Sunday, April 29, 2007

Bye Bye Dixie Duck

We are very sad to announce the loss of our great friend, Dixie Duck. She got eaten by eagles yesterday evening. I don't think Heathcliff realizes it yet, as around this time of year, it is common for Dixie to leave the yard to nest. He was just calling for her a minute ago, and I went out to talk to him. He is definitely subdued. As we were talking, an eagle started chirping on the other side of the pond, so they haven't left the pond area yet. The cat went crazy last night wanting to go out, but we had to wait until dark to let him out and this time of year, it is only dark from 11:30 to about 5 am. I hope the salmon come soon, so they will go back to the other side of the highway and away from our pond. It is time for the summer migration and we usually have a half dozen different birds on our pond every night for this month. If those big old eagles are sitting there, like our pond is a McDonald's drive-thru, it will definitely ruin our spring.

Alicia found the remains and, of course, is devestated. Dixie had so much personality and was so friendly and funny. Our original ducks hatched her from an egg they laid, and as soon as she entered the yard, the goose decided that she was his gosling, and they have been inseparable ever since. So part of Alicia's angst now is what to do with Heathcliff as he will be very very lonely without his little Dixie, especially this winter. I know it sounds dumb to be attached to a duck and goose, but that's just the way we are.

6 comments:

jed-laura said...

oh, how sad. We know how much those animals mean to you. Hope Heathcliff is ok, that is a neat story about them.

Love you-
Jed Laura and Alli

Anonymous said...

I amo sorry i still grieve or some baby lambs that the pigs killed and rabbitts that dogs got. Sandra and susan have a little memorial for birds that die n their yard. Sing a song and say a little blessing. It helps some.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about this. Our culture doesn't give enough weight to how much our animal relationships mean to us. I think it's always so neat to have the priviledge of having an animal share some of their life and consciousness with you.

Of course, in another sense, it's all a part of the wheel of life, but that doesn't make it less painful.

Love you much, Sandra

Joanna said...

We're so sorry for your loss, what a sad thing to have happen. I agree with Sandra - many people in our culture don't seem to understand the importance of animals to those of us who love them so much. We're sorry for your loss, and love you!

Paul and Nicole Rhien said...

our condolences as well. in some ways he was probably kind of like a family member.

Love - Paul

Anonymous said...

I have no idea how many animals I have cried over, a cow, my Banty rooster that crowed when I held him, an unknown number of dogs and cats. It is okay to cry and miss your animal family members because that is what makes us who and what we are. Love you much, Dad, Carole and of course the animal member of our family YOGI