“It was looking like we might have to risk arrest to attempt to rescue the poor birds, so it was really amazing that I had the power of UPC’s wonderful supporters to put pressure on the city, and city officials were suddenly so helpful! What a difference public pressure can make!” – Hope Bohanec, UPC Projects Manager

By the first week of August, dozens of flightless domestic geese and several ducks were suffering from dehydration and fear as the pond they’d called home since the 1980s had dried up due to California’s severe drought. The birds were wandering the parched ground suffering from lack of water. Each night they were threatened by predators with no water to escape into.

They needed our help right away, so on Tuesday morning, August 5, United Poultry Concerns, Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, Hen Harbor, and Direct Action Everywhere gathered in Woodland to mount a rescue. Thanks to UPC’s Internet alert, the city of Woodland received many calls and e-mails urging them to relocate the birds. City officials sprang into action, aiding animal rescuers with all-terrain vehicles and a crew of city workers on hand to help.

When we arrived at the site, the birds stood in the middle of a dry lakebed. We set up soft fencing in a large V shape that narrowed to a closed pen just big enough for the flock. We then started slowly circling the outer rim of the dry pond, carefully herding them into the fencing. It went smoothly, with little stress to the birds. We then carefully transferred them into the crates which we loaded onto the all-terrain vehicles.

The crated birds were then loaded into vans for their ride to Bakersfield, California, where a large lake awaited them. They first had to be assessed for any medical needs and isolated for observation and treatment if necessary, but now they are bathing, playing and enjoying a large body of water – a waterfowl’s greatest joy!

We are grateful to our energetic members who made those calls and sent those emails! Our pleas made a difference! We are delighted to report that the geese and ducks are safely swimming in their new home. – Hope Bohanec