It’s been one of those weeks again.
Should we talk about birds or just life in general?
The concepts are just a little blurred.
The day began as it should on this five acres of land.
Many species of birds fed as if in a frenzy.
A sign of cold weather coming?
I had a call from Margaret in Hazelton who told me they had some snow today.
The flakes were big and sloppy enough that some of the birds seemed unable to fly up to the feeders.
The snow would let up and the birds could gain altitude.
A week ago Buddy the rescued crow who had been with me for a year left his winter pen for the great outdoors and 19-year-old Eddy was left alone.
Today Buddy returned bringing a stick for Eddy.
Later in the day Eddy presented her first egg of the year.
Today had an element of sadness since this was the day that my big old dog Sushi was laid to rest.
Sushi was a very big dog, so getting around was tough for her.
She was having seizures and had the occasional aggressive moment.
It was time for sure.
The vet and a friend came to the house to make the passing as easy as we could for all of us.
Sushi was buried in the back yard some distance from the house.
Later I could not find my other dog Cody.
I called and finally found him lying down beside his companion’s grave.
“Just a dog,” I don’t think so.
A reminder to all of us that dogs need other dogs for companionship.
Sushi was the kind of dog that all who came here liked.
She liked everyone as well.
When old Al was so sick she would sit for a very long time by his bed while he slept.
He would finally wake up, reach out for her big head and say “It’s OK Sushi, it’s OK!!”
Only then would she leave his side.
Cody and I will miss her a great deal.
When the time is right I will rescue another dog.
So, to Sushi I say thanks or being my friend for so many years. It’s ok Sushi, it’s ok.
Back to the birds. Lots of beautiful western tanagers in this region as well as a report from Chetwynd.
They are eating suet, peanut butter as well as oranges and apples cut in half stuck on tree branches.
Pine siskins are back while most of the sparrows have left.
The northeast now has some interesting warblers to see.
Let me know when they get there.
Thanks for all the calls to 250-846-5095. Email notes are appreciated when they come to mallory@bulkley.net.