War in the Park?

There was a N.Y. Times article about a war in the park in which Papa swan attacked and killed 3 goslings. Here's the link: Just want to say that I am definitely on the side of the swans. Here are the pictures to support my position. The geese are invading the swan nest and attacking it. There have been a lot of them in the swan nesting vicinity. At last count, we saw 17 live goslings in one day, and that was after we had seen some dead ones. The geese are the original invaders in Prospect Park, taking over the lake. There are so many of them! Apparently they have stopped migrating and have found the perfect year-round home right here in Brooklyn. This would be fine, but they seem to be overrunning the place. And now, the protective Papa Swan is desperately trying to take care of his little flock of four. And mama too. They both came right to the edge of the lake to hiss at Ber and JJ this morning, with their cygnets right in between them. (and note the delightfully full log of sunning turtles in the background.) I know that the swans are also an "invasive species," meaning that they are not native to this area, but there are only a few of them and they don't make messes on the grass like the geese do.

Of course, as I reread this, I realize I sound EXACTLY like those disgusting anti-immigration people, talking about hordes of foreigners coming to America. HOWEVER, this is about waterfowl. IT IS NOT ANY KIND OF ANALOGY TO ANY HUMAN ACTIVITIES WHATSOEVER.

We're not the only ones looking after the lake. there's now a Prospect Park Pond Patrol! This is a group of school children who took a trip to the park and became very involved. I am very hopeful about the future, with children like these. Will try to scan in their adorable brochure....managed to do it. First time scanning in something. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

THIS ENTRY NOT FINISHED - MUST TAKE JJ FOR HER SUMMER HAIRCUT. BACK LATER WITH PICTURES AND MORE

JJ is at the groomers and will be unrecognizable with her summer shave. I'll put photos of her in her cool new look tomorrow.

FOUND IN PARK: what appear to be two turtle traps. This would explain the recent finding of what look like freshly eaten, decapitated turtles.

Tony, the FIDO president, was very upset. FIDO spent a lot of money buying specially designed trash containers for fishing line, to ensure that the lines stay in and do not get blown into the lake to strangle swans, geese, ducks, etc. They were given to the parks department, who claims that they were thrilled to get them. However, the Parks have not put them out. What are they waiting for? Everyone knows that these torn lines are a menace to the animals in the lake.

Lastly, look closely at the last picture. Can you spot the giant (live) carp? He was quite impressive, but the camera's eye is not as clear as the human eye.

A reminder: click on pictures to make them big and clear and, when appropriate, readable.

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