Canada Geese in Harlem Meer
Despite efforts of the NYC Parks Department to remove (humanely with Border Collies), the Canada geese from Harlem Meer in Central Park last week, a few remain. And more will come. Perhaps we can all be friends, or perhaps the Parks Department should allow NYC residents with Portuguese Water Dogs to have a go at the problem.
Canada Geese do make a lot of droppings that are a nuisance. I have had a resident couple raise offspring in the pond at my house for years, and have stepped in and cleaned up, a lot of these. But there is more good than bad in the geese for me. I like their confidence, joie de vivre and adaptability.
Our goose couple, Gus and Gladys, were ideal pets. They were free to come and go. And they did; arriving early each spring to build their nest, raise their young, and leaving by fall. They cared for themselves, fed themselves and entertained themselves. They were excellent watch guards, honking wildly at incoming cars. And they engaged with us on our schedule, taking little snacks of fish feed and corn from our hands when we offered it. Occasionally, Gus would come to the patio door and tap on the glass with his beak, but mostly we admired each other at a distance.
Sadly, the geese at my pond were no match for our Portuguese Water Dog, Daisy. So our pond is now goose free. Daisy is four. These former residents have moved to a local gentle stream, next to a small playground. They still come and feed out of my hand. But they have not tamed to people in general. The maintenance worker for the town noted that the geese only come to me, and that when I drive by, they honk wildly.
Four years ago when we met Daisy, we traded, unknowingly, a resident pond patroller, and lost a little contact with nature. New Yorkers are awed by real nature, as in the media fascination with Lola and Pale Male. Maybe the arrival of the Canada Geese each spring is something to marvel at.
Filed under Enjoying New York City, Urban Life | Comment (0)Free Music Concerts and Summer Theater in New York, 2007
The list of things that money can’t buy, like the happiness of playing ball with your best friend, grows in the summer in New York provided you have patience, suntan lotion, and good reading material. Free concerts and summer theatre abound if you are willing to set out early to stake a claim for a spot.
If you are short on time and with a little green, The Public Theatre offers $25 orchestra seats.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
For classical music lovers, Lincoln Center offers Lincoln Center Out of Doors,
more than 100 free performances from August 3rd to August 27th.
Al Fresco Dining Options in New York
It is so delicious to be outside, and despite the damaging effects of the sun at noon, perhaps you want nothing more than to lunch al fresco. Better yet, wait until the end of the day, and enjoy an evening plein d’or in New York.
A short list we’ll be adding to of both conveniently located outdoor spots and destination spots for enjoying this gorgeous spring weather.
Central Park:
The Loeb Boathouse offers a lovely setting with fine food, great for a drink and a gondola ride or a paddle about.
Madison Square Park
Shake Shack is now open 11 am to 11 pm for all kinds of burgers (ham, cheese and Portobello mushroom), shakes and fries. Located in Madison Square Park, where you can also see a great sculpture installation of Roxy Paine’s. Thank you Madison Square Park for the Wi-Fi 
