Apologies for the late update. I thought I’d already posted this but aparrently not.
Update on Garry the Goose
Not good news I’m afraid.
Garry had a good dose of antibiotics and pain relief. Unfortunately the infection was too bad and there was no sign of improvement. His wing was broken in several places and was considered to be unfixable.
He was not going to recover so sadly the decision was taken to put him to sleep.
It would be very easy to only see the negative side of this. We didn’t manage to safe Garry. But his suffering was kept to a minimum. A wild, infected, single winged bird was never going to have a long life.
We got to meet a really caring group in the Graylag project, and may be able to help them in the future. Thanks to Moyles Court Wildlife Rescue for their efforts.
What do you do if you are trying to catch a Greylag goose that has been shot and, understandably, doesn’t want to go near people?
Poole Park Greylag Goose Project had been trying to catch the goose for days, but when they got close, he hopped back onto the fishing lake and swam away. After being shot in the wing, he was unable to fly, things were not looking good for him.
Solution, get a group of ducks, or DUCKS. We were asked if we could help. So on Sunday morning we had a chance to perfect our goose herding skills. Some parts were easy, we met with Heidi and she explained what she needed. Drive the goose calmly to her and she would pluck him from the water, load him into her car and whisk him off to the wildlife hospital. Sounded simple, so off we went.
Three things quickly became clear. Firstly we didn’t really know what a greylag looks like. It has an orange beak really needed us to be close enough to see the beak! Secondly, they are the colour of the reeds, so spotting the bird against a reed background was not easy. Finally, they can swim fast!
Luck was on our side and with a bit of shouting and pointing we were directed towards him and found him near the bank. Not the bank with the recovery team, that would have been too easy. But having found him it was a simple matter of keeping an eye on him and holding him still until the team arrived.
Unfortunately, no one had told the goose that we needed him to stay still. He walked up the bank and vanished.
We looked for him for quite some time. Searching the reeds, both lakes and the trees. It was about now he was named Gary the Goose.
Gary by this time was identifying as a Canadian and hiding with a group of geese on lake 2. Starting from the far bank, we crossed the lake hoping to keep him in the corner near the slipway where he was swimming. Approaching the mini flock caused the canadians to fly away, but Gary was left in the water. We made several attempts to herd him to the bank, but he was quite the slippery character. After repeated attempts and some very agile swimming, a tired Gary was guided towards the reeds, getting close enough to Heidi so that she could catch him.
Fun facts. When swimming quickly a greylag lowers its head to the water and almost disappears. Even with a gunshot to the wing, a Greylag can dive and swim underwater for over 10 metres.
While we wanted to be the heroes of this situation, I think that honour must go to Heidi. Diving after Gary she filled her waders with cold January lake water. When he was close enough, nothing was going to stop her catching him!
Gary is now in the wildlife hospital as Gary the Goose, or #465. He’s booked in for surgery and we wish him well.
The warm weather finally arrived and it was time for a trip round Christchurch. This trip was for all club members, the last one was aimed at the adults. We had several who had not been on the river before and the new environment proved to be a popular hit.
Starting from the Bridge Street carpark we headed round the Avon Loop, passed the Priory. The bridges proved to be popular places for the non-paddling supporters to photograph the group. Then onto the Stour and passed the Quay. There was a food festival in full swing on The Quomps but we were not distracted. There was ice cream calling at Tuckton Tea Gardens.
After a refreshing stop we progressed further up the Stour. So far the trip had been against the flow of the river and into a fair breeze. It had been quite a challenge for the younger members. Now came the good part, the return. With the flow and the wind behind us, we made quick and easy progress back to the entrance of the Avon. The last leg was against the flow of the river to the carpark, but everyone made it in good time.
A fun trip of about 6km. Looking forward to the next one.
Our open day has happened. We welcomed many people to the lake , and caught up with some old friends.
The sun was out all day (not a given for our open days.) The wind was calm in the morning and a little fresher in the afternoon. There was splashing and laughter. There was tea and cake.
In fact it was such a good time that I forgot to take any photos!
The sun is still out, there are no winter gales and there is still splashing and laughter. The cake has dried up a bit but we have had a paddle and hot chocolate night.
The formal open day is over, but the invitation is still here. If you want to find an activity the whole family can enjoy, why not come and have a trial paddle?
Yes! We are having an open day. It’s your chance to come and see the club and have a go at paddling, or a chat and a cuppa.
The information poster is on its way, but the date is Sunday 27 April 2025.
It’s a great chance to come and see us and have a go, but if you are busy that day and can’t make it, we do trial paddles throughout the year. Detials on the FAQ page.
Paddlesport of all kinds is a great way to get out and about and have some fresh air. It’s suitable for people of all ages, and ability.
As the year draws to a close, we had the now traditional club chip supper. It’s a great chance for the club to get together at a time of year when paddling is really a test of who has the warm gear and a torch. What better than to keep your hands warm on a bag of chips and talk to the rest of the club. We filled the hall with people and the request to bring folding chairs relieved the seating issue. The arrival of the chip van turned the volume down and a tasty treat was enjoyed by all.
Your new year resolution could be to join us for chips next year. All you have to do is wait for the sun to come out of hiding and the evenings to brighten up a bit and book yourself a trial paddle. (see FAQ section). Think of it as a year of free chips with a paddle or free paddling with chips!
Christmas Fish and ChipsCanoe lighting the wayevening canoeMoon rise
Its much more enjoyable to paddle than to ……… well do almost anything else! So here’s a few pictures of us paddling, sometimes without a boat.
Sunset at the lakeWe started with a boat each, honestlyCanoes, twice the size, half the paddleShort boats at the beachLong boat at the lake ….… and the seaEnjoying the paddleSplashing aboutWhat’s really at the end of the rainbow.
