By Carol Fisher-Linn
West Valley, NY is home to the only tented waterfowl sanctuary in the entire United States. This winter they lost countless rare/endangered/exotic birds.
Who can forget the horrible freezing conditions Winter 2025-26 delivered with an extra resounding punch of snow? For three solid weeks, devoted owners Milt and Rosemary Miner and their staff of two tended to ten feet of ice in the bird ponds, predator tears in their massive tenting which covers the entire sanctuary, and invading owls and rodents who found a way to get through the incredible barricades the Miners have surrounding the complex.
Over the years, the birds came from Alaska, Siberia, Norway, Australia, and India and have lived under the Miner’s loving, doting care in this one-of-a-kind sanctuary, in our backyard. At their highest count they had over 700 rare birds. The numbers today, after the winter onslaught hover over 400.
How the Sanctuary managed by two retired Lancaster HS teachers got here is an entertaining read. Join me as I tell their delightful tale. It starts with a devastating auto accident in which Rosemary’s vehicle was hit by a drunk driver. Both the car and Rosemary were totaled. She could no longer teach so they bought some land in Holland where Rosemary could recuperate under the gentle watchful eye of Mother Nature. As Rosemary gathered herself up and gained strength, she enjoyed watching life on her pond and the change of seasons in their new home. Perfect medicine! Then winter came and life took a teeny-tiny diversion, as two male Call Ducks landed on their pond, sought shelter, and decided to just stay the winter with the Miners. But …
Rosemary and Milt, being empathetic bird lovers decided that Milt would build them a home. Suddenly they were family. Alas, they boys needed girlfriends, so the Miners bought a pair of ladies to occupy the boys’ attention. Well, next thing … yep, birds will be birds. And now there were 100 new baby Call Ducks and their parents in a very small, cozy pond. And then, a miracle. Enter Rosemary’s uncle who held fifty-six acres of land with lots of water in West Valley that he wasn’t using.
With a lot of intense labor and determination, ponds emerged and fenced top-netted aviaries appeared. They decided to find and raise rare and endangered birds. By now, Rosemary could travel so off she went to Alaska’s several times where she was licensed to collect eggs, alone, armed with a bear gun to protect herself. She stayed at a camp and, of course, a bear decided to check out her tent. To give a clearer picture, she probably weighs 90 pounds!
Today’s property reveals six acres of netting, filled with (hopefully) 78 species of birds. “We have two of the largest covered aviaries in the United States,” Rosemary said, adding it is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. To gather funds, Rosemary raises baby birds that come along and sells them to other bird lovers around the United States. Unfortunately, some of the most expensive and rare birds died in the freeze or were killed by the owls. Rosemary says they have never had predators in the 43 years they have been established. She feels it was because of the constant below-average freezing temps they endured.
So, how can we help? As a non-profit, they need your support. The Miners have considered replacing the birds but (1) cost, (2) availability and (3) getting them from outside of the US causes problems of survival since quarantines are longer than they ever were. Whistler swans (2 died – 1 left) can’t be found anywhere. Rosemary physically could not go to Alaska to collect eggs. Giving the remaining birds safer refuge was discussed considering the weather trends. That would require a massive building over a large lower level pond (which is on a hill to make things interesting). So, here’s the call: Philanthropists – here’s your chance to do something for posterity which keeps nature alive and near for our more and more tech-based, nature-avoidance society. Our children and grandchildren have an opportunity to see these elegant amazing, endangered animals up close and personal at the Sanctuary. Big Foot, the last of the swans would love a visit and a new swan friend. But none of this will happen without community help. Another thought, of course, is a grant. Is there a grant writer reading this who’s heart we have touched who may be able to help generate the necessary $50,000 to $100,000 to make this happen? It takes a village, right? 716-942-6835.
Gooseneck Waterfowl Sanctuary is located at 5067 Lindsley Rd in West Valley, NY 14171. You can find them online at: gooseneckhillwaterfowlfarm.com