There is a bit of a silver lining to this disheartening tale. Once some of the dust settled from all the new construction, I discovered that certain sections of the Goose Flats area were to be designated as greenspace. Although the old road was now closed and “my” favorite field was no longer being used as pasture, there were still a few cows left to graze on some land not too far from the original field. Also, some of the Goose Flats land was to eventually be converted into wetlands for the native waterfowl. So, at least the geese would be taken care of.
The future of the little coyote was less certain. Perhaps he will end his solo wandering ways and join the pack that howls each night up on the flat-topped mesa.
Or maybe he will continue his solitary adventures and resettle elsewhere. This seems more likely, as I saw him one day, not long after the construction had begun, wandering across a grassy field close to a highly-traversed walking trail.
Like my dogs and me, he had been pushed out of his preferred territory and had chosen this less secluded alternative for his daily jaunts. Though pleased to see the little coyote alive and well, I was sad to see him forced into this more populated area in broad daylight. However, there may be a solution for him yet.
Branching off this busy trail is an old rickety bridge that crosses a stagnant creek to a densely-wooded islet that is inhabited by a herd of deer. Relatively secluded, close to the river and too small to ever be developed, it would make the perfect haven for our little friend. Since only a few rotting slats remain on the old bridge, it is unfit for use by any human, but could easily bear the weight of a small coyote.
I like to think he eventually crossed that bridge to be welcomed to a new home where he spends his nights foraging in the woods and his mornings peacefully resting, nestled among a family of white-tailed deer.
As for me and my dogs, we must go further and further afield to find our own places to roam. On our way out of town, we drive on the newly constructed, freshly paved road that cuts through our old stomping grounds where I see a few geese dotting their newly allotted greenspace. As we pass, I send a silent heartfelt message in their direction, “Honk if you love Goose Flats!“
