Dead Canada Geese

Back in high school and college, I used to ride my bike every day. During the summer months I would wake up and be out of the house by 9 a.m. and wouldn't return until it was dark. I'd ride about a 100 kilometers a day, 7 days a week, even in the pouring rain. Over the course of 3 months, I would accumulate about 9,000 kms on my Rocky Mountain.

I stopped riding once I started working. I simply didn't have the time any more. But now that I live so close to conservation area, and a sweet path leading to our city's waterfront, I try to ride more and more.

The city planners made a smart move to enhance this area of our city. The path is always crowded with people walking, roller blading, and fishing. They're all smiling and enjoying the water and wildlife.

But this weekend during my bike ride, I saw that the people were not smiling. Some were crying, and some were in shock. If you read the newspaper the other day you may have seen the story about the dead Canada Geese and ducks. Well, I was there, and I saw the bodies. It was heartbreaking.

At first I was confused. I saw a group of 5 teenagers standing over the bodies of two dead Canada Geese. The teenagers were holding fishing rods and spoke solemnly amongst one another. The huge black & white geese, at a glance, looked like curled-up sleeping husky dogs. But as I got closer, I saw the sad truth.

I began to wonder if these teenagers had accidentally hooked the Canada Geese in their necks, and killed them. But that seemed extremely unlikely. I couldn't come up with a reason why the geese would be laying on the side of the path, dead.

Continuing on my way, I rode down to the Yacht club then began my trip home. When I approached the area where the geese lay, I saw they were gone, along with the teenagers. In their place was a police officer. He was putting something into the back of his police van. I almost stopped to ask him what happened, but figured he didn't have the time to talk.

The next day I read the news in the paper. Fourteen dead Canada Geese and ducks. The article stated that the birds died in great agony. Possibly from eating pesticide-soaked grass from another municipality. I find that hard to believe, but hopefully we'll know the truth soon.

~Update~