Injured Goose needs help

[butterfly]

We were at Cultus Lake Park today and there is a poor Canada Goose pair there, one of them has an injured wing. Elizabeth's Wildlife Centre in Abbotsford is willing to do the medical care. We need someone to capture the injured goose without injuring themselves and the goose. The suggested mode of capture is a large blanket over the goose, making sure that all the wings and head are covered. This can be dangerous as the mate will try to protect it and therefore should be a two very strong person job.
Before doing anything please phone Elizabeth at 1-604-852-9173
or email her at [e-mail].
Let's give this Canada Goose a chance somehow. If you know anyone that can do this and transport the goose to Abbotsford please help. Elizabeth's website:
www.elizabethswildlifecenter.org

[Gord]

I dealt with this person with that raven I had a little while ago. Im always in awe of those who are so dedicated to wildlife.

I will see if I cant manipulate things to help out. Ive caught and/or been bitten and scratched by most of B.C.'s wildlife over the years. Im up to the task of getting a good peck and swat with a goose's wings.

Where abouts is the goose? I have no way to get it if it gets to the water. If injured, I expect it wont be straying too far from there.

What about the park wardens up there? They may be in a better position to help out but Im not sure how to contact them outside of going to their office which should have someone in there.

[butterfly]

Hi;
The goose was with its mate on the grass near the bridge to the cottages just past the parking lot. A lot of people have contacted Elizabeth about the goose but the problem is that she cannot go anywhere, she has a broken leg and arm. I will put a screen shot of where it is on our website and post the link in a few minutes, hopefully. If you need more info let us know. It has been hanging around the same spot for awhile now, beware, it looks healthy and was eating with its mate beside it. The pink x on the Google earth image is where it was when we left. If you talk to anyone around there, they are probably watching for it, everyone is quite concerned. Here is a link to the map: www.butterflyonmyshoulder.ca/bphoto/Image1.jpg

[Gord]

Im not sure what can be done. I highly doubt any organization (Provincial Parks, Government etc) is going to go to much effort for a Canada Goose. I think it's too bad as any life is equal as far as Im concened. Should it be a Canada Goose or moving a worm so my shovel doesnt cut it in half the principle is still the same. I think the world would be a better place if everyone treated all life, regardless of how insignificant or inconvenient, with the highest regard.

Any efforts to get this goose looked at will fall on the people like us.

However I wonder what is the best for this goose. If the injury is old, it is likely not fixable. The goose does not seem to be in pain/suffering or unable to feed. I wonder if catching the bird, stressing it and its mate and taking it in to find it cant be fixed to be worse? They will probably put it down if nothing can be done. I havnt seen the bird so my thoughts might change if I do, but I think it might be the best of a sad situation to allow it to remain with its mate. Im sure there is no shortage of food there and I would not be surprised if he or she would do quite well given the circumstances. Ive seen similar cases before at Sardis Pond.

Always tough though.

[butterfly]

Hi Gord;
We agree with you in all the above statements, all life should be treated with the highest regard. We also feel that the bird doesn't seem to be stressed out and other than the injured wing, it is feeding and with its mate (they mate for life). The capturing and transporting of the bird will end up taking it away from its mate, stressing it and its mate out and in the best case scenario, it will probably end up having its wing amputated according to Elizabeth. So, a sad choice either way but probably better to leave it with its mate, at least they will be together. Sorry that we brought attention to it but we thank you for all your concern and input.

[Gord]

Dont apologize for the attention. Sure, it's sad and tough to make a decision where the outcome wont be perfect or completely happy but it should be done anyway and we should feel good that we did the best we could while being fair, open and honest with the situation.

Let's monitor it closely still though and if I can help I certainly will.

[butterfly]

Okay! Thanks for caring!