By Carol Fisher-Linn
Who has played the game – Goose on the Loose? Here’s your chance to meet a few…
It’s time for the annual open house of the Gooseneck Hill Waterfowl Sanctuary on August 24 in Delevan, 12-4pm. You won’t want to miss your once-a-year opportunity. In case you are not aware, currently, one-third of all wild waterfowl are considered threatened or endangered. Habitat loss and human population growth are the primary causes of waterfowl declines, growing higher annually. Thanks to people like Milton and Rosemary Miner, 750+ of these winged beauties have a safe, protected home, right here in Cattaraugus County.
The Miners are members of the International Wild Waterfowl Association working locally and internationally to insure that as many of these natural wonders remain on this earth to inform, educate and awe us. Their little bit of heaven on 5067 Townline Rd in Delevan, a short ride from Ellicottville, will surprise you if you have never visited. It has the largest covered free-flying aviary in the United States. Their 750 birds – 78 species (ducks, geese, swans) have come from all over the world, with some on the endangered list. Once a year, visitors are allowed to go inside the completely netted aviary with ponds at two levels to spend time with the birds. Visitors will be given lettuce to feed the birds (some eat out of your hand) and floating fish food to feed the 1,000 Koi fish and the ducks. It seems when food hits the water, the entire 1,000 beautiful, colorful Koi come racing in at once. A splash explosion of color at your feet! The good thing is you will have a guide (one of the Miners) to teach and entertain you throughout your tours.
So, you may wonder how two retired schoolteachers went from schoolbooks to ducks. Here’s their story: In 1983 they lived in Holland in their house with a little pond. Two tiny cull ducks found them and settled in on their property. All would have been fine, but Milt felt sorry for them and built a small refuge for them. Finding they were males they didn’t want them to be lonely so they found them a couple of girlfriends in the spring. Well, you know what happens in spring – “birds so it, bees, do it …” Babies came. They sold their hundred birds for $2.50 each. End of story? Nope. They got the bird bug, bought more expensive birds and eventually had to relocate to a larger piece of land. Her uncle had 48 acres of property with ponds. He offered it to them for their growing brood and the rest is history. “We dug ponds, fenced off the aviaries and top-netted them. There are six acres of netting, and the birds fly all over the sanctuary,” Rosemary said, adding she and her husband, Milton, founded it as a rare bird sanctuary, which is a 501 © 3 non-profit.
Not content to just catalog shop, they traveled all over the world to acquire their brood. In fact, diminutive Rosemary was dropped off on the shores of Alaska wilderness with a collecting basket and a bear gun (probably bigger than herself) to forage for rare bird eggs. Do yourself a favor and ask this twinkling-eyed guide to tell a few stories. Guaranteed, she will regale you. Fun-loving as she is, she takes raising her birds very seriously, so much so that she was awarded the prestigious rare Southwick award for being the first person to ever breed Pacific Eiders in captivity. She has raised many over the years, at one time having about 100.
As a non-profit, they need your support. Attend their annual “Wild Wing Festival” fundraiser Sunday, August 24, at the sanctuary from 12 to 4. Get there in time to take one of their free guided tours. Take a photo with the 10’ yellow duckie, and swing to the rhythms of Gene Hilts and the Rustic Ramblers. Food is supplied by Arcade Lanes: tater tots with pulled pork, chicken wings or fingers, hamburger, cheeseburgers and fries. Buy the tickets at the entrance. You will not go hungry! Always be prepared for rain (sensible shoes, please – grassy uneven terrain); the event goes on rain or shine. Dining tents will be available. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair. Meet my adopted Barhead goose or adopt your own.
Can’t make the event? Contact the Miners to arrange special group tours, schedule and weather permitting. Gooseneckhillwaterfowlfarm.com.