Mr Flapper Duck

The avian veterinarian confirmed that the wing could not be saved on this Canada goose. While it might have been possible to amputate the entire wing under ideal circumstances, there was also infection, feather mites and the goose was getting skinny. The goose would have had to become a pet in a safe environment for the rest of its life, and this goose wasn’t really that tame. It was only tame because it was injured and sick. The wing injury was at least a week old and the bone was dead. The wing was actually twisted completely around. It would also be illegal to amputate the wing of a protected migratory bird, and it’s against the standards set up by the Humane Society, PAWS and other wildlife rehabilitation organizations for what’s in the best interest of an injured wild animal. Even given all that, if we’d tried amputation, the goose may not have survived the infection.

I believe the goose approached Debbie for help because it knew she was a good egg. Unfortunately, the best help we could offer the goose was just an end to its suffering. I’m a blubbering mess though, because I really wish it could have been saved.

The goose had a warm, safe bed last night with good food, clean water and lots of love and care.

Rest in peace, sweet goose.

This is an injured Canada goose. Canada goose is in my dining room tonight. Tomorrow, Canada will go to a wildlife rehabilitation place and/or avian veterinarian.

Canada has a baaaad injury to its shoulder or wing. The bone is sticking out and it may not be fixable.

Here you can see more of the injury (sorry, it’s pretty graphic).

At least now, this sweet goose has a chance at recovery, or at least won’t suffer anymore.

Here’s the story: Yesterday I got a call from a friend I know through the photography website flickr. We’ve never met before, but she had my number. This goose was outside Debbie’s back door eating bread out of her hand. She thought it was just having a bad hair day and grabbed her camera to snap a photo.

Then she could see it was really injured. She gave me a call and we tried to catch the goose. Unfortunately it fled into a nearby pond. I got into the pond and got very close to it, but didn’t have any nets with me, so we missed our chance to catch it.

Late this afternoon I was able to borrow some nets and I returned to Debbie’s place to try again. I walked around to the back and she was feeding it bread to keep it close by. It was also being watched by a mallard couple. They stick really close to Canada. Before we even really said hello, the drake duck sounded an alarm at my nets and the goose got nervous. So I got the net ready and slowly headed towards the goose. Debbie tried to keep the goose eating bread, and that worked great. As I got close, the goose tried to dart left, but I threw a sheet that direction. So s/he darted right and I put the net that way. Finally the goose came right at me and I luckily plunked the net down right around it.

Debbie’s husband Bill helped with the crate while I got the Canada safely out of the net. As soon as the net was on the goose, the goose calmed down and sat there quietly.

S/he was easy to get in the crate and is now home with me in my dining room.

Canada geese are a protected species, and Washington state law (WAC 232-12-064) allows for people only to transport them to rehabilitators. As every place is closed tonight, this kid will go first thing in the morning.

I don’t have a lot of hope that s/he’ll be saved, but I’ll definitely keep everyone posted. Special thanks to Debbie and Bill for spending their entire weekend worrying about this goose and calling everyone in the phone book to come get him (animal control, fish & wildlife, police, wildlife rehabilitators, etc.) Unfortunately most cities and states have no resources to respond to injured Canada geese. They’ll respond to injured animals that threaten people, like bobcats or bears, but not to a peaceful grass-eating goose.

For tonight, Canada goose, enjoy a safe sleep and a good meal. Tomorrow we’ll see what’s in store for you.

All photos by Shesnuckinfuts except for the ones in my dining room.

Just got this note from Juno’s family:

“Hi Tiff -

Juno wanted to say hello. She’s doing well and things are calm again with the flock. ”

___________

Thor had been giving Juno a bit of a hard time for awhile, but it sounds like peace has been restored for now. Colder weather and shorter days can bring peace to most flocks of ducks. They also stop laying eggs and get less territorial. So enjoy the calm that winter brings, everyone. I know I will.

All the best to Juno, Fling & even Thor-cranky-pants.

- Tiff