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Monday, June 15, 2009

A to Z Mondays ~ The Letter W

Western Tanager.
This morning I was awakened by a loud [[thud]] that came from downstairs. Unfortunately I have come to recognize this sound and knew that another bird had most probably bit the dust by flying into our bay window. Sure enough, there on the deck lay an adult breeding male Western Tanager. (I looked him up in Patrick’s Birds of the Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies.) He didn’t just have the wind knocked out of him; he was dead. What a shame too. He had a beautiful orange-red head and bright yellow body…just a lovely specimen of a bird. After reading about him I felt even worse, as these little guys not only are song birds, but they really help us out. Here’s what the book said about their behavior: “Gleans insects with sluggish movements through foliage, often high in trees; also sallies after flying insects.” I picked him up and he’s now in the back of the car going to a burial sight at the local landfill. Glad Hootie didn’t see him first, or I’d be running around in the rain trying to get him out of the little poop’s mouth!

My second W word for today is Wellness. Patrick was in an accident down in Phoenix with his motor scooter last Friday and dislocated and broke his R. collar bone. They scheduled an OR for him for tomorrow to get it set. They needed to wait until the swelling went down. His oldest sister (who is a nurse) went over yesterday and took the dressing off his back (road burn) and said he didn’t need that. Ginny called me from our place and said he was doing well, all things considered. Pat told me not to come down there (when it happened), as all he is doing is taking pain meds and sleeping. Ginny agreed and said I can baby him when he gets up here. I’ll let you all know how he’s doing, as I find out myself. Will appreciate your prayers for his wellness. Thanks all.

love, Cassie

ps-Don’t forget to check out Jen’s blog for more A to Z Mondays!!

pss-I'll post about the run at a little later date. We did better this year than last!

14 comments:

Me (aka Danielle) said...

What a beautiful bird!

That is horrible..Patricks accident. I hope he continues to heal. My prayers being sent your way!!

Rev. Paul said...

I'm glad to hear of Patrick's continued recovery!

I have a mild case of dyslexia, only a problem once in a while, and have to admit I thought your post was "Western Teenager." ROFL.

Dorothy said...

Your bird is very beautiful and unusual to me. Sorry about that, but it does happen.

Also sorry about Pat's accident. Hope he heals quickly!

Prayers,
Dorothy

Unknown said...

Wellness and prayers for Patrick. So sorry about his accident. At least he fared better than the bird!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Poor birdie. I hate it when stuff like that happens...suppose he is up in heaven really flying now? With no windows to stop him??
Sending good thoughts and prayers Patrick's way. Sounds like he will mend with our without you...that is a good thing.
Suz

Jen said...

Oh gosh, poor Pat! Get well prayers for him! I bet it makes you sick thinking of it.

That is a pretty bird indeed, I hate it when that happens. ;( so sweet that you will put him to rest. Take care.

Jen said...

Oh and Happy Monday!! almost forgot, with all the bad news you had here. ha. ;)

Shelley said...

Sorry to hear about your hubby's accident! Hope he mends quickly! Also sorry about your bird! Be careful over there!!!

Minerva said...

Best wishes to Patrick, and a speedy recovery.

The bird is beautiful. I've heard of a scarlet tanager, but not the Western. Very pretty.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Cassie, Sorry about that gorgeous bird. We've had them hit our sliding door on occasion--but most of the time, they are just stunned. So SAD...

Sorry also about hubby's accident. I know you want to be with him to take care of him. When does he get to join you?????

GIVEAWAY on my blog--today only!! Pass the word.

Have a great evening.
Hugs,
Betsy

Ben said...

That is one colorful bird! And hope the resting and meds and all do the trick (for your husband, not the bird, I guess).

Connie said...

Cassie, I'm so sorry to hear of Patrick's accident. Prayers going up here.

That bird is a beauty--such bright colors. I hate it when birds crash into our big picture window. I don't know any solution to it though.

Hugs to you.

John Going Gently said...

I hope Patrick is feeling a bit better.......is his collar bone very painful????????
x

Dawn said...

i'm so sorry your pretty birdie was not just stunned. how sad! a great w though... better if he was alive though!

i hope patrick is doing better