His Heart Will Go On

Update on Ruby's mate and brood: I didn't see much of Ruby's mate after she died on May 23. For reasons to be elucidated later, I cut way back on suet dough feeding after her death, so I didn't have much opportunity to see him. I noted the presence of three other redbellies--a very colorful male with rich red belly feathers and face feathers, a disheveled male with some kind of goo messing up his nape, and a plain-fronted female. Finally, on May 29, I saw Ruby's mate at the suet dough dish, and grabbed this shot of him. Here he is. He filled his bill with food and took off into the woods, on the same path he and Ruby always used to feed their brood. They're alive and he's taking good care of them. I thought you'd like to know. I was sure happy about that.

Holed up in a hotel in Fargo, flying home in the morning. Have been without Internet since last Wednesday, which felt kinda good. We've worked at the Potholes and Prairies Festival in Carrington, ND. Think pre-dawn field trips and evening entertainment by BOTB and JZ. Laura from Somewhere in NJ, Ruthie from NatureKnitter, and Birdchick were there, along with Susie who comments sometimes. It was so nice to meet them, and to see Sharon again. Lots of killer pictures of grassland birds to share. It was pretty cold--50's--with a little sun but mostly clouds and rain. It was gorgeous, as always.

Monday we fly home, and then pick up Baker from our friends who kept him for us. I miss his kisses. Zzzzzzzzz. I could sleep for a week.