See you in September!!!

We are off to the Gaspe Peninsula in Canada for two weeks in the wilderness. A cabin in what they call a faunique, which is a wildlife preserve. No electricity, but propane operated lights and refrigerator. the cabin sits on its own lake.Of course, no cell phone service or wi-fi. I worry what will happen in Prospect Park while we are gone.

Will Bloomberg sell off Lookout Hill for condos with views? Will Tupper Thomas decide to let 6 Flags build a water park in Prospect Park? Will all the fisherpeople become responsible and clear away their lines after use, and not fish near the swans, geese and ducks? Will Vanderbilt Playground finally open? Will the bathrooms be installed in the Wellhouse? What surprises that I can't even imagine do the Park authorities have in store for us?

In the meantime, there's a blog called Brooklyn Diary with beautiful pictures of the wildlife in the park and elsewhere in Brooklyn. http://abrooklyndiary.blogspot.com/ Check it out.

Dog training in the park

Great day for biking in the park, which I did. Very humid, so the speed is quite cool and wonderful. Best not to stop - that's when the sweat comes. I'm trying to train JJ to be more obedient to my commands. She's 8 and, I hate to say it, doesn't really come when called unless you get really, really enthusiastic. Now I have tiny treats in my pocket to give her when I call her name without shouting and she comes. Took a while to start. She has the incredible doggy sens of smell, and wouldn't leave my side as long as she smelled the treats. Anyway, I biked around the Nethermead, and she stayed pretty much right at my heels (wheels, actually). Every so often she will run back across the meadow to Ber, but we figure I'm the Prodigakl Person because I keep going away and coming back, so she is more concerned with keeping up with me.

She can keep up for a while at 5-7 MPH. At 9 she falls back, but I slow down a bit, call her name, and she comes. 8-12 MPH is my comfort zone in the Park. Sometimes, coming down the big hill,k I am up to 20, and absolutely terrified. A sign of aging. Once, I'd be thrilled and excited. Now I imagine the tire will burst - I'll die. A car will come in from a side road, I'll die. Martians will land right in front of me - I'll hit them and die. The awareness of mortality!

The three singletons are fine, grooming themselves by the lake. No one was feeding any of the wild life today.

Update/hearsay on the alleged proposed toilets at the Wellhouse. Ed tells me that he found the Parks Dept. Budget somewhere on line. $900,000 has been allocated to turn the Wellhouse into bathrooms. He also says the older fisherman say there used to be bathrooms there, so it wouldn't be that big a deal to update them.

Nothing is still happening at Vanderbilt playground. Wouldn't want those sprinklers to be available in the HOT weather, now would we. What is the delay?

Kickball, biking, pull-ups, and IDA update,

Huge crowd at the Nethermead - teams waiting for the fields to be theirs at 9 to play what looked like a Kickball tournament. The shirt backs all said "Play Kickball." Don't exactly know what kickball is - obviously a sport played by kicking a ball, but who knows what else. It looks kind of like soccer played with a basketball. It's a perfect day for it - sunny, mid-high 70's, not humid.

Also perfect weather for the bike racing going on as we were heading to the meadows to run JJ. Not a huge participation - I think this might be the "off on vacation" time of year. When our kids were smaller, I noticed that all families went on vacation the last 2-3 weeks of August. Mainly because that's when the camps are over.

Swan family thriving and looking great. No sign of the 3 lone geese - the Singletons, as I think I will now refer to them. However, we didn't make a complete circle around the lake. Just went as far as the Boathouse, sat and enjoyed the view, then retraced our steps. It's possible that the Singletons read the "Do not feed the wild animals" signs and moved on to find their own food, unlike the woman with two kids busily feeding bread to the geese within spitting distance of the new sign. Sigh. We did see Anne and Ed just arriving at the Park as we were leaving (late for them), and they said they'd keep an eye out for the Singletons.

Also noticed as we were leaving that the exercise platforms and bars mentioned in a previous entry were being used! Anne and Ed mentioned that at 7:00 on the weekdays, when they usually come in, there's a group of well muscled men using this new outdoor gym! Pull-ups and sit-ups before breakfast! Should I decide to really get in shape, I know what to do. 4 miles of walking is more than enough for me these days.

FOLLOW-UP TO "IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS" RALLY: The politician whose name I couldn't remember was Tony Avilla. I felt really bad about this, since I met him a couple of years ago at our local Flatbush Frolic, was impressed with him, and even gave a little money towards his ( eventually unsuccessful) mayoral campaign. Also there, as the emcee, was an actress named Elaine Hendrix, who is on the Board of IDA and wonderfully photogenic - can't hurt the cause!!

Rally for the Geese today

I'm off to City Hall for a 12:00 noon rally to support the humane treatment of geese. More blog on today's park excursion when I get back.

It was a great rally! Probably around 200 people - I kept trying to cont them, but they kept on moving. Plus, there was a permanently changing set of onlookers from the street, about 20 at all times. they couldn't hear us - Bloomberg denied the permit to use a mike (How to Silence Criticism 101). But the posters, t-shirts, and banners were very clear and visible - see photos - including a fantastic life-size stuffed goose with gasmask. Several politicians are taking up the cause. In addition to Eric Adams, who was at the mourning vigil, Letitia James and another gentleman whose name, I'm sorry to say, escapes me.

A group called In Defense of Animals sponsored the thing, and many other people from other groups were there and active. This geese extermination has become a national issue. It seems that geese are overpopulating many areas. This being America, the first reaction is "Kill them." Hey, we are the founders of the John Wayne School of Diplomacy (Send in the Marines!!) They plan to kill 170,000 in NY State alone, and many more along the Eastern seaboard.

Hopefully, there is now an awareness that people in general do not like mass murder of innocent animals, and, more importantly, there are other methods to control the numbers. At least, that was the feeling at the rally - that this is the start of a more humane way to deal with the problem of too many animals. There was that nice video on youtube about Seattle's humane way of dealing with their geese, and the moratorium on extermination that they currently have.

You'd think, in New York City, the greatest city in the world (objectively speaking, from a New Yorker), we can do better than sneaking in at 4 AM, collecting them, gassing them, then lying about it.

Speaking of a better way: Here's a small step that has happened in the park. The Prospect Alliance is putting up "Do Not Feed the Wildlife" signs. I saw 6 today, at the popular feeding areas, and near a fishing area.

On a personal note: I was biking today, and ran into Martin from Prospect Alliance, who told me about it. I have taken to biking as an extended rehab for my leg, now that the official rehab is over. I was an incredible cyclist when young, but not so much today. Biking, saw Martin in his Jeep, waved, called out, came to a stop near the car, fell over. No damage, just incredibly embarrassing and humiliating. Did 8 miles, worked on my turning and stopping skills, had a great time having JJ chase me on my bike around the Nethermead.

Stuck for a title

Up and out early to avoid the heat advisory in effect till 9 tonight. Doing the same were two sets of soccer teams in the Parade grounds. There's usually one very serious looking game going on, but these two seemed less serious - also co-ed, which is nice to see. Blue vs. orange were quite evenly matched, but chartreuse seemed far batter than white - all the action was at the other end of the field, at chartreuse's goal.

There was actually a little rain - and I do mean a little. You could count the drops on the fingers of one hand. Kept saying, "Ooh it's gonna rain, we'll get caught in it, we'll arrive home soaking wet!" No such luck. Ber thinks it wasn't actually rain at all, just 100% humidity, and an occasional drop forms. JJ had a fine time chasing sticks into the lake (at the permitted Peninsula dog beach).

The little house in the picture is the well house. There have been rumors for several years, recently re-spread, that there's money set aside to turn the cute little house into a genuine toilet facility. Gee, it would nice if this actually happened. Wouldn't it be great to have the real thing instead of the Port-o-johns? No more tipping them over, no more aromas, no more heat-and-claustrophobia while trying to so one's business? Let's start a Real Toilets in the Park movement - catchier name ideas are welcome.

I really miss the variety of ducks we used to have. For some reason, they are all the same brown ducks now. I miss Cayuga, the buckle-headed duck, the male mallards with their pretty green necks - all the interesting birds that were here last winter. Here's hoping that some colorful newcomers will fly in soon.

Don't know what's happening with the new Vanderbilt Playground. All work seems to have ground to a halt! Such a shame - this is the perfect time of year for a new playground with the sprinklers and all. Maybe they figure it will stay looking good if the never open it? However, there are some nice adult exercise benches and stuff nearby - perfect if you want to take a break from your jogging for some sit-ups, pull-ups, etc.

Just an ordinary day

Fairly hot and humid in the park this morning. It was cloudy, and we thought it might rain. No such luck. Felt quite lethargic, so we just took JJ to the Peninsula and walked around, while she ran from side to side. Actually, I sat on a log for a while, enjoying the quietude, while Ber walked around the meadow. Ducks and swans and geese all quietly swimming around.

Saw Tony, the head of FIDO, who was also feeling lethargic, but he has many more reasons to feel lethargic than I do (health and age). It's always nice to see him and chat. He tells us that someone at the Coffee Bark has now nicknamed Anne Joan of Park. I like it better than the Swan Princess - much more dynamic, which she is.

Fun at the coffee bark!

Great time at the FIDO Coffee bark today. Norana and her dog Chewy came along with me and Ber and JJ. We met two adorable Pomeranians who had a great time with Chewy. One tried to walk him, the other was even more friendly. JJ has true dog instincts and kept close to her humans hoping for food. Which she got - there are little biscuits for the dogs. Chewy is not so food oriented (puppy mill result) but he does let me feed him now. We have to keep Chewy attached to his the leash because he still doesn't come when called, and he can run faster than all of us. Ber met a dog named Bear, and we hav e a portrait of the two of them.

I actually biked - did 7 miles in all today. Very good for the leg. I had to go in circles from time to time so the walkers could keep up with me. My balance is very poor at 3 MPH, but I hope to improve. Looks to be a huge party day in the park. There was a police car escorting in several cars setting up for a huge family reunion party in the Nethermead.

The bridge repair seems to be done. There's a wood lining under the bridge, over the paths, so no falling bricks will hit anyone. The metal plate is still gone. Hopefully it is being repaired and will be replaced.

Perfect, stunningly beautiful day.

Bits and pieces in the park

Nice to see the three adult swans swimming happily about, unencumbered by fishing lines, hooks, etc. They seem to be none the worse from their experiences. I just hope that they can stay that way.

Chatted a bit with come responsible fisherpeople sitting by the lake. No barbed hooks, ever, and he had caught and released a bass already. I noted that they were not fishing anywhere near the swans, geese, ducks, etc. To me, the idea of coming but I suppose, if asked, they might feel the same way about walking the dog and looking at birds. So nice that there are accommodations for all interests in Prospect Park!

There was a camera crew in the Park today, from Channel 5. I asked what about. They want some nice park scenery to go with the West Nile Virus story. I remembered I heard on the radio (NPR - where I get most of my news) that there was the first confirmed case this year. So, could Fox 5 be fearmongering about the dangers of Prospect Park? Maye it will encourage the barbed-hook fisherpeople to keep away.

Swan family is happily dining among the duckweed by the boathouse. JJ's going in for a swim didn't bother them at all. And we got a great shot of a caterpillar that jumped onto Ed from a nearby tree - obviously recognizing a friendly spirit. The question is: good caterpillar or bad caterpillar???

Last but not least: a memorial poster for the geese.

Don't know what happened - the pictures were all supposed to be small. Oh well.

Correction on swan rescue(s)

Apparently,. I got a little mixed up in the sequence of events of the last few days. First of all, it was not just the one swan that got tangled by the fishing line. It was FOUR of them. the two new arrivals (or returning swans) and two of the cygnets. While Ed and Oleg and Anne did rescue Ziggy, who was caught in the phragmites by the fishing line, the other swan was rescued by Martin of the Prospect Park Alliance. Remember I said that he had gone in a boat to try to get Ziggy to rescue him? Well, he went out again the next day and rescued the other swan, who was also caught in the fishing line. The cygnets were caught and rescued by Ed and Ann, as far as I know.

I know this sounds confusing, but it's great that so many people are making the effort to keep our beautiful swans safe and sound. It is kind of horrible that there is so much stray fishing line around the lake. Are the containers being used? Are they ever emptied?

The two large swans were caught with barbed hooks, which are apparently illegal (who knew?) Really, if fishing is allowed in the park, and I know that it is popular, more must be done to ensure that it is done without killing all the other wildlife. I know there are a lot of responsible fisherpeople. They don't use barbed hooks, throw the line sideways instead of overhead, and catch and release. But what about the irresponsible ones? Maybe more publicity about what is legal and illegal, and some enforcement of illegal procedures. The city could certainly use the money from the fines that might be levied.

The picture is Anne holding the barbed hook removed from one of the swans. It's not such a great picture of Anne (sorry about that) but a great one of the barbed hook.

If I have any of this wrong, please, please, please correct the sequence of events. I do like to be accurate, but I can't see everything firsthand.

Swan rescued! Ziggy is free!!

I may be overdoing it on the exclamation points, but Ziggy, the swan who's been dragging around fishing line and a lure, has been freed and rescued, as of yesterday. He was rescued yesterday. Martin from Prospect Alliance had tried to catch him (we're calling Ziggy a him out of courtesy - I am uncomfortable calling a living creature it), without success. Then, yesterday, Ziggy got himself tangled in the phragmites near the Peninsula. Our friend Ed (who told us what happened) plus Oleg, another regular park Watcher) took a lid off small dumpster to reach Ziggy, and they cut off all the fishing line, lure, etc. I just hop the swans can stay free of the fishing line.

There really needs to be more publicity about the havoc that fishing line can wreak, and the need to dispose of it properly. The Parks Department seems to making some progress with the trash cleanup and stopping barbecue coals from killing the trees. How about a concentrated effort about the dangers of fishing line? Anne says she saw a goose hobbled by fishing line already.

Heard a rumor - the Port-a-johns were overturned not by vandals having destructive fun, but as a protest against the poor quality of public restrooms at our end of the park. Who knows? If the perpetrators read this blog, an anonymous statement as to cause would be much appreciated.

Rode my bike to the Park as a nice change from walking. JJ did a great job following me as I circled the Nethermead. My maximum speed was only about 8 MPH, and she pretty much kept up!

Photos of the swan rescue: http://rrrina.com/swansinjuredprospectpark.htm

Today's bird report

One of the three swans still has a lure attached, although it doesn't seem to be as disruptive to its swimming as it was yesterday. We heard that Martin of the Prospect Alliance was out in a boat yesterday trying to rescue Ziggy from the fishing line, but was unable to catch it. All three were swimming nicely in the lake today. We shall see what happens next.

Swan family looking good.

A small group of geese is now located on the Southern part of the lake - near to one of the meeting circles. This was where one of the huge flocks had based themselves. I am wondering if there are so many geese back that there are now two flocks? Before the massacre, it looked like five flocks. I am wondering ho big a flock needs to be before it splits into two.

By meeting circle, I mean the place south of the lake, with benches around a circle, where there's a large painted rock in the center. When we first moved to Brooklyn and came to the park, there was a tree trunk in that spot. An artist had carved the trunk into a lion's head. it was magnificent, a genuine work of art. Alas, as with so many things in Prospect, it got destroyed - first burnt a little, then a lot. For many years, it just looked like a pile of crap. I'm glad the rock is there. Not nearly so wonderful as the lion's head, but nice nevertheless.

Swan in Danger!!

One of the two goslings who were born here and returned a mere two days ago is caught by a fishing line and lure. The swan, known as Ziggy, is swimming in circles and back and forth all around the lake, trying to loosen itself. It looks like the line, with attached lure, is wrapped around one leg. the bird can't come ashore for someone to try to save it. It has been reported to the rangers, and we have e-mailed whatever contacts we have in the park. Let's hope it can be saved. Ziggy was one of last year's goslings, and the only one who had never been wounded by the fishing line and hooks. It came close enough to shore so I could get some good pictures - note the red thing (lure?) right behind him/her. This is so disgusting, that we kill off so many birds and still can't look after the precious few that are left.

Anne is trying to teach me to identify individual birds. She pointed out that one of newly arrived geese has a white "eyebrow" on its face.
what an eye for detail she has!

There was a rumor that "something big" was floating in the water near the Lullwater - stay tuned for further info.

Bridge repairs moving ahead. Hope they replace the decorative metal piece that is sitting on the ground.

Other than the panic about our swan, it was a quiet day - Mondays seem to be. I guess people and their dogs skip the park and just go into work, having had the weekend. Speaking of which, someone used the Peninsula Meadow for a baby shower - what a beautiful spot! But maybe they could have taken all the evidence with them, rather than leaving the decorations to blow around on the grass.

On the subject of geese - it is more controversial than I thought, the idea of using them for food. A commentator pointed out some of the issues. I will do some more research and rethink this. But I would like to say that people often have a lot of emotional baggage about their food. Dogs and snakes are food in China, horsemeat is a treat in Quebec, Americans are horrified by both. It wasn't so long ago that oysters and lobster were so plentiful and cheap that they were common fare in prisons. Maine actually passed a law limiting how much lobster could be fed to prisoners, since too much was considered abuse. And of course, the ultimate mouth-watering feast in Dickens' "Christmas Carol " was ...GOOSE!!! Just saying.

The Prodigal Swans

Another beautiful day in the park. Norana and her new dog Chewy came with Ber and JJ and me. We climbed up Lookout Hill! First time in a while for me, - the leg is definitely improving. The top of Lookout Hill is beautifully overgrown. and there were only 5 crack bags - 3 clear, 2 blue. No cute little unicorns.

It turns out the 3 "new" swans are not new at all. We ran into Anne and Ed. Anne has an uncanny ability to recognize individual swans. I'm trying, but in general they all look alike to me. Anyway, one of the three is the lone male that's been at the lake, and the other two are from the last batch cygnets - the ones who flew away in the Spring! You can tell they're not full grown because the beaks aren't orange yet - but they are red, which is halfway there. So the children have come home..to visit? to stay? I wonder when we'll see them interacting with the new swan family, and how they'll get along.

The new swan family swam quite close to me, happily feasting on the duckweed. Papa lingered back and didn't hiss.

Anne and Ed report a goose count of 53 today, but we didn't see them - they (the geese) were not at the usual breakfast bar on the lake edge.

Toppled porto-johns today. Is this really fun? And for whom?

Another article in the Times yesterday about the geese problem. Specifically, it talked about the possibility of using the exterminated geese as food. Apparently people in NYC think they might not be good to eat without being tested. A Chicago animal control person pointed out that these are the same geese that hunters go out and shoot. Well, some might be upset because they do occasionally put chemicals in the park. Of course, anyone who doesn't eat organic meat (which is most people) has been eating pesticides and herbicides in their food for years. Funny how it's only ok when you've paid someone for the pesticide-infested food.