Reducing canada geese in NYC, one tree at a time

Top two images are of a Million Trees Initiative planting near Pelham Bay Station in the Bronx. As you can see, there are no geese in the fenced area with tall grass. There are however, geese across from the youngest plantings where there are a few larger (but still small) trees. And there are lots of geese droppings where the grass is short and open. Whats the point, you ask? Plant more trees in NYC! From observations of geese "herds" over the last few weeks, it seems they do not like areas with trees closer, on average, than about 6 meters (this has not been subject to rigorous testing!). In addition to all the other benefits of PlanNYC and the Mayor's Million Tree Initiative, it bears mention that trees may decrease Canada Geese populations, which in addition to being nuisances, also cause airplane crashes from time to time.

Patterson budget contradicts Obama science policy

In a last minute vote on Friday, Feb. 6 the Senate agreed to increase funds (despite fervent efforts to cut) funding to the National Science Foundation. YAY! But there are other statewide efforts to nip science in this economic climate (see below). Before moving on, here is a bit more on the NSF funding:

As originally written the Economic Stimulous Plan:
"Provides $10 billion for scientific research, including investments at the National Science Foundation. That would include supporting 3,000 new NSF research awards and immediately put to work 12,750 senior scientists, as well as undergraduate- graduate- and post-graduate level researchers." Cited from here.

This is a very good thing! Actually, I read a separate estimate that each NSF research award provides direct financial benefits to 30 scientists... so, 30 x 3,000 = 90,000 scientists (I guess this figure includes ALL the postdocs, research techs, undergrads etc. in addition to the Principle Investigators) that will do well in this economy as a result of the extra funds, not to mention all the other benefits of research.

Ok, so that is the good news. In the mean time, New York State Governor Patterson is attempting to cut funding to the Wildlife Conservation Society (which manages the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and other NYC cultural institutions), as well as The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute, which among other projects, is working to understand why bats are disappearing from New York. Although the zoo has garnered media coverage by claiming they will have to lay off animals, this argument misses the real issue which, I believe, is as follows:

The Bronx Zoo is not simply a zoo! The Wildilfe Conservation Society is a major scientific and conservation education institution producing cutting edge curricula and research. In addition to losing animals, cuts to the zoo may lead to cuts in conservation education programs, which are critical in a place like NYC where exposure to nature is limited (especially children).

There is a deeper concern as well. While it is great that so much of the current discussion is focused on climate change and alternative energies, I am concerned that preservation of endangered species is getting the shaft. The Ecological Society of America recently sent a letter out to Obama with a reminder that saving the planet isn't just about carbon, its about species preservation and environmental education too (and yes, these are all linked).

The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute and Wildlife Conservation Society are two institutions working to preserve biodiversity and provide environmental education. Lets make sure Patterson understands that these cannot be cut. Call, call, call.

Take down of Flt 1549 by Canada Geese

While I hope to celebrate urban wildlife in this blog, there are times that I will discuss some species that cause minor or major problems for humans. Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) are one such species that are making national headlines due to their causal role in the crashing of Flt 1549 into the Hudson River. Apparently the pilots observed a flock of geese in formation moments before an explosion was heard leading to the eventual descent to the Hudson. The "ingestion" of two or more Canada Geese by the engines is believed to have caused the crash landing.

Populations of B. canadensis, as well as other waterfowl such as Greater and Lesser Snow Geese have drastically increased over the last four decades. These birds are considered a nuisance because their droppings can contaminate water supplies and lead to eutrophication of water bodies. More commonly encountered are the numerous droppings on playing fields and other open green spaces. Given Flt 1549 and other not so fortunate incidents with Canada Geese and other birdlife, there will likely be controversy over culling and other methods of control.

Despite all this, it is important to look back to how B. canadensis came to be so abundant in New York City and other urban areas. In the late 1800s, the population of B. canadensis was extremely low across North America due to hunting by humans and natural predation by coyotes, red fox and other carnivores. Around this time, William Hornaday, the first director of the Bronx Zoo, was awed by the beauty and rarity of Canada Geese observed on an expedition to Canada. Later on, in the mid 20th century, numerous well-intentioned introduction programs led to the establishment of Canada Geese throughout the USA. Currently, it is estimated that there are over five million B. canadensis in North America.

While it is easy to blame the geese, perhaps we aught to also look at the influence of the landscape we have created...

Ultimately, what has made B. canadensis so successful in urban and suburban landscapes is the abundance of open grassy fields in urban landscapes, where the birds can graze free of predation by carnivores that are no longer present. Abundant food (grass and supplemental feeding by humans) has resulted in some populations that, rather than migrating south, remain in cities through the winter. The urban heat island effect (warmer temperatures in cities due to prevalence of concrete and lack of vegetation) may also contribute to urban populations of B. canadensis. However, the impact with Flt 1549 occurred at about 3000 ft, suggesting that the geese were migrating (resident geese seem to fly less than 300 ft or so), albeit perhaps after or before descending for a brief rest somewhere in the Bronx.

So what should we do? Funding for ecological and wildlife management studies of Canada Geese populations wouldn't hurt. As the geese seem to congregate on large open fields we may want to reduce land devoted to golf courses which get limited use by adults (as opposed to ballfields which are heavily used by children), or at least, plant more trees to limit their 'landing paths'. Planting trees (ala Million Tree Initiative) would also be a good idea on land currently managed for short grass (along highways etc.) by Dept. of Transportation. A final possibility? Hasten the return of the coyote to parts of NYC!

What this blog is all about

New York City is home to over 8 million humans... but also countless other organisms of which we know very little!!! Although there are thousands of naturalists in NYC there are very few published accounts of species in NYC (some on birds, butterflies, bees and dragonflies but very little on other groups of species). I hope to use this blog as a way to increase understanding and appreciation of the species that co-inhabit our great city.

Here are some of the topics on which I will be posting:

• Bees, butterflies and other insects in NYC
• Coyote sightings in NYC
• Long-eared owls in Pelham Bay Park and other owls in NYC
• Frog ponds in the city
• Celebrity wildlife

Have other ideas? Let me know!