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Peaceful Mama Bluebird

16 years ago

The same Mama Bluebird has been raising her young in our backyard for 6-7 summers now; been through several partners. That's a long life for a bluebird. In August, she built a fine nest in the box, but laid no eggs. Too late in the year, I suppose. (She was really off the timetable this very rainy year.) But we left the nest in there. I figured she might roost in there. Last evening before dusk, I checked, and she was in there, sleeping, so I let her be. She would sometimes ignore me if I peeked in, and not budge.

This afternoon, when I checked again, she was in there, peaceful as can be, but she did not look up at me indignantly as usual. Her eyes were closed, and she had perished. Not a mark on her. She came home to where she knew she would be safe. A very sad day for us but a peaceful passing for our dear old friend. I took this picture to remember her.

Peaceful

Sometimes we lose them through no fault of our own. She lived a very long and happy life in bluebird terms. Don't be sad. For me, it's a blessing to know she did not meet her end in the claws of a predator.

BlueBars

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Comments (8)

crcst
16 years ago
It is always so sad to lose these beautiful birds,but you are right,she is at peace.I am glad you had her for so many years.Hopefully some of her young will keep you company for many years to come. Jane
bbcathy
16 years ago
How very lucky you both were to have each other for so long. She was a very beautiful female with magnificent color. Now I'm crying but not because I'm sad.
Cathy
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lisa11310
16 years ago
Oh what a beautiful ending. Do you think she may have built the nest for a final resting place? Im crying of course, it's always hard. You were so good to her. 7 years is a good old age in songbird years. Maybe her way of thanking you. Snif snif Spring will bring her babies fighting over "Moms" box.
michelle_4466
16 years ago
Bluebars,
This is such a bitter-sweet story.I feel that you were blessed to have enjoyed her for 7 years.She chose your home to seek "Nirvana".You are SO lucky.This is her way of showing you her appreciation for your love for her.
I had goose bumps when I looked at her picture.Even in her old age, she had such beautiful blue feathers and plenty of it.You must have taken such good care of her.
Michelle
dzyg
16 years ago
What a peaceful ending for a beautiful bird. You wonder if that is why she built the nest, did she know it was almost her time? That is so great that you had her for so many years, I have yet to get the same pair come back to our yard but they don't stay here year round. I too have tears in my eyes........

Donna
donnalovesblue
16 years ago
Tears are stinging my eyes as I read this heartwarming thread. To have enjoyed this same sweet blue for so many years is really amazing. I, too believe she came back to the place she has lived and loved for so long. Such a blessing that the end came in such a peaceful way. Thank you for sharing.

Donna
griffin_MD
16 years ago
Such a testimony to the safe, secure home you provided for her and her many children, BlueBars. What a blessing to know that her ending was a peaceful one. I'm positive that one of her progeny will take over where Mama left off and give you many more years of bluebirding joy.
Take care,
Kathy
deedee1028
16 years ago
You were so blessed to have her in your life for that many years, I only hope I get to enjoy my Blue's for as long as you did.....and I truly believe this was her way of saying thankyou for all the love & caring you showed her,she came back home where she felt safe & loved and to say her final goodbye. Take Care,
Dee Dee

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