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Black-throated Blue Warbler
This year has brought us joy and great sadness. Throughout it all, many of us have found nature as an escape.
Little gems show up in our neighborhoods nearby to get us excited like a rare Canada Warbler or Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Ponds that have for years only held non-native turtle species are now becoming home again to our rare native Sonoran Mud Turtle.
Sonoran Mud Turtle
As we carry this covid weight on our shoulders, we find that there is adventure nearby. As birders, we change the rules to make it more fun.
Canada Warbler in Pima County!
It hasn't been a year lost, but it has been a year of loss. In 2019, I saw loved ones get sick. Some passed away. How could it possibly get any worse? And then it did.
Vermilion Flycatcher
I became VERY sick in October last year and it lasted until the first week of January. Then covid hit. Or did I have covid back in October? Then friends got sick or had to go to the hospital. Trips were cancelled and life came to a screeching halt.
A rare for Pima Bell's Sparrow!
Not only does the US see a rise in covid cases AGAIN, but we've also experienced political unrest and environmental destruction caused by humans and global warming. Jobs are on the line. My job sees a rise in cases at the school. How long will we stay open? How long can this go on?? Food is on the line. And we're still in a very sad place. There are those who have. And those who don't.
Great Horned Owl
Recently, four of our cats were poisoned by bad food. The older cats with health conditions died quickly. Two are still hanging on while our little ones seem unaffected.
Lincoln's Sparrow
And while it all seems overwhelming at times with tragedy after tragedy, there is a ray of hope. A vaccine is coming. Trump lost the election! And Pima county has really seen some amazing and RARE warblers pass through our area! This week in Tucson, we are hosting a very cooperative Blackburnian Warbler!
Red-naped Sapsuckers
Somehow we are trying to muddle through all of this stress and anxiety. I have to say that these past two weeks have been yet another stress test. When there is time, which isn't often anymore, I go for a walk and do some quick birding to keep sane.
And there's a rare eastern warbler of the week showing up...Canada Warbler, Pine Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler.........very strange times!
I am so sorry to hear about your kitties. Like 2020 hasn't been hard enough. HUG
ReplyDeleteThank you Gaelyn. This year has been too much. It has taken a toll on everyone. I try to keep my sanity and for the most part, I'm doing okay. It's definitely something I hope never happens again in our lifetimes.
DeleteYes a very difficult year Chris and sometimes I wonder will we ever get back to our "normal" again. I have done a lot of teaching on Zoom with my birders and we have all keep virtually together to help each other. I hope you keep week, and are able to get out to keep you sane and do some local birding. Love all your images Stay safe and have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI think we will Margaret but there is going to be transition. I've had to put everything on the backburner like all of us. You do the same. Hope you have a great week! Chris
DeleteHello, Chris
ReplyDeleteBeing outside in nature does help me to relieve the Covid stress. Your birds are all beautiful, great sightings. I am happy we have a new president elect, now to get the other out looser of the WH. Will he need to be dragged out? We all wish for things to return to some kind of normalcy. Take care, have a happy Friday and a great weekend!
Thank you! I am so happy we will have a real president coming into office who will have a straight forward plan. What a disaster this all has been. That orange clown is a complete loser and idiot. He'll need to be dragged out and arrested. I hope you have a good week ahead Eileen!
DeleteI am so sorry for the loss of your cats. So much sadness in such a short period of time. One can only hope 2021 brings some hope.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. We couldn't stop it. We tried and within a few short days, we lost our two wonderful cats. The others are adjusting to their loss. It has not been easy. I am hopeful for 2021. These past 4 years have been the worst.
DeleteIt has been a very strange and frightening year and as you say nature is a great solace. I am so sorry to hear about your poor cats. I hope they recover and the young ones stay well. All we can do is try and stay positive which I know at times is very difficult. Very pleased about your election results. Thank goodness he is on his way out!!!!Take care.
ReplyDeleteIt has been so tough. We're trying so hard to get back to a new normal and every time we try, something gets in the way. It has been a struggle keeping up with blogging hence the once or twice a month reports. We've been at home helping out our friends here and also trying to maintain things at home. As for the election, we are so happy but we have a long way to go here. There are those who still follow Hitler. It's amazing how blind they are. I think he'll be arrested once he's escorted out of office.
DeleteYou have some amazing photos. I am so truly sorry for the loss of your cats. That alone is a heavy burden to get through. Take care and wishing you a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Yvonne for your kind words. We'll get through it. They were older and lived a wonderful life. It's their absence that is tough but somehow we will muddle through it. Some days are better than others. We are grateful that our other girls are fine. We almost lost all 4. That would have been too much to take. It's a new week and a new day. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead.
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