05/13/2026
wings.
I was getting myself ready to head to Nebraska to visit my dad when I got a call from my sister yesterday morning.
Even though I knew this news would be coming at some point … it still sent me into shock. Sadness.
I sat blankly in my kitchen, watching my little bird feeding station, when suddenly — after days and days of oranges and grape jelly — I had my very first oriole visit my home.
Then came the red-headed woodpecker. The pileated woodpecker. Yellow finches. Rose-breasted grosbeaks. all within two hours of that call.
I laughed and cried.
The best and worst moments all intertwined.
My dad and I were birds of a feather. His love of animals, collecting, and sweet treats will forever live in me.
My heart is broken, and part of me wants to shut down. But he would not want that for me. So I won’t.
There are still lots of birds to feed.
Thank you for sharing this very human & vulnerable space with me.
🦆 beth*