This is Camille - This was her 6th summer in my backyard....She and Ollie raised at least 60 beautiful babies during that time. But she's gone - my neighbor came over daily last week while I was gone, and saw her every day, but I haven't seen her since I returned on Thursday. Ollie comes and is caring for at least one of the 4 fledglings, but he sits and calls and calls. This is the part I hate.
27 comments:
I am so sad to hear about Camille!! Breaks my heart!
How sad. A friend just shared a similar story with me at lunch yesterday about blue birds that had lived in their backyard. She too said the father carried on taking care of the little ones.
You must feel very blessed to have had her as a guest in your little corner of the world.
I hate that. Hope her end was not painful - or maybe she's flown off to new vistas. (I hope hope hope!)
Great shame Helen, but 6 years is quite a good age for a small bird.
Oh, Helen....I'm so sorry. I know how you have loved and watched your bluebirds. I hope the last brood survives in her memory.
This is the worst part...but the memories live on...Loved the card!
I am sorry you had to come home to such a sad welcome.
It is however, so nice to have you back and blogging. I have missed your posts and comments.
Hi Helen, it is the part I hate too. This is the time of year when they are most needed and also most vulnerable. It's very sad.
Marnie
Oh, this is so sad...so sad...
That is so sad.
Oh, I'm so sorry. It's so sad to see a bird confused and wondering where his mate might be.
Hi,
Yeh, I'm feeling confused about this, because, first, I'm sad for Camille, truly, but I still think in a way that she got a nice life and that's life is hard in nature. On the other hand, I'm happy that you and so many other persons answering your post are concerned about it, it does mean that not all is lost and we can for sure, be more responsible for the survival of other species (yeh I know my scientific corner is popping-up all the time)...
One of the sad things when we become attached...having to let go.
Thank You for your comment to me.
hugs anna
Such a heart breaker..wow, 6 years, tho, is a long time!!
Amazing you've had her around so long I can see why you are :(
Just think of all her off spring who will keep returning to your house!!
You might like this essay by Aldo Leopold:
http://www.purple-martin.org/65290.htm
It's one of my favorites :)
Such a sad ending to a beautiful bird.:(
Blessings,Ruth
Now that birds a prolific breeder ... as you are a prolific birder: I can't believe you can (and have) tracked one bird so closely. You have an observant eye!
Hi Helen,
That is really sad about Camille.But must say that your blog is very interesting.
Arunava and Shantana
Yes. Its one of the reasons I gave up goose hunting.
This just ripped a piece out of my heart, Helen. And, I'm certain it did yours too. Nature seems to be cruel sometimes, and I wish it didn't have to be like that. I'm so deeply sorry!!
Fabulous pose on this cute bird Tina.
Wow, six years, I'm sure that's extreme old age for a blue bird. The memory lives on in your wonderful photographs.
Helen: In bird years she did a great job of keeping the Bluebird population alive and thriving.
We all hate that part Helen. It's so hard when we don't really know what happened. You did a good job helping all those youngins have a good starting point.
Awwww, how sad. How nice though that both you and Ollie had her around for so long.
How very sad to know Ollie is so lonely for Camille. I hate that part too. We had our first bluebirds set up house this summer and they are back for another nest. That's exciting but to see them take wings is bittersweet.
Thank you for the wonderful blog.
How very, very sad!!!
Marie
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