Chasity Marquette, who operates Aspyn Acres Wildlife Rehab and Farm Sanctuary in Waseca, led a group of wily volunteers on a wild goose chase Monday.
This is no metaphor. The chase occurred at Spring Lake Park, where a grounded Canada goose has been trotting for weeks while its comrades have been migrating from the increasingly frigid temperatures, according to neighborhood reports Marquette received.
Marquette said bringing the bird in before freezing temperatures cut it off from its food sources is crucial.
“He’s obviously not able to migrate, and everyone else took off, so he’s here by himself,” Marquette said.
Rescue attempts on Monday were unsuccessful as the bird in question evaded attempts to surround it before it eventually fled to the thin ice of Spring Lake.
Marquette, who is permitted to capture and rehabilitate animals, will regroup with volunteers and again attempt to take the bird in on Wednesday.
Those interested in volunteering for future rescues can find opportunities at the sanctuary’s Facebook page found at facebook.com/Aspynacres.