Birds abound

There are days at Regalridge that are less than predictable - well, perhaps that would be most days - but some are definitely outside the norm.  From a weather perspective, there are no complaints except for the gardener among us.  Water from the skies is definitely needed.  Still, these long, warm days and evenings are reminiscent of summers from our childhoods.  In the case of those long ago days, our memories may be coloured.  This year, though, it is a fabulous NS summer.  The dogs approve, equally, of the morning sun, the afternoon air conditioning and the cool evenings.  And there is entertainment overhead.  Flight school is underway.  The swallows are educators extraordinaire.  Day one begins early with the little ones (there are five) taking wing, lined up on the power line running from the garage to the kennel.  Adults swoop and pose for the edification of the babies.  Then it is the turn of the fledglings, who improve with each practice flight.  An hour later, all are lined up and the adults are feeding the tired and hungry youngsters.  Then flight practice again - and on it goes.  Attempts at walking in that area of the yard are just silly.  And to continue in our avian ways, Chantelle phoned.  "I have a project for Ken" came through the phone wires.  Lee remained silent, knowing that no good was going to come from this conversation.  A short time later, the little green car appeared in the driveway.  Out came the travel crate and in came another bird - this time an injured yellow bellied sapsucker.  A beautiful bird, this youngster appeared to be completely disoriented and unable to do more than stagger about.  Enter Our Ken.  The electric lawnmower came out - odd, Lee thought, and a little mowing was done, the bag removed and the lightbulb went on.  Our Ken was building habitat.  Given time, no doubt trees would have been cut down . . .  Within minutes, a dog run had been transformed to Sapsucker heaven.  Lee was pressed into service, making sugar water and offering up a suet cake.  The little fellow had a drink and a bite to eat while a strategy session happened.  Wildlife rescue was phoned, agreed to take the bird and transport was planned.  Lee found the puppy carrier and collected Chantelle for her transgression.  Then it was off to the city for transport to the avian hospital.  There are few dull moments at Regalridge.

The kennel is ticking along.  Comings and goings are regular.  Perhaps the most interesting arrival was Ruff the Golden.  A phone call presaging his appointment included the sad statement that there was a difficulty being experienced in packing, everything was in the driveway and another attempt was needed.  Well, the result showed that the call had been an understatement.  Ruff was nowhere to be seen, only emerging after a front door was opened and the load shifted.  Keep in mind, Ruff is a Golden Retriever . . . 

The house crew are well and happy.  Piper's cone of power has been removed, much to her dismay.  Perhaps the Airedales are a bit unusual but both Charlotte and Piper had the pleasure of wearing the Elizabethan collar after surgery.  And both throoughly enjoyed the power this imparted.  The removal of the contraption early on this lovely morning would have been cause for celebration for other dogs.  Not so Miss Piper.  Her tail drooped, her head went down and the pitiful eyes were put on.  She loved that cone! 

Dinner was grilled strip loin with the usual accompaniments and Lee's oatmeal cookies.  There had been Merk's coffee cake (built earlier by Lee) for breakfast and a lovely lunch so all was well in Our Ken's world.