A Trying Week

 I have not been out much lately, but there is not much in the way of birds out there this winter anyway!  Other than waterfowl along the St. Clair River, there are very few birds to find this winter.

Spending much time at home, it has been a difficult week, as my mother passed away yesterday morning quite peacefully.  She had health issues since last summer, going through a steady decline.  Although she had a remarkable life reaching the age of 87 (88 in another month!), it is always difficult to lose a loved one. Her mind was 100% sharp right to the last minute.

Memories are precious.  I include a couple of photos from June 1970 on an outing to Rock Glen.  I thought it appropriate here to include a natural place.

Mom with my cousin Carol Abraham (left), and my sister Susan (right)

Me, at left!

I thank everyone who has reached out to me in the last day or so.  Talking to people helps in the healing process.  As well, a thank-you to Steve Charbonneau for letting the local birding fraternity know about my mother.

I was able to get for a bit most days, just driving around.  Or, short walks at my "go-go" place, Reid CA.

Unfortunately, there is hardly anything around the feeder this winter.  Certainly the quietest winter ever around here.

Today was a gorgeous day so I drove around for a bit in the afternoon.

Roadside American Tree Sparrow

I went for a short walk at Moore WMA, but only had three birds!  All heard only.  Usually Moore is a nice place to look for birds in winter.....but not this year.

lots of animal tracks

Although nice to have a 'winter' for a change, it has gone on long enough!