Killers of Ducks, Geese at TeWinkle Park Sought

Michelle Berger spent most of Monday afternoon looking for wounded mallards at TeWinkle Park and consoling Romeo, the big white goose whose feathered companion, Juliette, was in the hospital awaiting surgery.

Ever since five of TeWinkle’s resident ducks and geese were killed with a pellet gun over the weekend, park regulars have been left feeling that the Arlington Drive sanctuary has been partly ruined.

“There are a lot of people who care about the birds,” Berger said. “You see ducks and geese and egrets there. Now they’re killing mallards. Someone is just going out there and doing what they consider a fun time.”

Four ducks and one goose were killed Sunday, and two other geese, Leo and Juliette, were taken by Berger to an animal hospital, All Creatures Care Cottage. Leo, a mottled goose, underwent surgery Monday for 22 pellet shots, nine of which lodged in his neck. He was in good condition after the operation. Juliette, who was shot twice, including once in the head, was stabilized and awaiting surgery Monday night.

An animal control officer received a call early Sunday morning after a park-goer discovered several dead birds. Police have no witnesses or suspects, but Sgt. Bob Durham said officers have “upped our patrol in the park.”

The charge for shooting the birds could range from cruelty to animals to violations of state Fish and Game Department laws, Durham said.

Several park regulars were angered Monday by the attacks.

Olin Raynes, who sport fishes for bass in the pond--and throws back all he catches--said that although the geese are “ornery” creatures in general, they don’t deserve to be hurt: “People are just plain ignorant. I don’t think city people understand the preciousness . . . of life anymore.”

Alan Engard, who lives next to the park and lunches there daily with his wife, Irene, said, “It’s hard to fathom what someone’s motivation would be.”

Gary Pickens, who has fed and enjoyed the company of the ducks and geese for the past six years, said he hopes people will “have their antennas up,” for possible culprits.

As beloved as the big geese are, with names such as Gabby, Ozzie, Harriet and Chester, and the deceased goose Honey Bunny, Pickens said he knew that in an urban area they were always at risk.

“I’ve always known that they’re vulnerable,” Pickens said. “I can’t say I’m shocked. But it was devastating really. They bring a lot of people a lot of joy.”