As has been typical of this roller coaster winter so far, temperatures took a dive yesterday and whipping winds tore into the city at up to 50 MPH.
A large billboard crashed onto to the Brooklyn Queens expressway in what was attributed to high winds. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Walking along the normally calm Jackie Onassis Reservoir last night, it was incredible to note white caps on the water and what appeared small waves crashing along the rocks. It was almost like a little ocean yielding to sweeping, bitter winds.
Small wonder few birds have taken refuge in the Reservoir this winter. With its open space, the Reservoir gets hit with stronger wind gusts than other areas of Central Park and so far (due to a warmer winter than normal) other watercourses have remained open.
As I struggled to maintain balance in the cutting wind, I wondered about the geese and ducks at Harlem Meer?
The incredulous news over the past few days of harassment being conducted on geese at Prospect Park made me question if such senseless and cruel tactics would spread to Central Park (like some insidious disease)?
Once again, I didn't know what to expect when arriving at the Meer. Would I only find the three flightless ducks (Brad, Piggly and Wiggly) there?
Fortunately, all the geese and ducks were still present with what even appeared to be a few more geese than what's been normal over the past six weeks or so.
Most of the birds were in the water. But, as usual when arriving, Buster sounded out a greeting goose "honk" from the middle of the lake and Brad quickly gathered his two duck charges to come and meet me at the usual spot.
Within a minute, the "parade" of about 15 resident ducks and an almost equal number of resident geese came to greet me along the south embankment.
The rest of the non-resident and presumably migratory geese either remained in the water or gathered further west along the lake banks. As always, they kept their safe and somewhat aloof distance.
The "resident" Harlem Meer geese consists of Buster and his six followers and another family (or gaggle) of about 8 geese. They represent what I am estimating to be about 20% of the geese currently at Harlem Meer. The rest of the geese are presumably migratory. (However, that can be difficult to discern with certainty considering harassment occurring at one local and known NYC park.)
The other family shows respect around Buster so as not to tread directly on his "space," but at the same time, they are not intimidated by him.
Several of the geese from the second family walk cautiously up to me and take seeds gently and confidently from my hand. But, they are careful not to step over the invisible line that Buster has apparently drawn in the sand.
Its fascinating to actually observe the intricate, but at the same time, simple relationship among the geese. One born of hierarchy, dominance and knowledge, but at the same time, respect and cooperation.
Though several members of the other goose family boldly venture treats from my hand, none of Buster's charges ever do. Though Buster's gaggle members come very near, its as though they fully expect an admonishment from Buster if daring to take anything directly from me. And indeed, the few times one of them did venture a mouth too close, Buster immediately "corrected" them with a hard peck to the back.
The "rules" have been set down and they are rarely, if ever broken or even challenged.
Meanwhile, Brad swoops sunflower seeds from my hand as Wiggly has quickly learned that by standing directly under me, she gets all that escapes from Brad's beak. That, as noted last week, leads to other mallards standing literally on my shoes to quickly sweep up the fluttering treats. (I have since switched to black sports boots)
Wiggly on the other hand (having had such a tough initiation to the Meer from the rejecting mallards), has learned that his lightening fast darting skills enable him to grab what is tossed out to the geese and other ducks and immediately jump out of the way of any annoyed pecks.
Both, Piggly and Wiggly are fast learners, though of course they now have an expert leader and teacher in Brad who protects and looks out for them like they are his own kids.
(I think we now know the origin and inspiration for the phrase, "taking under wing." It is one directly taken from nature.)
As noted previously, out of a seeming respect for the leadership of both, Buster and Brad often eat from my hand together, neither one, trying to "correct" or intimidate the other.
Last night, it was particularly funny that while both birds ate from my hand, one of Buster's gaggle members squatted underneath them and some falling treats landed on his/her back!
(That would have made a hilarious video but unfortunately there wasn't a second party to film it. -- A duck and goose forming a "bridge" to grab treats while a second goose, [under the bridge] grabs what falls!)
Although members of Buster's family do not dare to take treats from my hand, apparently neither he nor they have objections to my petting them!
Lately I have been able to "pet" several of Buster's charges (including the one "under the bridge" last night). It's amazing how hard and powerful their wings feel. -- like steel grids! (One doesn't get that impression from merely looking at the geese.) Then again, it makes sense considering the thousands of miles these birds are capable of flying. The wings obviously have to be very resilient and strong.
Finally exhausted of treat, I gingerly moved away to get my two dogs (being careful not to step on Wiggly or other still nibbling ducks)!
Brad once again, gathered his two charges and began to form the "parade" of which Buster and gaggle are a part, to escort me from the Meer.
I always have to laugh at this -- but still haven't figured out what it means.
I honestly think these birds have no faith in the ability of humans to be smarter than they are in navigation skills!
And perhaps they are correct in that. Surely, I could not find my way to Canada like the geese do!
But, I can find my way out of Central Park. -- Even though it was particularly tough last night considering the hard, blistering winds.
Perhaps Brad, Buster and their charges should have escorted me home last night to be sure I wasn't blown over. -- PCA
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