Regal, silent, and determined, three V's of migrating Canada geese flew overhead into the park this morning, just as I was getting there. About 20 - 30 in all. They landed over by the Peninsula, separate from the other geese on the Lake. Wonder if they are just stopping for a travel break, or if they plan to stay. Wish I could warn them about what happens to geese who decide to stay. When JJ and I got to the Peninsula meadow, she ran over to the spot where the newcomers arrived, she went and barked at them, and they flew off to another part of the lake. Which reminds me of a supposed plan to expand dog areas to ward off the geese that I mentioned last week. According to a commenter, this is not so. This commenter says they are on the Committee studying the issue. Says there is NO new Parks policy yet, that they are not expanding the dog run times/places, and there is no reason for the birders and doggers to be at odds. Good to know. He/she says that the Prospect Park Wildlife Management Advisory Committee (PPWMAC) will be issuing recommendations in the next few weeks, and that these recommendations will be in accordance with the Humane Society. I can't wait to see these recommendations. It will be nice to report some facts in addition to the usual rumor, innuendo, and hearsay.
The Lake seemed particularly full of birds today. Some cormorants, a lot of ducks. All 7 swans were near the Peninsula, feeding off the phragmites. The cygnets are about 1/2 white-feathered now. Papa and Grandpa were having a little tussle, with much spreading of wings and attitude. A couple of the dogs went towards them, but not too close. Just enough to show their owners that they were doing their job of protecting them, without getting close enough to face the wrath of the protective male swan.
Saw Anne and Ed today, whom I haven't seen in a while. Anne found a big handful of fish hooks, lines, etc. She didn't get the Brooklyn Do-gooder award, but was very pleased to be one of the finalists.
Why was it necessary for the other person to "bark" at the geese? As you point out, the geese were probably just stopping to rest for a bit as they are not part of the regular crowd. Am really sick of all the harassment, hatred and killing of these magnificent birds. This link is to a photo I took this summer of children and peope enjoying the family of geese who were at Turtle Pond over the summer. Why can't we let these birds in PEACE? At least the kids enjoy them. http://www.flickr.com/photos/50648758@N07/5126488485/
ReplyDeleteJJ is not another person. JJ is my dog, whom I let off her leash during the off-leash hours at the Peninsula meadow. I did not encourage her to bark at the geese. I'm afraid it's what dogs often do. They do not attack the geese, gas the geese, injure the geese, shoot arrows at the geese, or wrap them in fishing wire. But they do bark. It's their nature.
ReplyDeleteOh, so sorry, I thought you were talking about a person! I thought to myself, "how mean!" Sorry about the misunderstanding. By the way, geese are also flying into the Reservoir in Central Park now. You can tell they are migratory by how tuckered out they are. Just sitting on the water, barely moving and heads tucked back. They really need these rest stops if they are to make it to wherever their final destination is. Hopefully, as you point out very accurately, not in Prospect Park. Again, sorry for misunderstanding. Should have gotten a "clue" when you said, "barked." Then again, some people bark. ;)
ReplyDeleteNo problem. We sometimes forget that JJ is actually a dog.
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