Bark the Herald Angels Sing!!

Terrific morning at FIDO's Bark the Herald Sing event this morning. Up[ at 6 to make the wassail. I was so nervous about doing a good job!! It was a hit!! People told me it was the best ever, and I had said that I wanted to hear that from only some of them. Dogs in costumes, Marty Markowitz came, and the best Santa ever. He and his wife and dogs come down from Massachusetts in his fantastic custom made Santa suit. We sang Christmas carols and Chanukah songs rewritten for dogs, had a beautiful cake, wassail, and mulled cider. Loads of people and dogs and a really good time. And the dogs could stay off-leash till 10 AM, not the usual 9. I'll put some pictures here, and many more on my Facebook page, open to the public.

At the request of many, here's the wassail recipe. This amount fills two large thermoses, about 8 quarts.

3 six-packs Brooklyn Brown Ale
1 1/2 cups sugar
Cheese cloth
6 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 cup brandy
1 cup medium sherry or port.

Warm ale, sugar, and spices. (Wrap spices in cheesecloth. ) DO NOT BOIL.
When hot, add 1 cup brandy and 1 cup sherry or port.
Pour into heated thermos(es).

Happy Holidays!!

Oh, and there was "jingle bell jog" also going on - lots of people running, dressed up as elves, reindeer, snow, Santas, etc.

Ode to Fanny and spring

It was the most beautiful day imaginable in the Park today. Sun shining, blue sky, not too warm, a soft breeze on your skin that was quite perfect. We were four people and two dogs and we didn't want to leave.

We saw some baby turtles, and a huge great-grandpa. Some geese flying around - migratory or residential, I don't know, but it was gorgeous. And so many dogs!! Note: 19 crack bags on Lookout hill, but even more birders out today!

The most exciting thing, though, was a garbage truck driving around picking up the trash! In all the time I've been coming to the park, I have NEVER seen trash pickup on a Sunday until now. Thank you, Emily Lloyd, the new Parks commissioner for caring. Beautiful weekends are always a problem. So many people enjoy the park for picnics, barbeques, everything, that the trash cans are overflowing by Sat. night, and Sunday has traditionally been quite disgusting. I stopped to thank the men doing the work. Don't know how pleased they were to be working on a Sunday morning, but I thought I'd let them know that someone appreciated them.

We also were very pleased to see Fanny. Fanny is a 14-year old semi-retired service dog that belongs to Tony, the head of FIDO. She collapsed a few days ago and was in the hospital. And of course, at 14, we kind of assumed the worst. Didn't happen!! We saw her today in the Peninsula. She's out, on medication for heart disease and seems to be doing fine, albeit a little slow. She is a wonderful dog, and we were very glad to see her.

Ready for the fishing season

Here's Tony, the President of FIDO, getting ready for the upcoming season of fishing, fishing lines left on the ground, in the trees, and around the waterfowl. Net and grabber at the ready! Hopefully, we will lose no birds to hooks and line left by careless fisherpeople this year. I love that Tony cares as much about the birds as the dogs. There are FIDO people who hate the water fowl and birders who hate the dogs, and Tony can name names and tell you exactly who's who. We are united in the concept that the park is for ALL creatures.

I will do regular counts of the geese and swans, so we can keep track. Ducks and gulls as much as I can. As I said, the geese seem to be concentrated in two areas. It's awfully hard to walk around the lake these days - on part of the path you have to walk on hay bales around the Lakeside fencing. Pictures coming in the future.

Yes, I did see all 6 swans. The parents were hanging out south of what I'm calling the main beach. The main beach would be the area closest to Vanderbilt playground, full of nannies and children on nice days. To the south is an area that is a little more secluded and closer to the Park Circle entrance. I don't think the swans have nested yet. Remember, last year's clutch were born on May 21. Mute swans incubate about 35 days, which would mean it starts at April 17. But these numbers are not set in stone, and I think it needs to be a little warmer to lay eggs. As I recall from my farm years, ducks (we didn't have swans) lay an egg a day for a number of days before they start setting on them, and the weather has to be warm enough. I used to find the nest and take all the eggs but one, so the ducks would continue to lay in the same place and we'd have lovely duck egg omelets. (Pause to reminisce). Anyway, one of the cygnets does seem to be separated from the other 3. It's why I think there's one male and 3 females - one of them was always more aggressive, more inclined to spread wings, etc.

4 cormorants 4

Actually, I didn't see them today (geese and ducks took over the log today), but I have been informed by my readers that they are in fact cormorants, not egrets. Thank you. I feel really bad about not recognizing them, since we saw many when we were vacationing on the Gaspe Peninsula last summer. Even went and used the free Internet in the Visitor's Center to learn more about them. Starting to worry about my memory. Oh well, I haven't put my keys in the freezer yet. Anyway, I do appreciate the corrections although, after this and the Lincoln/Poe incident, I probably should rename this blog the "Find the factual error" blog. Maybe offer a prize? Really, the satisfaction of knowing you have spread knowledge and enlightenment in the world is about the best I can offer.

I also made a semi-joking comment about hoping Bloomberg won't have them (the egrets/cormorants) gassed too. Sadly, it is no joke (thanks, Bonnie). Did some research. Apparently, cormorants have been considered a pest for years, especially in the midwest area of this continent. And why? BECAUSE THEY COMPETE FOR FISH WITH THE FISHERMAN!!!!!!! In 1999, American guides were actually arrested for killing over 2,000 cormorants near the American shore of Lake Ontario. And now I find that Canada has been "culling" (their word for killing) thousands of them for several years now, in spite of protests from their citizens and an organization called Cormorant Defenders International http://www.zoocheck.com/cormorant/?id=14. I found this absolutely shocking. Canada? Land of Nice? I have always considered America the embodiment of what I call the 'John Wayne School of Diplomacy" (Step 1: Shoot and kill). Sadly, it's not just us. Not to go off on too much of a tangent, there's a Canadian guy named Al who keeps sponsoring illegal coyote killing contests, and the authorities don't seem to do anything about it. Of course the prize Al gives away is a gun. Sigh.

On the more local subject of our geese...yes, I do think there were too many of them last summer. In my entries last summer, I kept referring to them as Nazis, partly because they had taken over the lake and driven the swans and ducks away to the Audubon boat house, partly to their habit of, well, goosestepping when they walked. These were supposed to be migrating birds who stopped migrating and moved in. There were about 5 flocks of them, and it really was too much. I didn't want them killed, but I did think we needed to limit the growth of the population in a humane way. Which is why I pretty much like the recent recommendations about the egg-oiling, plantings, no feeding, and occasional use of dogs

Today in the park

I actually haven't been in a few days. Two reasons. One: hubby had to go in for minor surgery, which ended up in a two day stay in the hospital. Two: weather was not conducive. Even JJ didn't want to go. Yesterday, I needed spring so badly I went to Macy's for the flower show which, by the way, was pretty nice and cheerful. Back on track today.

Sure signs of Spring: Clumps of daffodils everywhere. Big bike race. Also, the FIDO Coffee Bark, which has been moved slightly downhill to the Long Meadow, was very well attended. We walked all the way there and back, and even stopped at the Grand Army Greenmarket for some of Rick's Pick's low sodium pickles. On the way back, we saw a group of Girl Scouts gathering at the Asian Pagoda for a day of tree planting and gardening in the Park. Good for them! Also a group of young runners training to be Marines. So vigorous and proud! Couldn't tell if they were actual Marines or some kind of Junior ROTC, but they were doing great on this very beautiful day in the park.

Filming alert: Boardwalk Empire will be filming Monday, 6 AM to 8 PM, around the house with the big wraparound porch on the SE corner of the Argyle/Albemarle intersection. Cameras already in place.

Photos from "Hands Around the Lake"

It looked to be a pretty good crowd, maybe 200, to support the geese and oppose the Mayor's gassing of them. Dog owners and bird lovers and lots of children. State Senator Eric Adams was there, as was Councilwoman Letitia James. Also on the premises, Goose NA03, one of the two tagged geese that have recently arrived from Canada. Clearly concerned with the possible genocide against him/her, NA03 seemed very interested in the proceedings. Lots of dogs and their owners from FIDO. It was wonderful to see so many groups there. It's a shame Anne and Ed weren't there. They would have loved to see so many different groups, who sometimes disagree with each other, all out in the cold (but sunny) weather to support wildlife in NYC.

There was also Verite, a vegan caterer with yummy snacks. A woman against horse abuse, who wants the horse carriages replaced with vintage hybrid cars. Don't know if I agree, since I love the horses and love seeing them in the city. I know that they are not treated well. Told the young lady this. She didn't get angry or didactic, just gave me a flier, suggested I check out the website, and said that maybe I'd change my mind. So civilized!!! Love it!! And the swans came around. Papa was a little cranky, chasing off his children. People were very curious about the swans, and I had a fine time doing a little teaching about the swans, how to tell the cygnets from the adults, how protective the Papas are, etc.

Swans at risk from fishhooks - yet again

I'm not sure if I'm the last to know or just another link in the chain, BUT one of the cygnets had a run-in with a fishhook. A couple of days ago, a man named John noticed one of the cygnets was in trouble, with something wrapped around his beak. He posted it in the Brooklynian (a blog), called the Parks Dept., and notified Mary Beth from FIDO. Mary Beth contacted the Parks Dept. They went and examined the cygnet. Apparently the cygnet had tried to eat a worm which was, unfortunately, attached to a fishhook, and it caught around his beak. The Parks Dept. freed the beak. Ed and Anne (who is a licensed animal rehabilitator) read about this and went to see if they could help. They got hold of the cygnet and examined it. His beak has a crack in it. Hopefully it will heal. When we went to the Park this morning, he was curled up all by himself, not head up and swimming like his siblings (top picture). We were very concerned. The good news: when we left the park 1 1/2 hours later his head was up and he was swimming with his siblings! (bottom picture) It's a good sign, but reminds us of how dangerous fishhooks are. FISHERPEOPLE: CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES!!!!!

More bad news for animals in the park: a woman was attacked by two Rottweilers yesterday morning. It was during off-leash hours, but not in the off-leash areas. It is so important that we dog owners strictly abide by the off-leash rules, or we might lose them. That would be tragic both for our dogs and ourselves. I know how tempting it can be, especially after a long winter when it seemed like we had the park completely to ourselves in the mornings, but Spring is here, there are more and more people out there, and if dogs are seen as dangerous nuisances, we will lose this magical gift of off-leash play.

Pro-animals: this Saturday, March 26,12:00 noon, there will be a Hands Around the Lake demonstration to support wildlife in the park. Meet up at the Peninsula (Southwest corner of the Park, just north of the part of the lake that is nearest to the Vanderbilt Playground. By the Wellhouse, just southeast of Lookout Hill. Is that sufficient directions? I hope so.

Also pro-animals: Here's a photo of the lovely bird feeders, protected from squirrels, that we spotted. The feeders seem empty now - may because no one's filled them recently, maybe because the winter feeding season is over. Anyway, I love that they have their spot.

One final note: I have heard that there have been some comments here that have not appeared. Here's how to do it: Click "comment." Write the comment in the box. Comment as "anonymous." Press "Post Comment." You will see a box with some squiggly letters. Copy them as directed. This is to make sure you are a human being, not a machine. Then press submit. There may be a further procedure to sign in with a name, but since our computers know who we are now, we can't access that. When I get to someone else's computer, I'll check it out and see what you have to do.

News from the FIDO front

B. reporting today, since I decided to have a late lie-in, which was quite wonderful. Anyway, he ran into Tony in the Nethermead (Tony is usually at the Peninsula). Tony had some news about the new Parks boss, Emily Lloyd, who replaces the very-close-to-the chest Tupper Thomas. He thinks Ms. Lloyd is much more straightforward, and will give answers like, "I don't know about that" and "I can't do anything about that," rather than make up things and hope you are satisfied. She decided to quit smoking since smoking became banned in the Park, which is wonderfully non-hypocritical. Full disclosure: I think I know Ms. Lloyd very slightly - I think her son and my daughter went to what was then Woodward Park School together back in the 90's.

There's also talk of a dog run, available 24/7. I assume this will be in addition to the off-leash hours, not instead of. Bad news: one of the suggested areas is the top of Lookout Hill. NO NO NO!!! It's a people area, quite and lovely and scenic. And a primo place for the serious runners to get their workout. They would not be happy to be barked at by going past a dog run. Maybe I should stop doing the crack bag count. Maybe it gives the wrong impression of Lookout Hill? I adore dogs, but that is NOT the place for a dog run. Maybe the western side of the Nethermead, at the bottom of Lookout Hill.

Love and marriage among the tires?

TWO tires in the Parade Grounds today, but over in one of the fields, not in the middle of the place. B thinks someone might be collecting them for football practice. He's seen pictures of football players practicing by leaping down a row of tires. Well, that would be a nice, useful way to recycle trash. Will update as it happens (or not).

Speaking of love: egret and duck are friends! They were hanging out on a log in the lake today, just enjoying the scenery. I thought of Owen and Mzee, the real life hippopotamus and turtle who became a very unusual pair of friends (check out the book if you don't know about it). So I wonder if the egret and the duck will really be friends, or are just sharing a convenient spot for the day. Will update.

We met a wood artiste along the Lullwater today, checking out various beautiful pieces of old trees that line the pathway. Talked with him a bit, as he pointed out the beautiful lines of the grains of the wood that revealed themselves as the downed wood aged. Such beautiful curves and lines! Amazing how many times we walk through that area, and have never stopped to see that beauty. I know that I've stopped to make those observations when we've been hiking in the Wilderness are of the Adirondacks, but not so much in Prospect Park. Note to self: must be more aware of the macrocosm in the microcosm.

Cygnets grooming themselves for a long time this morning. I got right next to them, and they were to busy to be disturbed. Chewy, however, was very disturbed and wouldn't get close. And speaking of swans, we saw Tony, who told us what really happened to the Lone Swan (aka Grandpa), last seen in the fall, on the grass, eating everything within reach. A woman named Mary Beth, a FIDO stalwart, also saw him, and saw him being attacked by some kids throwing sticks and stones at him. She went close enough to pick up the swan. VERY unusual, and a sign of ill health. She took him to a local vet, who said that Lone Swan had diseased feet and was not in good shape. The good news: Lone Swan recovered, and is now living at a Wildlife Refuge Center, and not dead as we thought. Can't believe how happy I felt hearing this news. It takes a lot of goodhearted people to care for wildlife in a city park, and I'm glad they're all out there doing it.

The Great Prospect Park Ice Break-up

There are beautiful cracks in the ice, as the open water areas are getting bigger and bigger. Lullwater is still completely frozen, but the big lake and the Boat House area are clearing. Mama and Papa swan have moved over the the Boathouse area, while the cygnets are still in the big lake, swimming about in pairs, heads frequently going under to feast in all the newly-de-iced areas, and those veggie goodies now within reach. Took me three tries to get a nice shot of a pair of cygnets. Just as I went click, a head went under. Patiently waited till it came up, just as I went click again, the other head went under.

Soccer players in the Parade Grounds again! Dressed rather warmly, but determined to declare that it is spring and they will act accordingly!

It was perfect "dog in the park" weather - a bit cold, and the ground was firm. We ran JJ and Chewie back and forth across the Nethermead about 10 times, and then a little more at the Peninsula. We saw Tony from FIDO at the Peninsula, and I got to thinking how incredibly lucky we are to have FIDO and the off-leash hours. At other places in the city, especially in Manhattan, there are dog runs the size of shoeboxes, complete with waiting lists, size limitations, interviews and testing to see if your dog would be acceptable, etc. Here in Prospect Park, we've got three gorgeous, giant areas for dogs to run free, and at reasonable times. Well, I think up to 9AM is reasonable, since my "stay up late, sleep to noon" days are long over.

Tony says it was actually Tupper Thomas who officially instigated the off-leash hours. I am not her biggest fan, but this is a good thing she did. Life would be so much simpler if we could clearly state that people were either good or evil. Damn, they're much more complicated than that. Requires thinking. Brain hurting....
Ber says he heard that the off-leash hours were started because the Park was considered very dangerous. The off-leash hours were started to bring lots of people and dogs to the park, and make it a safer place. One of those cheap and easy solutions that actually work (so rare!) Got to give people credit for good ideas.

Up to Lookout Hill again today, marginally less huffing and puffing. Spruced up the top by putting assorted cans and bottle in the trash. Four or 3 1/2 crack bags, depending on how you're counting them - one was tiny (see photo).

Note to PattyA I am one of your followers and read your blog regularly, just haven't commented. Thanks for your interest/support/love of wildlife.

Today at the Bark

It was FIDO's Coffee Bark today, a monthly gathering of dogs and humans, with coffee and snacks for both. We walked all the way to Park Slope (and back, later) to attend. They were also selling doggie clothing along with membership renewals. JJ, of course, needs no clothing, since she loves to roll around in the snow to cool off, even on the coldest days. We thought about getting her a raincoat, but they didn't have her size and besides, we figure she's entitled to opt for short walks in the rain. But we did get an adorable, sorry, MANLY little sheepskin coat for our daughter's Australian Terrier, Chewie. He feels the cold. Complete with a pocket.

The Park: still only the car road and horse trail cleared, and of course the Greg Mocker Path. Ran into Ed and Anne, who said that after the big snow on Jan. 28, the Mocker Path (all 30 feet of it) was cleared by the 29th! I can no longer call it the Greg Mocker Memorial Path, since someone who reads this asked me if Greg had died. GREG MOCKER IS NOT DEAD - HE'S VERY MUCH ALIVE AND DOING GREAT THINGS, AS ANYONE WHO WATCHES HIS NEWS REPORTS ON WPIX CHANNEL 11 KNOWS. Just wanted to make that clear. Too damn easy to start silly rumors. Remember "The walrus is Paul?"

I noted that someone was celebrating Chinese New Year in the Park by leaving one of those Chinese plastic plaid bags in the lake. (see photo). I mean, must we? really?

The more I think about the N.Y. Times article justifying the geese killing, the angrier I get. Protecting ornamental plantings? What ornamental plantings? The only ones I've seen are the phragmites, and the Parks Dept. is constantly (excuse my language) bitching about how they're invasive and unwelcome. The other justification is protecting the water supply. THE PROSPECT PARK LAKE IS NOT AND NEVER HAS BEEN THE CITY'S WATER SUPPLY!!!!!!!!! Just saying. Too often, the first response to any problem is "Kill something." Geese, Congresswoman Giffords ... history is way too full.

Sorry. It was a beautiful day in the Park this morning.