I know it’s kind of a bland name for such a grand and gorgeous creature, but that’s what Bill Ryan named the Canadian Goose. This is how the story goes.  Bill and Candace Ryan were on their way home from a most fantastic jaunt on Gannett Hill in Ontario County Park. As new-comers to the area, we are still trying to find a new adventure at least once every week or two: find a new sight to see a new landmark to learn about or engage in some adventure that is true only to this beautiful Finger Lakes region we now call home.

     As is our custom, we will most always come by way of Bopple Hill so that we may ride along the lake. This area is still unbelievably beautiful to us. I don’t think we will ever be without the sense of awe or splendor. I will always remember one of our very first visits from NJ to Bristol Harbour, having approached from the southern route of Naples and arriving at Seneca Point Road at the full of the moon-the glimmer of the lunar shine off the stillness of the waters beckoning us home to this chosen place. It was a divine experience, as surely those of you who know the moon and this lake may attest.

     Anyway, homeward from our hike up to the Jump Off, we came by way of Seneca Point and stopped to say hello to Ed Marshall and his walking partner, Nancy. They had gathered near a gray goose perched in the road. The fowl was injured and Ed beseeched our assistance to call some appropriate authority that might come to the goose’s aid.

     Being good neighbors and gander lovers from way back, we phoned the animal protection number in the yellow pages. A good fellow returned the call within the hour and directed us to another local resource of which I had never heard-a Wildlife Rehabilitator. After several hours and Bill Ryan’s cleverness, we set our phone to constant redial until we reached MaryBeth Sterling of Geneva, whose specialty it seems is mammals and not birds. We stayed the course, for rescuing Gary now had become the newer more important experience of the day. MaryBeth referred us straightaway to Doris Lannon of Clifton Springs. 

     I called Doris and she called right back. Though I offered to keep a watchful eye on Gary, I admittedly declined her invitation to ‘collect’ him. The thought was more than overwhelming in hindsight!  I had no idea how to collect a goose!

     Fear not, those of you now routing for Gary!  Doris and Kevin came to his rescue. Doris ‘collected’ him as if scooping up a child with every certainty that he should not be fearful and all good caution that his beak could not reach to harm her.  It was masterful. Gary was placed in a travel cage for the journey and off he went in the care of “The Living Collection”.

     Doris and Kevin Lannon are members of a group which provides Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Educational Programs, The Living Collection. Doris’ specialty is birds and she also holds a special zoo keepers license. Please learn more of them by visiting their website: www.thelivingcollectionsite.com. They are also part of a bigger effort to educate people about exotic and endangered animals through their membership in WOWEE – World of Wildlife Educational Encounters.

     Doris was great about responding to our inquiries about Gary. She arranged for Gary to get veterinary care as soon as possible. And though he made it through that first night or two, his head injuries were grave and sadly he did not survive.  Had he recovered as we hoped, it is the practice of these Wildlife Rehabilitators to invite those who were part of the rescue to be present for the release back to nature. I wish Doris could have introduced you all to Gary.

     Have a good thought of him when you hear his brethren flying over. And take good care when driving on Seneca Point Road. Please make way for the goslings…

     P.S. We are sorry to report that the three legged deer that has been around form time has also died.

For residents who receive the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper.  Please contact the newspaper and give Joanne Henry kudos for providing service here at Bristol Harbour.  The contact number is 800-790-9565

Water meters and pressure valves

 

Please discuss with Paul Lamphier any changes that need to be done to your home to accommodate the new meter and the pressure valve.  If you have a finished basement, you may need to cut a whole in your drywall in order to access your water pipes.  Any problems with the new system are to be directed to Paul Lamphier.  His phone number is 396-2810.  After hours contact 396-2600