitor any possible threats.
If my dogs get too close, Daddy Goose will spread his wings and begin to charge while making a "hissing" sound. I quickly pull Tina and Chance back.
Mama goose seems less cautious and will often approach me to take bread from my hand. She too, however, is protective of her babies and will occasionally "hiss" at my dogs.
The family is moving around a lot more now. They swim in the pond and sometimes I have to look for them. They seem to be going a lot more "public" now, wandering around on some of the public parts surrounding Turtle Pond.
This worries me somewhat especially in the early morning hours (when dogs are allowed to run off leash) or those occasions when the park might draw some unsavory characters.
But, I imagine the parent geese know a lot more than I do.
If Daddy suddenly decides its time to go, then, by some unbeknownst signal to me, the rest of the family quickly gets in line and heads for the water.
It's fascinated me for quite some time, exactly how Canadian Geese communicate with each other.
But, they must have some kind of sophisticated means of communication because when in flocks, they can suddenly bolt for the skies with just a "honk" from a lead goose. One often hears them honking signals to each other while in flight.
They fly in perfect "V" formations and always seem to know (or communicate) where they are heading to.
Canadian Geese seem to have a sharp sense of when storms are coming or any other type of danger.
When grazing on grass in flocks, there is usually one male goose keeping constant "vigilance" just as the Daddy goose does now with his family. So intent on keeping vigilance, the male (or lead) goose rarely seems to take time to nibble.
I don't understand why Canadian Geese are generally frowned upon and considered "nuisance" wildlife by parks departments, city officials and much of the public.
I think they are beautiful, intelligent, peaceful and utterly fascinating animals.
Daddy Canadian Geese would put many human Fathers to shame and they probably make better "husbands", too. In fact, a woman told me last week that male geese will even share nest-sitting duties with their female mates!
There is a reason why these birds have survived and proliferated throughout most of North America despite endless human attempts to hunt, terrorize, "control," kill and harass them.
I believe its their smarts, their devotion and loyalty and their extraordinary communication skills.
Of course my heart breaks now when thinking about how many geese, ducks and all other types of waterfowl, fish and turtles will be destroyed by the horrendous (and really, unforgivable) oil spill in the Gulf.
No matter how well equipped to deal with the stresses and natural disasters of life and nature, not even God could prepare the animals for the disasters created by man.
And how horribly ironic that such catastrophe would occur in the spring -- when so many baby animals (like the ones I so enjoy watching grow and develop now) are born. -- PCA
*****
I take my dogs every morning to observe and photograph them and to revel in the fast and amazing changes.
In less than a week, the six goslings are growing at a phenomenal pace -- especially their spindly legs and black, webbed feet.
They walk, they run and they swim. And although they make attempts to flap their tiny wings (in what really is a comical scene) when they run, they are still too young to fly.
But, if I find the baby Canadian Geese adorable, funny and fascinating, I am totally swept in and intrigued by the gosling's devoted and protective parents -- especially, the "Daddy" goose.
Daddy is on constant vigilance. Head high in the air, listening, watching and turning in all directions to carefully monitor any possible threats.
If my dogs get too close, Daddy Goose will spread his wings and begin to charge while making a "hissing" sound. I quickly pull Tina and Chance back.
Mama goose seems less cautious and will often approach me to take bread from my hand. She too, however, is protective of her babies and will occasionally "hiss" at my dogs.
The family is moving around a lot more now. They swim in the pond and sometimes I have to look for them. They seem to be going a lot more "public" now, wandering around on some of the public parts surrounding Turtle Pond.
This worries me somewhat especially in the early morning hours (when dogs are allowed to run off leash) or those occasions when the park might draw some unsavory characters.
But, I imagine the parent geese know a lot more than I do.
If Daddy suddenly decides its time to go, then, by some unbeknownst signal to me, the rest of the family quickly gets in line and heads for the water.
It's fascinated me for quite some time, exactly how Canadian Geese communicate with each other.
But, they must have some kind of sophisticated means of communication because when in flocks, they can suddenly bolt for the skies with just a "honk" from a lead goose. One often hears them honking signals to each other while in flight.
They fly in perfect "V" formations and always seem to know (or communicate) where they are heading to.
Canadian Geese seem to have a sharp sense of when storms are coming or any other type of danger.
When grazing on grass in flocks, there is usually one male goose keeping constant "vigilance" just as the Daddy goose does now with his family. So intent on keeping vigilance, the male (or lead) goose rarely seems to take time to nibble.
I don't understand why Canadian Geese are generally frowned upon and considered "nuisance" wildlife by parks departments, city officials and much of the public.
I think they are beautiful, intelligent, peaceful and utterly fascinating animals.
Daddy Canadian Geese would put many human Fathers to shame and they probably make better "husbands", too. In fact, a woman told me last week that male geese will even share nest-sitting duties with their female mates!
There is a reason why these birds have survived and proliferated throughout most of North America despite endless human attempts to hunt, terrorize, "control," kill and harass them.
I believe its their smarts, their devotion and loyalty and their extraordinary communication skills.
Of course my heart breaks now when thinking about how many geese, ducks and all other types of waterfowl, fish and turtles will be destroyed by the horrendous (and really, unforgivable) oil spill in the Gulf.
No matter how well equipped to deal with the stresses and natural disasters of life and nature, not even God could prepare the animals for the disasters created by man.
And how horribly ironic that such catastrophe would occur in the spring -- when so many baby animals (like the ones I so enjoy watching grow and develop now) are born. -- PCA
*****
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
An Armageddon for our Coastal Wild and Marine Life
(Picture left: A heron lays dying due to oil spillage in the Gulf. Photo credit: Nora Leah.)The picture of the heron slowly dying due to the oil disaster in the gulf is disturbing enough if the human-created calamity only affected one animal. But, one has to realize the picture will be multiplied millions of times over before the final damage is done.
The (totally preventable) oil spillage represents an Armageddon for our coastal wildlife and marine life.
No matter what other projects or challenges we may be working on or that might divert our attentions, it is imperative to take the time to contact our national representatives to demand immediate remedies.
This needs, for the time being, to take priority over everything else.
Incentives to the oil companies for off-shore drilling need to be removed from the Energy bill.
The EPA needs to be given full range of enforcement to the Clean Air Act.
Cynical and corrupt politicians assume (tragically, correctly) that most people care far more about cheap gas than they do the health of our planet and the survival of species, but we need to show in loud voice that such is not true of all (or, hopefully, even most) Americans.
Either our government takes immediate and substantial measures to stop the current spillage and PREVENT future disasters of this type or the politicians can all look for other jobs come election day.
Its past time for Americans to become politically active and actually show that we CARE what is being allowed to occur in our country under the guise of "cheap gas" (or "cheap meat").
Destroying the planet, other species, and eventually ourselves, should not be the ultimate "price" of cheap and in many cases, unnecessary goods (especially in the case of meat.) -- PCA
******
The (totally preventable) oil spillage represents an Armageddon for our coastal wildlife and marine life.
No matter what other projects or challenges we may be working on or that might divert our attentions, it is imperative to take the time to contact our national representatives to demand immediate remedies.
This needs, for the time being, to take priority over everything else.
Incentives to the oil companies for off-shore drilling need to be removed from the Energy bill.
The EPA needs to be given full range of enforcement to the Clean Air Act.
Cynical and corrupt politicians assume (tragically, correctly) that most people care far more about cheap gas than they do the health of our planet and the survival of species, but we need to show in loud voice that such is not true of all (or, hopefully, even most) Americans.
Either our government takes immediate and substantial measures to stop the current spillage and PREVENT future disasters of this type or the politicians can all look for other jobs come election day.
Its past time for Americans to become politically active and actually show that we CARE what is being allowed to occur in our country under the guise of "cheap gas" (or "cheap meat").
Destroying the planet, other species, and eventually ourselves, should not be the ultimate "price" of cheap and in many cases, unnecessary goods (especially in the case of meat.) -- PCA
******
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Pigeon Shoots (Wall Street Journal -- News)
(Picture Left: Pigeons atop the Angel of the Waters at Bethesda Fountain. They seem to know who their friends are)This story should also be in the print edition in today's Wall Street Journal.
To learn more about Pennsylvania's pigeon shoots, visit http://www.humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse
Patrick Kwan, New York State Director
The Humane Society of the United States http://www.humanesociety.org/ http://www.twitter.com/heypatrick http://bit.ly/HSUSNYfacebook
Wall Street Journal
May 24, 2010, 5:09 PM ETNYC
Pigeons Trapped, Kidnapped and Shot for Sport, Group Says
By R.M. Schneidermanhttp:
//blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2010/05/24/citys-pigeons-are-captured-shot-for-sport-lawyers-group-says/
For years there have been rumors. Unafraid of human contact and lured by scattered seeds, New York City pigeons are trapped in nets, thrown in the back of vans and whisked away. Just where they go is unclear. Some say they're used in voodoo ceremonies or as food in restaurants.
Earlier this month, in a letter to Pennsylvania lawmakers, the New York City Bar claims that many pigeons are captured and transported, without food or water, to middlemen in Pennsylvania. From there they are sold to shooting ranges for use in live trap shooting competitions where participants fire shotguns at live pigeons vaulted into the air.
"Because there is a constant demand for birds to supply these events, the trap shoots induce unlawful poaching in nearby New York City," the attorneys' group wrote in a letter to the leaders of the Pennsylvania state Senate and House of Representatives earlier this month.
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are considering a ban on pigeon shooting statewide. The New York City Bar wrote the letter in support of the legislation.Trapping pigeons is legal under New York state law if the birds are considered a nuisance and if the trapper has the proper license. The pigeons also must be trapped "in a humane manner," according to the law. (The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation has not yet returned calls seeking the state definition of "humane.")
But Lori Barrett, a member of the New York City Bar, said in an interview that the birds in question are deprived of food and water and shipped across state lines to be killed, all of which violates state environmental and animal cruelty laws. According to the Heidi Prescott, a senior vice president for the Humane Society of the United States, the birds are often lured with food, then trapped in nets and taken in vans to pigeon brokers in Pennsylvania. The pigeon brokers act as middlemen, purchasing the birds for $2 a head, then often selling them to shooting ranges for $4 each.
The trap shooting events, which take place mostly in the fall and winter, largely occur at four shooting ranges in Bucks, Berks and Dauphin counties in eastern Pennsylvania.
At the daylong events, several hundred to several thousand pigeons are loaded into boxes and catapulted into the air at various angles as competitors, standing behind the boxes, shoot them out of the sky with 12-gauge shotguns.
Some of the birds are killed immediately, the New York City Bar said in the letter. But others, say the attorneys, either die from injuries or starvation or at the hands of workers at the shooting ranges, who kill the wounded birds.Proponents of trap shooting consider the activity a sport and say they have the legal right to participate in it.
"It's an American tradition and form of pest control," said Frank Pascoe, a Pennsylvania representative for the Amateur Trap Shooting Association.Pascoe added that he supports live pigeon shooting, though he himself participates and oversees shooting ranges that offer clay targets.
-------
Monday, May 24, 2010
Spring -- The (truly) Mean Season
(Pictures: The male swan at Harlem Meer photographed about two weeks ago. Seemingly at loss without his mate. He too, has now disappeared. Photos of goose family discovered yesterday. So beautiful and precious. But, what does the rest of spring and summer hold in store for them?)
This weekend represented grief and mourning for the lost and celebration of new life for the born.
This past Saturday I attended a special tour to see and learn about the raccoons of Central Park.
The tour was conducted by the Park Rangers of Central Park.
Perhaps it was not advertised enough (I saw the promotion on http://www.centralpark.com/). But, it was a little disconcerting to note that only myself and one other woman showed up for it.
I guess not too many New Yorkers like or care about raccoons?
That might help explain why, in recent months, it is extremely difficult to find any raccoons in Central Park, despite just a year or so ago, the park was plentiful with them.
The explanation for the huge decline in raccoon numbers offered by the Parks Department and Department of Health is that rabies had been found in a number of the animals.
The Parks Department, DOH, and the rangers have thus sought out and picked up any raccoons that "appear sick" to test them for rabies.
The only way to "test" animals for rabies is to kill them, remove the head and test for the virus. (The alternative is to hold animals in isolation for a period of time such as six months to see if they develop any symptoms of the disease. -- Something simply not practical for wild animals like raccoons.)
Supposedly, healthy raccoons have been vaccinated against rabies and released back to the park.
But, as noted, it is very difficult to find any raccoons in the park these days.
A very nice park ranger named Sheridan took the other woman and myself on the tour through the Conservatory, the North Woods and the surrounding area to Harlem Meer. Throughout the two hour walk, we only found what appeared to be one sleeping raccoon high in a tree at the Conservatory Garden.
I don't know that I totally believe the story about "rabies" in the park population of raccoons.
I do know that many people either don't like raccoons or are fearful of them.
When one considers the millions of people who attend Central Park in the warmer months, then perhaps a "plentiful" population of raccoons was simply not desirable?
Other animals -- like Canadian Geese are also considered "nuisance" wildlife. Sheridan (the Park Ranger) told us that there is now a special program in operation to "scare away" the geese. Apparently, park workers use Border Collies specially trained to "stare" at the geese to intimidate and frighten them off.
That is upsetting to learn -- especially after finding a beautiful family of Canadian Geese (Mommy, Daddy and their six baby goslings) near Turtle Pond yesterday.
Will the Parks Department and DOH set the Border Collies against them?
I took photographs of the geese family yesterday and posted them to my Facebook page, as well as one photo to http://www.centralpark.com/.
God, they are amazing animals if one takes a little time to understand and reach out to them!
The male goose was constantly alert and watching out for any potential threat to his family. He reacted a couple of times to my two dogs, but luckily we were behind a small fence. After a while however, the daddy goose and his mate seemed to realize Tina and Chance represented no real threat to them.
In fact, the mama goose eventually came up to me and gently took bread from my hand!
I am sorry, but I think the geese and ducks and raccoons are beautiful animals whose place in the park should be respected, admired and appreciated.
We have so much to learn from these magnificent animals!
It, quite frankly makes me sick to think about any campaigns designed to "scare off" or round up and kill any of the animals. Yes, I understand rabies is a very real threat, but it's hard to believe that is the real reason for such a huge decline in raccoon numbers.
As for geese "pooping in the some of the grass" where people sit, well, I think we should realize that natural grass is already filled with tiny creatures that help keep it clean, as well as "waste" from many small animals from squirrels to birds. Should we "scare away" and kill all the animals because people can't bring something to throw down on the grass?
It's now understandable why I so much prefer winter to spring, summer and fall in the park. Its a hell of a lot more peaceful in the winter -- especially to the animals.
It is in fact, sad and ironic to see how so many animals survive the harsh, brutal conditions during the winter -- only to meet their end during the beautiful sunny days of spring.
One of these animals is the female swan who, along with her mate, survived the winter at Harlem Meer only to meet her death in the early weeks of May.
I noticed her missing a few weeks ago.
I tried to tell myself that perhaps she was off laying eggs somewhere and getting ready to raise her young.
But, the male swan was observed at that time, flying all over the Meer and sometimes standing on the ground looking clearly upset and agitated.
The Park Ranger told us on Saturday that the female swan was discovered dead in the pond a few weeks ago and a short time later, her mate was found wandering around Lasker swimming pool. Park workers had to gently coax him out, after which, he returned to the Meer.
But, the male swan too, is seemingly gone now. -- So lost he must be without his lifelong mate.
Sheridan seemed to feel it was a good thing that the male swan finally left the heavily human populated Harlem Meer.
"It is just not safe for them here," she added.
Considering all the people and kids now out at the Meer with fishing polls in hand, I have to agree with Sheridan, much as I loved seeing the swans and other birds at the Meer.
I especially worry now over the white, Peking ("food) ducks still at the Meer who are unable to fly.
What does the rest of spring hold in store for them -- especially with all the fish hooks and garbage in the water now?
What does the rest of spring and summer hold in the store for the new Goose parents and their babies?
No matter how intelligent, protective and vigilant, the male birds of these "mate for life" species and no matter how capable of surviving even the coldest winters, they are, in the end, no match for the cruelties of humans -- especially in the spring.
Spring -- the truly mean season. -- PCA
This past Saturday I attended a special tour to see and learn about the raccoons of Central Park.
The tour was conducted by the Park Rangers of Central Park.
Perhaps it was not advertised enough (I saw the promotion on http://www.centralpark.com/). But, it was a little disconcerting to note that only myself and one other woman showed up for it.
I guess not too many New Yorkers like or care about raccoons?
That might help explain why, in recent months, it is extremely difficult to find any raccoons in Central Park, despite just a year or so ago, the park was plentiful with them.
The explanation for the huge decline in raccoon numbers offered by the Parks Department and Department of Health is that rabies had been found in a number of the animals.
The Parks Department, DOH, and the rangers have thus sought out and picked up any raccoons that "appear sick" to test them for rabies.
The only way to "test" animals for rabies is to kill them, remove the head and test for the virus. (The alternative is to hold animals in isolation for a period of time such as six months to see if they develop any symptoms of the disease. -- Something simply not practical for wild animals like raccoons.)
Supposedly, healthy raccoons have been vaccinated against rabies and released back to the park.
But, as noted, it is very difficult to find any raccoons in the park these days.
A very nice park ranger named Sheridan took the other woman and myself on the tour through the Conservatory, the North Woods and the surrounding area to Harlem Meer. Throughout the two hour walk, we only found what appeared to be one sleeping raccoon high in a tree at the Conservatory Garden.
I don't know that I totally believe the story about "rabies" in the park population of raccoons.
I do know that many people either don't like raccoons or are fearful of them.
When one considers the millions of people who attend Central Park in the warmer months, then perhaps a "plentiful" population of raccoons was simply not desirable?
Other animals -- like Canadian Geese are also considered "nuisance" wildlife. Sheridan (the Park Ranger) told us that there is now a special program in operation to "scare away" the geese. Apparently, park workers use Border Collies specially trained to "stare" at the geese to intimidate and frighten them off.
That is upsetting to learn -- especially after finding a beautiful family of Canadian Geese (Mommy, Daddy and their six baby goslings) near Turtle Pond yesterday.
Will the Parks Department and DOH set the Border Collies against them?
I took photographs of the geese family yesterday and posted them to my Facebook page, as well as one photo to http://www.centralpark.com/.
God, they are amazing animals if one takes a little time to understand and reach out to them!
The male goose was constantly alert and watching out for any potential threat to his family. He reacted a couple of times to my two dogs, but luckily we were behind a small fence. After a while however, the daddy goose and his mate seemed to realize Tina and Chance represented no real threat to them.
In fact, the mama goose eventually came up to me and gently took bread from my hand!
I am sorry, but I think the geese and ducks and raccoons are beautiful animals whose place in the park should be respected, admired and appreciated.
We have so much to learn from these magnificent animals!
It, quite frankly makes me sick to think about any campaigns designed to "scare off" or round up and kill any of the animals. Yes, I understand rabies is a very real threat, but it's hard to believe that is the real reason for such a huge decline in raccoon numbers.
As for geese "pooping in the some of the grass" where people sit, well, I think we should realize that natural grass is already filled with tiny creatures that help keep it clean, as well as "waste" from many small animals from squirrels to birds. Should we "scare away" and kill all the animals because people can't bring something to throw down on the grass?
It's now understandable why I so much prefer winter to spring, summer and fall in the park. Its a hell of a lot more peaceful in the winter -- especially to the animals.
It is in fact, sad and ironic to see how so many animals survive the harsh, brutal conditions during the winter -- only to meet their end during the beautiful sunny days of spring.
One of these animals is the female swan who, along with her mate, survived the winter at Harlem Meer only to meet her death in the early weeks of May.
I noticed her missing a few weeks ago.
I tried to tell myself that perhaps she was off laying eggs somewhere and getting ready to raise her young.
But, the male swan was observed at that time, flying all over the Meer and sometimes standing on the ground looking clearly upset and agitated.
The Park Ranger told us on Saturday that the female swan was discovered dead in the pond a few weeks ago and a short time later, her mate was found wandering around Lasker swimming pool. Park workers had to gently coax him out, after which, he returned to the Meer.
But, the male swan too, is seemingly gone now. -- So lost he must be without his lifelong mate.
Sheridan seemed to feel it was a good thing that the male swan finally left the heavily human populated Harlem Meer.
"It is just not safe for them here," she added.
Considering all the people and kids now out at the Meer with fishing polls in hand, I have to agree with Sheridan, much as I loved seeing the swans and other birds at the Meer.
I especially worry now over the white, Peking ("food) ducks still at the Meer who are unable to fly.
What does the rest of spring hold in store for them -- especially with all the fish hooks and garbage in the water now?
What does the rest of spring and summer hold in the store for the new Goose parents and their babies?
No matter how intelligent, protective and vigilant, the male birds of these "mate for life" species and no matter how capable of surviving even the coldest winters, they are, in the end, no match for the cruelties of humans -- especially in the spring.
Spring -- the truly mean season. -- PCA
*****
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
