Here in the Chicago-land area, all public transportation allows for and accommodates bikes. On trains and the "el", there are time restrictions, but on buses one can always load the bike on the rack in the front. This is my mode of transportation to work each day - at least in the summer.
I catch the 7:35 bus every morning which drops me off close to work about 8:10. The ride from the bus stop to work is only 2.2 miles, but it is a relaxing time before the chaos that is sometimes my job. I stop at the gas station, grab a coffee, maybe a bagel ride a bit, stop at the picnic grove to enjoy my coffee with nature and head into work.
A few weeks ago, I turned off the street onto the sidewalk near the picnic grove and saw a Canadian Goose sitting in the grass. And she wasn't alone, she had her five babies with her. Canadian geese normally run away when you approach them, except when there are babies around. A mother goose will attack if you get too close. This mommy had already warned me - they hiss like cats so I peddled a little faster to get away from her. (She and her kids were very close to the sidewalk.)
When she didn't chase me, I stopped and went back for a better look. She had been injured, most likely by a car as there were feathers in the street. She had somehow got herself and her babies onto the grass. I couldn't just leave her so I went over to the fire station just across the street and asked them to call the animal rescue. I went back and waited with mommy until the officer showed up.
As the I was talking with the officer, explaining the situation, a neighbor walked by and joined our conversation.
"Well, I think if you can get her into the big cage, the babies will follow her in." I said.
"Yes, they will." said the neighbor. "I can stand here by the water and make sure she doesn't go in."
Then, the officer looks at me and asks: "You can stay and help catch them, right?"
Huh? Oh dear, I'm a city girl. The closest I get to wildlife is watching the family of rabbits, that lives under my porch, hop around the yard. I told her I would, but I had to call work and tell them I will be a little late. (Now that's an excuse that would probably be recorded somewhere in HR hall of fame of ridiculous excuses: "Yeah, long story short, I'm going to be late for work. I have to catch a goose.")
We worked out a plan for catching the geese who would then go to the animal wildlife center for treatment. It was a good plan, however, the best laid plans... A worker from the city of Wood Dale, can by and without following the plan tried to catch her. The worst happened, she went into the water and was out of our reach. Defeated I rode on into work.
But, wait, there's more. On my way home I spotted a furry shape in the distance. It was a baby raccoon separated from his (her?) mother. Standing close by and keeping watch were two gentlemen from a nearby business. This little guy was as cute as a button and so young - he had no fear of humans. I resisted the urge to bring him home with me and instead called the police to have the animal rescue come out. Imagine my shock and horror when I was told that "we don't pick up wild animals".
"Well I was just helping the officer this morning rescuing an injured Canadian goose." (Now that I was an expert in animal rescue. If this User Experience thing doesn't work out for me...)
Turns out they will only rescue injured wild animals. I was torn, I couldn't leave him nor could I take him away. I left him sleeping in the crook of a tree. That was the right decision as I did some research. Clearing the area of humans and leaving the baby is the only way the mother will come back. I rode past on the way into work the next day and he was gone. I pray that mom came back and brought him home.
Mothers are amazing beings.
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