Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Good-bye to Camille


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:

Shelley said...

I am so sad to hear about Camille!! Breaks my heart!

Janice K said...

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.

abb said...

I hate that. Hope her end was not painful - or maybe she's flown off to new vistas. (I hope hope hope!)

Anonymous said...

Great shame Helen, but 6 years is quite a good age for a small bird.

Mary said...

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.

Peggy said...

This is the worst part...but the memories live on...Loved the card!

Arija said...

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.

Roses and Lilacs said...

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

June said...

Oh, this is so sad...so sad...

holdingmoments said...

That is so sad.

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. It's so sad to see a bird confused and wondering where his mate might be.

Chris said...

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)...

Naturegirl said...

One of the sad things when we become attached...having to let go.
Thank You for your comment to me.
hugs anna

Tina said...

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!!

Dave Coulter said...

You might like this essay by Aldo Leopold:

http://www.purple-martin.org/65290.htm

It's one of my favorites :)

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Such a sad ending to a beautiful bird.:(
Blessings,Ruth

Unknown said...

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!

NatureStop said...

Hi Helen,
That is really sad about Camille.But must say that your blog is very interesting.

Arunava and Shantana

troutbirder said...

Yes. Its one of the reasons I gave up goose hunting.

Aunt "B's" Backyard said...

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!!

Unknown said...

Fabulous pose on this cute bird Tina.

John Theberge said...

Wow, six years, I'm sure that's extreme old age for a blue bird. The memory lives on in your wonderful photographs.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Helen: In bird years she did a great job of keeping the Bluebird population alive and thriving.

Eve said...

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.

2sweetnsaxy said...

Awwww, how sad. How nice though that both you and Ollie had her around for so long.

sparrow's song said...

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.

A Colorful World said...

How very, very sad!!!
Marie