The Shameful Legacy of Prospect Park -- Animal Cruelty

I remember the first time I visited Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

 

Friends invited me one Sunday for brunch at their home and a walk in the park.

 

It was a warm, sunny day in late June of 2010.

 

As soon as we entered the crowded park, the smoke from Barbeques was enough to choke and knock one over. Garbage was overflowing in the cans and much of it littered the grass and pedestrian paths.

 

"Yes," my friends said. "The Barbeques are unsightly and smelly. Let's walk to a different area.  There are many geese and ducks here."

 

We walked to the lake, where, as promised, there were many beautiful geese, ducks and swans.

 

Children and people were hand-feeding the tame birds who walked right up to them. -- Especially, the geese and swans.  I whipped out my camera and took photos.

 

The beautiful wildlife was indeed, the highlight of the park.  And it was wonderful to see so many people positively interacting with them.

 

Later walking through some of the park lawns, it was shocking to note the grass completely littered with discarded chicken bones.

 

"How can you walk your two dogs through here?" I asked.  "Don't they try to grab the chicken bones?"

 

"Oh, we don't walk our dogs on the grass," my friends laughed.  "We wouldn't dare!"

 

Though I did not want to insult my friends or their local park, I could not help but think that with the exception of the geese, ducks and swans, Prospect Park was the ugliest park I had ever seen.

 

I could not wait to leave it and vowed to never return.

 

But, of course I have returned to Prospect Park several times since. -- To attend rallies held to protest the massacre of the geese I had so joyously viewed that day.

 

Exactly two weeks following my visit, all 368 geese and their goslings were rounded up by the USDA one Thursday morning in early July, trucked to Kennedy Airport and gassed.

 

It was unbelievable and ironic to me both then and now that of all the truly ugly sights and occurrences at Prospect Park, the thing that park and government officials chose to target and destroy was one of the few elements of beauty -- the park's Canada geese!

 

Since that time, I have learned a great deal more about Prospect Park.

 

I have learned that it has been a repeated site for animal slaughters, including mutilated chickens and goats whose remains have been discarded and scattered around the park. 

 

In the spring of 2010, a goose was shot with an arrow at Prospect Park and walked around for several weeks with the arrow sticking out of his neck.  Park Rangers were unable to capture the injured gander.  But, two weeks after removing the arrow himself, "Target" was rounded up and killed by USDA along with the other 367 Prospect Park geese. 

 

"Mercy" existed for NO geese at Prospect Park -- even a "celebrity" goose.

 

I have learned that dozens of Prospect Park animals, including swans, cygnets, geese, a cormorant and even turtles have been continually ensnared in fishing lines and required rescue.

 

And I have learned over the past few days that harassment is being conducted on the mostly migratory Canada geese attempting to rest and gather strength at Prospect Park over the winter months.

 

http://www.prospectpark.org/environment/wildlife/WildlifeManagement

 

According to the Prospect Park Days blog, the harassment is apparently occurring daily.

 

I am reminded of my personal experience with goose harassment at Central Park in December of 2010 and my blog entries during that period:

 

http://talesamptailsofnewyork.blogspot.com/2010/12/bad-news-good-news.html

 

"Geese Relief" the agency then employed by Central Park Conservancy for goose harassment was immediately fired when the Conservancy learned that canister blasts were used.  Geese Relief was also terminated for the fact of scaring other birds away, including the shovelers and one swan.

 

"They are supposed to immediately cease operations if scaring off other birds." a Central Park Conservancy official told me at the time.

 

According to the "Prospect Park Days" blog today, the swan family at Prospect Park appears to be broken up now and in different areas.

 

http://www.prospectparkday.blogspot.com/

 

One cannot prove that the disbursement of the swans is due to the goose harassment currently being conducted at Prospect Park.  But it is suspicious, especially in light of what occurred at Central Park in 2010.

 

It is not clear why Prospect Park would elect to conduct harassment on the birds in the middle of January when human use is at a minimum and most of the geese are temporary.

 

Obviously, they are not in communication with Central Park Conservancy or CP Park Rangers.

 

A Central Park Ranger told me in 2010 that harassment of geese in winter was a "waste of resources" considering most of the geese were migratory and would return in spring to Canada and Nova Scotia.

 

I suspect that the Prospect Park Alliance has been fed a "sales pitch" by Goosebusters.

 

As recently noted in this journal, many "goose harassment" companies have overstepped the bounds of what is truthful and humane in order to promote and sell their services.

 

I can still recall vividly the borderline sadistic grin on the face of the woman from Geese Relief in Dec of 2010.  It was as through she got some perverse pleasure from terrifying all the birds on a mostly frozen lake.

 

In their "Wildlife Management Plan" the Prospect Park Alliance states harassment to begin in January "just before the breeding season."

 

Geese don't begin to "breed" until late March or early April.

 

Where is the Alliance getting their information?

 

Apparently from Goosebusters.

 

The real lunacy and injustice in all this is that at a time the geese should be resting up and reserving energy for the challenge of spring migrations, they are instead being harassed on a daily basis and continually stressed.

 

That will seriously deplete their condition for the stresses of migration and could actually result in more geese being forced to stay in NY, rather than migrate in late Feb or early March as would be normal.  This is especially true if the weather should change and become suddenly hostile and cold as is expected during the next week.

 

I obviously don't know the rationalizations or sources for this pointless, cruel and wasteful exercise to harass birds in winter on the part of the Prospect Park Alliance.

 

I just have to hope it doesn't spread to Central Park like some infectious, fatal disease.

 

"Goose-a-phobia" spreading all over NYC and the country.

 

Or, perhaps it simply is that the legacy of Prospect Park is endless and senseless animal cruelty.

 

I hope I never have to return to it and I hope Prospect Park's shameful, disgraceful legacy doesn't spread to other NYC parks -- especially, Central Park.  -- PCA

 

 

                                                             ******

 

 

No Safe Place and No Safe Time

For the past month I have been speculating that most of the geese recently observed at Harlem Meer are migratory visitors from the north.

 

But, I have recently learned that it's quite possible that some (or many?) might have actually  "migrated" from as near as Prospect Park in Brooklyn!

 

According to the woman who writes a Prospect Park blog, goose harassment has recently been used at Prospect Park and there are currently few geese there:

 

 http://www.prospectparkday.blogspot.com/

 

(This news has apparently also been confirmed from the Prospect Park Alliance.)

 

It is disturbing to learn that harassment would be used in any NYC park at a time many of the observed geese would be migratory.

 

Geese migrating from Canada to New York City for winter generally leave during the late days in February to return to their northern breeding grounds and birth places.

 

(What possible reason would there be to thus "harass" migratory and other birds -- especially during the times that park usage by humans is at its lowest points?)

 

The news about goose harassment currently occurring at Prospect Park is disturbing on many levels, not just the fact of terrorizing migratory and resident birds for no apparent or economically sound reason.

 

Though quite evident that most of the geese at Harlem Meer now are non-resident geese, the question that has to be considered is whether some are Prospect Park geese who have simply been chased and escaped to Central Park?

 

If that is the case, then those geese would not "migrate" back to Canada next month, but would likely attempt to find safe sanctuary and stay at Central Park.

 

And that could have dire and deadly consequences for ALL the geese still in Central Park over the spring.

 

It could mean Central Park being put on the USDA list for "goose cullings" in the summer as it is actually closer to an area airport than Prospect Park in Brooklyn..

 

I am worried now......

 

Of course there is no way to tell at Harlem Meer which geese are actually migratory or which might have been chased from Prospect Park or other "harassment" locations.

 

It is virtually impossible to decipher much of anything -- much less "predict" which geese will leave or which might attempt to stay in the spring.

 

In following up on the blog post from the other day, this appears to be just one more example of goose "harassment" being perverted from its original intent (i.e. to "shoo" geese off of heavily used park lawns, ball fields or golf courses and direct them towards watercourses such as shown in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FKmXkF1NCE) to something far more sinister and irrational:  

 

The endless persecution and eradication of, not just "resident" geese, but migratory geese as well, any time of the year. 

 

These birds truly have no safe place to go where they will not be shot at, rounded up and killed or endlessly harassed.

 

I am just grateful for the geese I am still able to see each day at Central Park and pray that they can miraculously find some safe sanctuary come the spring -- but, I have no idea where that may be, especially in New York City.  -- PCA

 

 

                                                          ************

 

 

Perceptions and Realities -- Burns Park, Arkansas

They have clever and catchy names:

 

"Goosebusters, Lose-A-Goose, Geese Relief."

 

The names are designed to attract clients and depict the geese in as demeaning and negative a light as possible.

 

As any good business person knows, the more you can convince others of the "need" for your product or service, the more successful you will be and the more money you will make.

 

The companies listed are "goose harassment (or hazing)" operations that usually use trained Border Collies or other means to non-lethally scare and chase "unwanted" Canada geese from lakes, ponds, parks and other properties.

 

Often they are promoted and supported by animal advocates and humane organizations as humane and non-lethal alternative to goose killings.

 

This is true of course.

 

However, the question to ask might be, "When does something designed to address a problem humanely become part of the problem itself?"

 

"Better harassed, than dead" is the true and logical thinking.

 

But, sometimes things are not quite as simple and clear-cut as they might appear.

 

A few days ago, news reports and videos of "goose hazing" at Burns Park, Arkansas aired on local TV as humane alternative to a planned pre-Christmas hunt that had been canceled due to public pressure:

 

http://www.katv.com/story/16457257/dogs-begin-hazing-geese-at-burns-park

 

While most animal advocates viewed this as a very positive development, there were several things from the videos and news coverage that disturbed me -- the main grievance being that they seemed to exude and promote intolerance for the geese and depicted the animals in a substantially negative light.

 

That is in fact, my problem with goose harassment companies in general.

 

In effort to convince others of the needs for the service, there seems to be marked tendency to exaggerate and demonize the geese as much as possible.

 

It is common, for example, when checking out goose harassment company web sites to note the geese accused of everything from "aggressiveness" to health threats to taking down airliners.  Other times the animals are simply  portrayed as "nuisances" that need to be "gotten rid of" for the sake of wearing "low cut golf shoes."

 

While the gentleman operating "Lose-A-Goose" in the video doesn't actually say these things directly, the implication is clear.

 

And while the footage of the Border Collie chasing geese off a pond doesn't show egregious cruelty to animals, one has to question the hidden message and the perceptions it helps to perpetuate.-- That is, that even 30 geese on a 1,700 acre property (twice the size of Central Park) cannot be tolerated.

 

As the Parks and Recreation Director says in the clip, "Hopefully, the geese will relocate somewhere out of the country."  (Or, in other words, some remote area where they can be shot.)

 

It is obviously not enough to simply chase geese from a heavily used golf course or soccer field to a less used area of a park or to a lake.

 

The real message (and goal) seems to be that the geese will not be tolerated anywhere other than a hunting site.

 

The goose harassment companies are not of course responsible for the negative attitudes of Parks Directors, politicians or others who disdain geese, but they do help to foster, cater to and perpetuate them.  (Indeed, they make a living from them.)

 

Moreover, while chasing the geese from a park is far preferable to holding a canned hunt in the location, one has to realize that the result of both actions is to empty the location of ALL geese and that the probable result is that many, (if not most geese) will ultimately end up dead anyway. The true goal of hazing (apparently) is to chase the birds into hunting or culling areas.

 

While I initially viewed the cancellation of the pre-Christmas canned goose hunt at Burns Park as a victory for the geese (and goose advocates), I was less enthusiastic when seeing the news clips and videos of the harassment.  Rather, they gave me cause for concern due to the attitudes of intolerance they seemed to promote and perpetuate.

 

Others argued on this point.  "Better harassed than dead. At least the geese will live." etc., etc.

 

But, the real question to ask in my judgment is, how long will the geese live?

 

Was the true political objective simply to get the geese out of the glare of media spotlight and a public setting?   A "stay of execution" so to speak -- past the holiday season?

 

Set the dogs on the geese to chase them from a public park to a more remote location where the geese can be hunted legally without the scrutiny of media?

 

Those were my questions because, in my view, the perpetuation and promotion of negative attitudes and perception towards animals is never going to have ultimately positive result regardless of whatever "good intentions" might have prompted the particular action in the first place.

 

The intentions (and actions) of goose harassment companies may be noble and actually humane.  But the attitudes of intolerance and vilification that most goose hazing companies indulge in and perpetuate for the sake of business are ultimately destructive to the geese.

 

It therefore did not surprise greatly to read on the Coalition to Save the Burns Park Geese FB page (37) Coalition to Save the Geese of Burns Park

 the other day that the Mayor of North Little Rock was then trying to get a legislative ordinance passed that would have allowed for "hunts" of any "nuisance" animals (most notably, geese)  in the park at any time with just 3 days notice to the public. -- This after promising the media and the public that non-lethal goose management methods would be used for at least six months before any hunts would be considered (as long as the Coalition was willing to raise and provide half the funding for non-lethal measures).

 

Many people, including myself, contributed money to the implementation of non-lethal management only to later learn that apparently, not only would the geese be harassed at Burns Park, but they could still be shot as well!

 

It seemed that we merely contributed to add to the geese's misery, rather than alleviate or prevent it.

 

And so yes, one has to look at the attitudes and perceptions that are perpetuated by harassment companies (and inadvertently supported by animal advocates) and not just a specific action.

 

Any time we as "advocates" for animals find ourselves in the position of agreeing to the depiction of said animals as "pests" that need to be "gotten rid of" (one way or the other), we essentially sign their death warrants even if not using a pen, typing the words or saying aloud.

 

It is, after all, a very small leap from merely "harassing pest animals" to killing them.

 

(The key words are, "pest, nuisance, unwanted and getting rid of.")

 

It is one thing to chase 100 geese off of a small ball field or golf course to another area of the park or to a lake.  It is quite another to chase a couple of gaggles of geese out of huge park with the hope and anticipation they can be shot or rounded up elsewhere.

 

Put simply, we as advocates for the geese should be very careful about supporting anything that disparages, demeans or adds to the already negative and grossly exaggerated perception of these (or any other) gentle and majestic creatures, regardless of how "desperate" we may be or how threatened.

 

To do so is to basically sell the geese down the river, regardless of otherwise good intentions.    Perception becomes and is reality. 

 

Since the announcement the other day of the Mayor's proposed "ordinance" to conduct hunts on "nuisance" animals (i.e. geese) in the park at any time, matters have once again, reversed.

 

Due to protests from the Coalition to Save the Geese at Burns Park and a threat to sever agreement to help fund non-lethal measures, Mayor Hays backtracked and did not put the goose hunt proposal on the table at last night's City Council meeting:

 

http://www.katv.com/story/16482690/nlr-mayor-withdraws-ordinance-to-shoot-nuisance-animals-on-city-property

 

That is good news of course.

 

But, it still serves to remind us of the delicacy, contradictions and unpredictability of our political struggles to protect these animals.

 

Most important among them is to be constantly aware of any negative messages or perceptions pertaining to geese we may be inadvertantly supporting in our efforts to "save" them.

 

Even the names of most goose harassment companies demean and depict the animals in extremely negative light.

 

Why can't they just rightfully refer to themselves as they are?  "Humane Goose Management" or "Shoo a Goose?"

 

Not sexy or catchy enough?

 

Or, not demonizing and demeaning enough?

 

For the moment, I reluctantly "support" (while holding my nose) the goose chasing at Burns Park because it is obviously preferable to blasting the birds out of the sky.

 

But, I worry that in possibly bending over too far for "compromise," we ultimately show our asses and sell out the geese.

 

A "Goosebuster" I am not and nor shall ever be.  -- PCA

 

 

                                                         ************

 

 

Don't It Make My White Socks Black?

 (Photos: 1-- The Bradly Brigade last night. 2-- Buster honking, "Don't You Forget About Me!"  3-- "Crazy Mallards.")

 

 

"Those crazy mallards!"

 

I have found myself thinking the above more than once over the past few days.

 

But, more about that later....

 

In less than one week, we have gone in NYC from dressing for the Arctic to dressing for the Bahamas.

 

Temperatures have roller-coasted almost 50 degrees from as low as 13 degrees just a few days ago to a spring-like 62 degrees yesterday!

 

Likewise, the waterfowl at Central Park has transformed from the "hunkering down" posture of a winter cold blast to the liberating antics more closely associated with springtime. 

 

Thursday night when returning to Harlem Meer, I was surprised to see a bunch of geese and ducks congregated along the south embankment.

 

Obviously, the rising 40 degree temperature was far more comfortable and conducive for fraternizing.    

 

But, as I approached, the gaggle of about ten geese headed immediately for the water.

 

I had initially guessed the geese to be Buster and his flock, but was obviously wrong.

 

Buster and his shy six were on their way to me from the middle of the lake, honking  their loud and familiar greeting.  

 

"Honk... honk.....Here we are!"

 

Meanwhile, the migratory geese took a nearby position in the lake to casually observe from  "safe" distance what was happening around them.   Geese, it seems, are infinitely curious creatures, but safety is always their main priority.

 

Unlike the previous night when numerous ducks and geese squatted down on the ground (like cold humans tightly wrapping arms around body to keep warm), none of the birds sat in crunched position to conserve body heat.  On the contrary, they were all quite animated. 

 

Brad pranced up to me immediately to eat from my hand.  His buddies, Piggly and Wiggly crowded around my feet to grab whatever Brad missed or rejected.  (Brad mostly loves the black oiled sunflower seeds and tends to sift them out from the rest of treats.)

 

But, it wasn't just Piggly and Wiggly trouncing on my feet to catch what Brad missed or tossed aside.

 

A number of mallards did as well.

 

The result was I was almost cemented in place! -- Afraid to move a foot for fear of stepping on one of the ducks!

 

"Come on, guys!  Step back a little so a gal can move!"

 

But, the ducks did not listen.  They were apparently too high on life, warm weather and  fluttering desserts.

 

Meanwhile, Buster walked up and honked to remind me of his and his gaggle's presence.

 

"What about us?"

 

(As if I could possibly miss this huge gander who towers over virtually every bird at the Meer!)

 

"Yes, Buster.  Here is some for you.  But, you have to share with Brad."

 

Buster is so accommodating and gentle with people and Brad. (I sometimes wonder if Buster likes people better than other geese and might makes a good pet?)

 

But, he is certainly not so sweet and gentle with the other members of his flock!

 

Anytime one of his charges moves a step forward and attempts to take a seed from my hand, Buster immediately responds with a hard peck on the goose's back!

 

"Mind your manners and know your place!"

 

The poor admonished geese immediately heed the warning.

 

I sometimes wonder why the members of Buster's gaggle put up with so much abuse and never dare to fight back?

 

Then again, such things are not for me to question.  Obviously, Buster has been an effective leader in keeping his charges safe and finding food sources for them. 

 

Lines drawn and physical reminders of those lines are apparently part of goose hierarchy and "family values."

 

Buster is just a very different leader and family head than Papa goose from the Boat Lake who always lets his mate and offspring eat first.

 

Obviously not all geese gaggles and families are the same.  Perhaps this is another way Canada geese are remarkably similar to humans.

 

The evening being so pleasant and my small bag of treats quickly gone, I sat with my dogs on a nearby park bench for a few minutes to watch the scenes before me.

 

There was much animated "conversation" among the mallards, a few of which turned into the "bar room brawls" that one commonly sees during the spring and especially when geese are present to keep lookouts for any danger or threat.

 

Different pairs tosseled on the ground, usually with one duck chasing the other into the water.

 

"Crazy mallards!" I thought.  "They are just like rowdy drunks in a bar!"

 

Meanwhile, the migratory geese still looked curiously to all the crazy shenanigans from their safe spot in the water.

 

One could almost hear them thinking,  "This is a pretty wild place.  Guess they don't call it, 'fun city' for nothing."

 

Most of the geese presently at Harlem Meer are, I believe, migratory.

 

They tend to mind and go about their business in a peaceful, dignified, but cautious way.  It seems if they have any questions they honk them out to Buster and he responds back.

 

As Brad is the respected leader among all the ducks at Harlem Meer, Buster is the respected "resident" gander among all the geese as he so knows the environment and any real threats.  -- You have a question, ask Buster.  He presumably knows everything.

 

As the ground ducks and geese continued to graze and sweep up remaining seeds from the grass, I gathered my dogs to leave.

 

As usual, Brad, Piggly and Wiggly looked up and immediately began to escort me, as did other ducks and of course, Buster and his troupe.

 

The mysterious avian parade that I still cannot figure out.

 

"All right, guys.  Thanks for the escort.  I think I can find my way out now.  You guys have a wonderful night and no more fights, you crazy mallards!"

 

Arriving home about 40 minutes later, I put on the TV and sat down to relax.

 

That is when I noticed my shoes and socks.

 

I normally wear light red sports shoes to the park with white socks.

 

But, the socks had streaks of black on them and the shoes were covered in brown dirt!

 

What the hell?

 

I took off the shoes to look at the soles, but the bottoms were clean!   It was just the tops that looked like I had just walked through a major mid west, dust bowl!

 

And then it dawned on me.

 

The mallards standing and walking on the tops of my socks and shoes!

 

"Those crazy mallards!"

 

I then thought of the old Crystal Gayle song, "Don't It Makes My Brown Eyes Blue?"

 

The mallards had turned my white socks black!

 

Thank God, I have a washing machine.-- Which has been very busy over the past few nights.

 

"Crazy mallards!"

 

Maybe it is time to bring winter back -- at least for the sake of my shoes, socks and washing machine. -- PCA

 

 

                                                          *******

 

 

 

"Sitting Ducks"

(Photos: 1-- "Sitting ducks" at Harlem Meer on a chilly night.  2-- Sitting goose, seemingly a bit startled with all the ducks.)

 

Last night, the balmy 25 degree temperature felt almost like spring compared to the night before.

 

I wasn't sure what to expect when arriving to Harlem Meer.

 

Would the lake be largely iced over considering the temperature had plunged to 13 degrees on Tuesday and was still below freezing?

 

Would the geese and ducks be "hunkering down" as most were the night before?

 

Would I again have to walk around the entire lake to find Brad, Piggly and Wiggly?

 

I tried not to have any expectations because as noted, nothing is truly predictable from one day to the next. -- Especially with the "up and down," weird weather we have been having in New York City over the past few months.   Through brutally cold for a couple of days, this past fall and the beginning of winter have so far, been far warmer than normal.

 

Nevertheless, I was in for more than one surprise last night.

 

The first surprise was that the lake was mostly unfrozen, except for a fairly small section towards the east.  (An area the ducks and geese usually don't frequent.)

 

The second surprise was that many of the geese and ducks were congregated along the south embankment!

 

Indeed, I did not have to look for the "Bradly Brigade" at all.

 

It was as though they and Buster and a whole lot of other ducks and geese decided that clustering together was a good way to ward off the cold.

 

"Hail, hail, the gang's all here!"

 

Though obviously more comfortable with the mid-twenties temperatures and lighter winds, the geese and mallards were still chilled.

 

Many of them sat down to conserve body heat when on the ground.

 

Quickly snapping a couple of photos of the "sitting" ducks and geese, I thought the scene gave new meaning to the old adage, "sitting ducks" and perhaps this actually explained the phrases' origin?

 

I tried to remember back to last year.

 

Although I recall seeing the occasional "sitting duck" (or goose) last winter, it seems more of a common phenomenon this year.

 

Is that because, due to the warmer than normal temperatures, the geese and ducks simply weren't physically prepared for the sudden cold blast?

 

That seems to be true for humans.  Certainly, I wasn't prepared physically for sudden zero wind chills and mid teens temperatures.

 

Only last week, temperatures in NYC were in the mid 50's.   People were walking around in sweaters and some joggers were running shirtless!

 

Less than a week later, one is having to don full winter gear and (at least at night) there is nary a jogger to be seen at all!

 

It seems the body gets used to one thing and then it is suddenly something else!  What is a body to do?

 

Perhaps that quandary is true for wildlife, as well as it is for humans?

 

Again, remembering back to last year (and 2010), Harlem Meer was half frozen over by mid December and entirely iced over by early January (with the exception of the tiny pool of water kept open by Brad and a few other ducks and geese).

 

This year, the entire lake is still liquid and even the small section that iced over in the past couple of days can be expected to melt in the next few.

 

This has resulted in most the resident and many migratory geese and ducks electing to stay at Harlem Meer (and the other unfrozen ponds and lakes of CP) as opposed to being forced to move to the Reservoir or flying south. 

 

As for the question of why the Meer didn't freeze over during the two days of sub-freezing temperatures?

 

Two days isn't long enough for the ponds and lakes to completely ice over and additionally, there are many mallards and geese at the Meer right now.  The constant swimming, dunking and diving of so much waterfowl on the watercourse helps to prevent icing.

 

So, more questions raised last night.

 

But, at least one was (I think) answered.

 

The origin of the phrase, "sitting ducks."  -- PCA

 

 

                                                          **********

 

 

 

 

 

13 Degrees of Separation

Ah, the difference that 13 degrees makes.

 

In this case, the difference not only in temperature and degree, but more significatly, questions.....

 

Monday night, when going to Harlem Meer, the temperature was a balmy 30 degrees.

 

I like this kind of weather.  Except for the inconvenience of having to wear hat, scarf and gloves, it is invigorating.

 

Apparently the waterfowl find 30 degrees invigorating, also.

 

As soon as landing my first steps leading to the Meer, Monday night, Buster sent out a loud greeting honk and suddenly he and his seven charges took off from the center of the lake and quickly flew to the south embankment -- the gathering site I usually feed the Bradly Brigade (Brad, Piggly and Wiggly) and a few random mallards and geese. 

 

Apparently, Buster's honk alerted a whole bunch of other geese and ducks and I was immediately swarmed with a slew of hungry ducks and geese, including of course, the Bradly Brigade.

 

Although thinking I had brought a decent supply of sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn and some morsels of whole wheat bread, I went through the bag of nourishment in less than five minutes.

 

The birds were either really hungry -- or they were preparing to fill up while they could and then hunker down during the next couple of days.

 

Apparently, Brad, Buster and company knew the weather was about to radically change for the worst.

 

Depleted of my food supply in the blink of an eye, I gathered my dogs to leave.

 

Brad, Piggy and Wiggly followed me along the embankment, as did Buster and his motley crew of geese and a number of others.

 

I quite literally, had a parade escorting me from the Meer!

 

The image made me laugh.  

 

I wondered if they were unsatisfied with the insufficient amount of food and expected more?  Or was this their way of showing appreciation for what had been given to them? 

 

Or, rather had Brad simply informed Buster that old ladies and old dogs need guidance to find their way around the park?   "She just became a senior citizen some weeks ago.  We have to watch out for her."

 

"Well, if that is the case (that you don't think I can find my way home), then shouldn't you guys escort me to my door?"  I teased and laughed.

 

But, the ducks chirped in a language I couldn't understand.  And Buster just offered an ambiguous honk.

 

Finally walking up the steps leading away from the Meer, I waved at the birds who were then all in the water near the edge of the lake.

 

"You'd better get ready to hunker down!  The cold air is coming.  Goodnight, guys!"

 

And, boy, did the cold air come!

 

Yesterday, running some errands in the afternoon, I could feel my legs freezing under my jeans.

 

I broke down and bought a pair of tights.

 

By the time I headed to Central Park last night with my thankfully "cold weather" dogs, the temperature had plunged to 17 degrees with near-zero wind chills.

 

And though I had bundled up in the usual attire, (adding tights under the jeans) I found myself alternating gloved, but freezing hands between pockets and holding Tina and Chance.

 

Even my eyeballs felt like they were freezing.

 

Arriving to Harlem Meer, I could not see any birds at all on the lake which at that point, was still mostly unfrozen.

 

Where is everybody?

 

Even the Bradly Brigade did not rush to greet me at the usual spot.

 

A small handful of mallards suddenly appeared and squatted down on the raggedy, frigid grass trying to quickly eat whatever was tossed in their direction.

 

None of the mallards actually stood up or walked around. I speculated the squatting down was a way to try and keep their legs and bellies warm.  (This, despite the fact I have read that geese and ducks don't have blood circulation in their legs and cannot normally feel the cold. But, from what I have seen, they do feel cold in their legs and seek to protect them -- at least when on land.)

 

A little concerned when not seeing the Bradly Brigade or the geese, I realized I would have to start walking around the lake.   -- Something certainly not desired last night due to the difficulty in preventing frostbite on the hands.

 

I then began to wonder if goose harassment had been used at Harlem Meer yesterday and the thought really pissed me off.  

 

Would they really have the audacity and cruelty to harass the birds in the dead of winter and during a cold blast?  If so, I will have to make some calls tomorrow!

 

But, then I heard some goose honks emanating from the west side of the lake! 

 

Relieved,  I immediately set out in that direction - despite the desire to just run home to my warm, cozy apartment.

 

Sure enough, it seems almost all of the geese and most of the mallards were gathered along the edges and marshes of the west portion of the Meer.

 

At least 6 or 7 of the geese were busy dunking and diving under the still unfrozen water.

 

They were quite literally, "working their butts off."

 

But, some of the mallards recognizing me, quickly swam to the edge of the lake begging treat.   I tossed a bunch of seeds in the marshes which they immediately scrambled for -- and then moved on.  

 

I still had not spotted the Bradly Brigade.

 

Eventually reaching the north east portion of the lake, I finally found Brad, Piggly and Wiggly huddled with a few other ducks amongst some marshes, presumably for protection from the punishing winds.

 

Recognizing me, they hopped up on an embankment and heartily ate the food as fast as I could toss it out.  

 

Brad walked up to me and squatted down in sitting position to eat directly from my hand.

 

And suddenly, there was this brief moment when I considered how easy it would be for me to just grab Brad right there and then and make a run for it.

 

But, of course the idea was "crazy."

 

For one matter, I had two dogs who I had to hold on to and protect.  For another, I had nothing big enough to put Brad into.

 

But,  most importantly, to grab Brad would mean condemning Piggly and Wiggly to certain death as the two other flightless ducks so depend upon Brad now to survive.

 

And yet, despite the total failure of logic, the thought was so compelling when watching Brad squat before me in brave attempt to keep his belly and legs warm. -- Almost as if asking to be picked up and taken to warm sanctuary!!

 

"If only....."

 

But, if I wanted to play around or consider the idea further, the moment was soon gone.

 

All three ducks were quickly back in the water before I could entertain any further "heroic" rescue fantasies. (Apparently, the frigid water is still warmer for them than the zero wind- chilled land.)

 

Besides, at that point, my gloved hands were so frozen, they were probably useless for any attempted rescue....

 

Still, walking the mile home last night in the bitter frigidity with my dogs, I had to wonder if I would one day live to regret not making the "crazy" decision to try and rescue Brad?

 

He had briefly been sitting before me like a beseeching, abandoned pet.  It would have been so easy to just.....

 

Ah, the difference that 13 degrees of separation makes!

 

In this case, a rare opportunity that only comes with the brutality of the moment. -- A moment quickly there and then, in a flash, gone.

 

By Thursday, the temperature is predicted to go back up to 40 degrees.

 

There is little time for regret -- but far too much time for wonder.  -- PCA

 

 

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Truce with a Goose and "Pretty Is As Pretty Does!"

(Photos:  1- Piggly and Wiggly in a Brad-arranged truce with a goose last night! 2- Brad protecting his charges.) 

 

 

It was "nightfall" by the time I made it to Harlem Meer yesterday with my dogs -- though it was only slightly after 5 PM.  Among the changes that winter brings, are the short, nine hour blips of daylight.  You blink your eyes and the daylight is gone.

 

But, change is of course a daily occurrence regardless of the season.

 

Unlike New Year's Eve, when most of the waterfowl were quietly lying low on the lake and seemingly invisible (due to heightened human activities?), last night there was a whole lot of avian activity, most of which was lively communications!

 

The first encounter with animated bird talk was when the Bradly Brigade came to greet me at the familiar south side of the Meer. 

 

Brad, Piggly and Wiggly enthusiastically climbed the embankment, all three domestic ducks chattering and clucking away a mile a minute at the same time.

 

Hm, they are very talkative tonight! .

 

Of course, I could not make out what the Bradly Brigade were saying, but imagined it to be some mixture of both, greeting and demand.

 

"We're here and we're hungry!  What have you brought for us tonight?"

 

A group of about 8 geese joined the scene.  But, I did not recognize them as Buster and his crew or other geese I know.  They were a bit cautious and unsure of themselves -- unlike the confident Buster who usually walks right up to and stands in front of me, beseeching treat.

 

I wondered where Buster was? 

 

But, it did not take long to figure out the probable answer to the question.

 

It seems there was an important goose "community meeting" going on last night at the Meer.

 

Peering out over the dark waters, I could make out most of the geese gathered in a wide circle in the center of the lake.  And there was much dialogue going back and forth among some of the members.

 

"Hey, Buster, what's the deal here?" a migratory gander asked.  "We sense a cold blast coming in a couple of days from the Arctic.  Is this thing going to freeze over?  Do we need to gather our families and move on?"

 

"Well, that all depends." the top resident Harlem Meer gander answered.  "If the cold snap lasts only a couple of days then only parts of the lake will freeze.   But, if it goes longer than that, then yes, this entire watercourse will turn into a solid block.  How are your ice-skating skills?"

 

"Ice skating?  Ah, not that again!  We haven't prepared the wee ones for that!  We haven't had to."

 

"Well, what about dunking and diving?" Buster pressed.  "Surely, you have prepared them for breaking up the ice!   If we all pull together to dive and dunk, we can prevent most of this from freezing over."

 

"Oh yes, we have been practicing the diving for weeks!"

 

"Well then, no need to worry or fret!  You guys will be fine!"

 

Buster was obviously busy calming the concerns of the migratory geese.

 

Meanwhile, back on the grass, Brad was having his own challenges.

 

It seems one of the novice geese became annoyed with Piggly darting in front of him (or her) and grabbing most of the treat.  The goose gave Piggly a quick shove and peck.

 

"Come on!  Begone with you! You are a little pest and thief!"

 

Infuriated, Brad lashed out and delivered a hard (this means business!) peck to the goose's butt!

 

"How dare you!  You leave my pals alone!  Its my job to fatten them up for the cold days ahead.  They get first digs here!   Remember the rules!"

 

The goose appeared utterly shocked when receiving this admonishment from of all things, a duck!  Ah, such humiliation for a proud goose!  But, s/he took the tongue and beak lashing with stride.  After all, Brad just isn't any old duck.   He is in fact, ruler of Harlem Meer.   

 

The goose retreated slightly back and did not bother Piggly again.  Unlike Buster, the newer geese at the Meer don't quite know all the rules yet. -- But, they are learning.  Fast.

 

After swooping his nightly supply of sunflower seeds from my hand, Brad then took to the water to vigorously practice in earnest, his dunking and diving skills.

 

Brad doesn't require the migratory geese to inform him that a cold blast is on the way.  He has long been preparing for it.

 

But, Piggly and Wiggly remained on the grass lazily finishing up the seeds and treats -- without any disturbances from the geese.

 

Finally, their bellies filled, Piggly and Wiggly joined Brad in the water. 

 

But, they did no dunking or diving.

 

Instead, all three ducks followed me in the water as I began to exit Harlem Meer with my dogs.

 

Its important that they "show the way" each night. Apparently, Brad has no confidence that I (or my dogs) can find our way out of the Meer without direction.

 

Good night, guys!  Brad, be sure to teach your charges how to dive and dunk!  The cold blast is coming!"

 

As I turned back for one last glance, Brad was again busily diving, while his charges looked on curiously without so much as dabbing their pretty heads in the water.

 

Brad has a lot of "talking" and teaching still to do.

 

Walking home, I thought about some common bird phrases in the English language and how they are rooted in reality.

 

"Birds of a feather flock together."

 

I thought of all the months Brad was so alone, isolated and silent on the lake after his companion, Angelina vanished in the early summer (his status significantly lowered.)

 

And though there were scores of mallards and other wild ducks on the lake, Brad was neither welcomed by them or apparently even understood or could communicate in their language.

 

(To humans, all duck sounds might sound the same.  But, as in humans, it seems the actual languages among difference breeds or types of ducks are different.)

 

But, now that there are two other domestic ducks at the Meer, they all speak the same language and "flock together" as the old adage proclaims.  Moreover, due to Brad's knowledge, wisdom and experience at Harlem Meer, the three ducks together now appear to represent an established and formidable hierarchy..

 

The other adage, "pecking order" also comes to mind when referring to geese, ducks and presumably all other birds (and humans).

 

But, as has been observed and reported in this journal, "pecking order" doesn't always have to do with size or strength or even bird species. 

 

It rather and seemingly has to do more with family orders, experience and knowledge, organization, communication skills and most of all, the "rules" and hierarchy of the particular location.

 

Put simply, those with knowledge, experience, organization, communication skills and confidence rule a location, regardless of size, strength or even species. 

 

Right now, Brad most possesses all of these attributes and is therefore the "top" bird of Harlem Meer.   Even Buster acquiesces to Brad and knows better than to mess with the master and permanent resident of the Meer.

 

Today, blustery winds are blowing into New York City from the north and reminding all that winter has just barely begun.  Temperatures are predicted to plummet over the next couple of days.

 

But, there is no doubt that both, the geese and ducks in our parks are well prepared for it.

 

That only Brad can finally communicate to his somewhat indulgent and inexperienced charges, the importance of dunking and diving.

 

I can just hear him saying now:

 

"Its time to dunk those delicate heads and get those colorful feet in the air!  Get to work now! The free ride is over. Pretty is, as pretty does!"   -- PCA

 

 

 

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