a suburban memorium

I love the Singing Honeyeaters, and for a couple of years now, they have been visiting my little courtyard.  Last year, one couple nested.  This year, there were 2 couples.  One on the left side – in the ivy growing over the carport, and one on the right, in the untidy hedge over my neighbour’s pergola roof.

They have become accustomed to me, and I am sure the adults have swooped my fluffy friend as she tends to slink away when they’re around.

Over the last week, I had seen the adults with young ones in the spindly, vigourous potted trees on the right side of my little courtyard, and it was wonderful watching the adults swoop and hover, catching insects which they ferried to the peeping younglings.

On the other side, the youngling finally came out – and sat on the fence along the carport while the adults did the food thing. I watched for ages, coming out with the camera and going back in.  I was worried
cause the adults seemed to leave the wee one alone a lot.  But, although it seemed tempted by low flying insects, when i made a noise, it flew up out of reach.  OUt of reach of me – & the fluffy cat who seemed not the slightest interested.

I had to go teaching in the evening and when I came home, I found feathers in the study.

I knew – it was the wee fledging.

I haven’t seen it today, so yes, it is gone.

I cannot hate my cat.  She didn’t get many cuddles until I went to bed last night.  I am thinking of dissuading the honeyeaters from nesting here next year.

Today. there have been adults, and I have heard the peeping of young honeyeaters from the other side, but nothing where this little one had sat, peeping quietly and waiting.

So – all these photos.

In memorium.

a little life-filled fluffy feathered thing that is no more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodbye, little one.