"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Living Things


Outside this morning with the dogs, listening to birdsong and a woodpecker and a far off flock of Canada geese when I heard a strange sound.  Something like a street sweeper, though it is Sunday and they don't do that in the country anyway.  So, I decided it must be an oil or gas well letting off pressure.  The trees that wreath our home throw sounds and it was hard to tell where it was coming from.  I looked north as the sound came closer and saw a great flock of blackbirds flying toward me.  I downloaded this photo of a starling mumuration from google as my camera can not do a decent job (perhaps the camerawoman too.)


They were everywhere in the trees - up and down searching for food and startling I guess.


It was a thrill to watch them.


Startling starlings.  



I carried Midge out for a lie in the sun.  She didn't acknowledge the birds.  I have been giving her syringes of chicken broth mixed with cat food and water.  She won't eat and has gotten considerably weaker.  I've done all I can.  She did get better after the transfusion, but I can't keep doing them.  The medications have made no difference.  I am going to take her in the morning to the vet.  It is time.

37 comments:

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Ooh sweet Midge, I hope you have a miraculous recovery overnight, try your best beautiful girl.
I was out in the field yesterday when a huge flock of Starlings came from out of the woods, thousands of them I'm sure, and making the most awful racket !
I must admit to liking their flight patterns, seems like they can turn on a dime .
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.
Hugs,
~Jo

Tom Stephenson said...

I think that sight has to be my most favourite wild-life scene witnessed first hand. Just breath-taking.

RachelD said...

I so love those great swoops and patterns, as the sound and they turn and flash better than any choreographed routine---they remind me of the lovely sweep of feeding fish, as they flash their bellies all at once in that age-old water ballet. We had several hundred in The Tree right out the back door this week, and it sounded like thousands of chiming voices as I opened the door and stood enjoying the music.

I'll be thinking of you and your sweet Madge tomorrow, as you share your last moments together. You're a really GOOD Creature-Mama.

rachel

Elephant's Child said...

I hope that all of us can leave this world as gently and surrounded by the same loving care as Midge. Hugs to you and to her.
Loved those birds. So very much.

angryparsnip said...

I am so sorry to hear about Midge. What a beautiful sweetheart.

cheers, parsnip and thehamish

donna baker said...

Need your thoughts Jo as I know how much you love your Oliver. Midge is curled up on the couch asleep now - her favorite place to be.

donna baker said...

It is Tom. Think it is strange for winter though as not much food around here for them. Grass seeds perhaps.

donna baker said...

Yes, Rachel, much like those schools of fish. Wonder what they are called as they fly through the water. Usually, my animals go in their sleep from old age. Rare that I have to put one down, but for Midge, I think it will be the kindest thing. I just hate it. Heart breaks with each passing. I hope I don't embarrass myself. It is the only time I cry.

donna baker said...

Yes Child, I would hope so. Always want them to go naturally, but I wouldn't want to be so sick and would want someone to choose this for me.

donna baker said...

Me too Parsnip. I wish I could do it myself at home where she wouldn't be nervous, but they won't let me. I think I'll take this occasion to talk to my vet about it for the future to see if it is something she would agree to at some point where I could go pick up the medication at the time it is needed. Hope I see her again someday.

Tom Stephenson said...

They are experts in the field.

Joanne Noragon said...

Such a huge influx of birds is such a thrill. And the noise, and clatter and chatter, and then they are gone.
I'm sure Midge and her old bones appreciated the sun.

donna baker said...

She did Joanne. She's in the house which is her favorite place. I feel so bad she had to stay out these last years.

La Table De Nana said...

The only MASS of birds I have witnessed..are these..

perhaps not as much..and I alwyas think of Tippi.

You're such a great pet mom..

and I still say she looks grand.

donna baker said...

She is a beautiful girl and far too young to go. Google murmurations and see the most incredible pictures.

Michelle said...

Our local vets will come to your home to administer the meds at times like these. I have had to do this in the past, and it is never easy. Sending good vibes your way.

Doc said...

I have asked our vet the same question and was told that will never happen. They will come to the house however if we make an appointment. Perhaps you can get them to do that, just a thought.

donna baker said...

Thank you so Michelle.

donna baker said...

I would, but my vet just returned to work with her new baby girl in tow. The baby is less than a month old and Mom is trying to nurse her with a very busy practice and trying to catch up from being gone. Thank you though.

angryparsnip said...

Watson was put to sleep at our home by a vet who does this. She was referred by my vet, who could not put her cat to sleep and used this vet.
She was wonderful and it was nice to have Watson at home with us.

elaine said...

I love to see a starling murmuration one of the seven wonders of the world in my view. Sorry the cat isn't picking up - hard decisions have to be made with pets, always a sad time.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Wonderful bird photographs Donna.
Sad about your cat but it is the downside of keeping animals isn't it - and when the time comes then one has to do it. I think that cats also know when their time is up. Several of our farm cats have just gone away to die before we could take them to the vet.

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Donna - my heart goes out to you about Midge. It is not an easy thing and I am so sorry friend. At this time keep in mind that it is truly for them we make this decision and ultimately it is love that moves us in that direction. thank you for sharing the blackbirds...this phenomenon occurs here in the fall as they migrate south. It truly is an amazing site and sound. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers today. Hugs!

Frances said...

Donna, I'm sorry that dear Midge has not rallied. She was certainly fortunate to have had your care.

I admit that seeing all those birds would have freaked me out. Yipes, just the thought of all those wings!

xo

gésbi said...

Sweet Midge. I know she has had a good life with you and won't be forgotten.

donna baker said...

To each and every one of you, thank you. Midge died in bed with me this morning at 4:00am.

Elephant's Child said...

I am so sorry. Heartfelt hugs.

Val said...

Oh, Donna, I'm so very sorry to read your Monday update. At least your sweet cat was home and with you. May we all pass so gently and with someone beside us who loves us so deeply.

You'll be in my prayers. My Stuffed is 17-ish now, and I actually cry sometimes when I think about his passing. These sweet animals. . .such pure hearts.

Love and Prayers,

Val

donna baker said...

Thank you Val. It just hurts so much. I talked with a friend yesterday and she said what I was thinking; the love of your companion animal is a different kind of love; that she cried more when her pet died than when her father died. I still have 6 more cats to go and my two beloved weenies, Sister and Emmy. I told my sister, I think I'd rather die first than have to go through losing them. I wish it weren't so, but I love them so much. I will never have another animal. I don't know how many more times my heart can break.

donna baker said...

Thank you Child. I was hoping with age, losing someone to death would be easier, but it's not. The line simply gets shorter.

Val said...

I know. "There's more room in a broken heart," in the words of Carly Simon, right, but I know. I'm so sorry.

Amanda Summer said...

How stunning to be able to witness such an event. I've seen murmuration videos before and am in awe.

I am so sorry about your precious, sweet kitty, dear Donna - thinking of you and goddess bless. xoxoxo

jerilanders said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jerilanders said...

That is an outrageous sight! Thank goodness they were birds and not something horrid like locusts! I guess by the date on this post, Midge is gone from this world, Sorry Donna, I know how sad this makes you and you've done everything possible for her, including the most important thing of all, giving her love and affection and care.
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donna baker said...

Just thinking of you today. I put Pippity on her own little chair standing on it. Looks so cute. Yes, Midge left me. Hope to see her again one day.

Cobalt Violet said...

Finally making my blog rounds ... I'm so very sorry. It's one of the hardest things in life, but I do believe they stay with us as sweet angel companions. She was lucky to have you. <3

donna baker said...

I will miss her so Lucinda.