The Emperor Goose in Lincoln Park seems to have found a good situation on its own, in a pond with the safety of isolated islands within the pond, where it has lived for about a year since arriving as an immature. It likely had little choice in the company it found on the pond, although it is surprisingly similar company to that kept by the Emperor Goose that wintered at the mouth of the Sandy River in Oregon for several years in the late 1990's. The waterfowl at Lincoln Park are fed regularly by park visitors, and the lost Emperor Goose seems to ambulate well in spite of the now missing foot. Perhaps it deserves to stay at its chosen spot, rather than being pinioned to waddle around in a collector's or rehab center's gaggle of unfortunates. I say hands off this elegant survivor.

Bob Sundstrom
----- Original Message -----
From: Gene Bullock
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2000 8:50 AM
Subject: Emperor Goose


Yesterday afternoon we looked in on the Emperor goose that has been hanging out in Lincoln Park in Port Angeles. It begged for handouts along with the resident flock of gray-lags and mallard/domestic hybrids. Looks like it's keeping bad company. Or maybe someone is regularly feeding this flock. The right foot is completely missing. I understand this goose lost its foot when it became entangled in fish line and, as a result, has been lingering in Port Angeles for about a year. I wonder if it needs to be rescued by someone with the proper authorization and facilities to care for it.
Gene Bullock
Poulsbo WA
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