More Geese Mowed Down On Ocean Gate Drive

It happened again. And it shouldn't have.

Every year without fail some inconsiderate driver slams into some Canada geese, kills them and just keeps going. It's getting old.

The little mallard ducks and Canada geese like to waddle cross from Jeffrey's Creek to nearby Ocean Gate Drive to cross the roadway, so they can munch on the grass on neighboring lawns. Sometimes this takes a little time.

Late last week, another leadfoot slammed into several geese on Ocean Gate Drive and killed them, locals reported on the Ocean Gate Facebook page.

Someone struck at least three geese and injured another on a hot July afternoon last summer. Their bodies were left to bake in the hot sun on the roadway. Unfortunately, this happens all too often.

Several other geese were killed over the past month. And Lucy Lu, the only remaining white duck in the pond, was killed when some idiot slammed into her and left her to die in the roadway.

The speed limits on that portion of Ocean Gate Drive range from 20 to 25 miles per hour, more than enough time to stop for a little goose or duck.

The answer? No one seems to know.

Ocean Gate Drive is a county road. The only thing the county has done is put up a yellow warning sign with a mother duck followed by her babies.

Others have suggested cameras to catch the drivers, which Ocean Gate cannot afford.

There's a much simpler solution. Slow down! The sections of Ocean Gate Drive closest to the creek have signs posted the speed limit.

And if you happened to be on the roadway at the same time the ducks and geese are heading over to the other side, stop and enjoy the view. They won't take long. If you are in such a hurry and can't wait, back up if you can and take another side street.

If all else fails, try and get their license plates and report them to the police.

Story by Patricia A. Miller

Images: Philip Romano, Shack in the Swamp Photography.