Remembering Mr.B

Hi all,

I've waited until now as the new nesting season is beginning, to share the sad news of our loss of Mr.B.

He was last seen on Nov. 29 (just over 3 months ago). We never found any evidence of his demise, but having been here with us every day for 4 years, we can only assume that we'll not see him anymore.
Many of you know what a great Bluebird he has been for us, fathering 49 successful fledglings over his 11 nestings with Missy. We could not have hoped for a better Bluebirding experience than he gave us.

This is the first photo we ever posted of him here on POTN:

http://kenn3d.smugmug.​com …D=15996467&Albu​mKey=WUse9

great shots Kenn

Sorry to hear this news...I know how much enjoyment you got (and we got when you shared the images) out of watching him/her raise their multiple families over the years. Hopefully a new Mr. B moves in so you can enjoy these beautiful birds once again.

Sorry for your loss. Animals, whether pets or friendly wildlife, can become like a family member. That last shot of him is a classic. I hope you will hang a large print of it.

Really sad to hear about him, really enjoyed your shots of him

So sorry to hear this Ken - I saw some bluebirds just the other day and thought of him and his family.

That's so sad, Kenn. Stan is right: animals we know and care for do become family. Poor Missy too. I hope she will find another mate. And Mr. B will live on in the beautiful photographs you took of him and that you shared with us over the years.

The anticipation of seeing my feathered and furry friends each day in my wilderness is a joy... but their sudden absence always leaves a void... more numerous times than I care to remember. I miss those woodland friends very much.

This winter I have a whitetail buck that has returned for the last 6 years... he comes back each January and looks in my patio window... then follows me to the garage and eats corn out of my bucket. He has survived numerous hunting seasons, subzero winters and Gray Wolves. Knowing this wilderness, I wonder each morning if he will show up... and I dread the day he doesn't... but I will always have his photos and memories to remind me of his companionship. I am sorry you lost your good friend Mr. B, but I know you are cherishing his photos and his memory... I wish the best for your remaining beautiful Bluebirds.

db

I share your loss. A pair has just started building a nest in one of my BB houses. Can't wait for the hatch.

Thank you all for your kind and understanding replies.

We've had some time to worry, and wonder, and grieve our loss of Mr.B. He was such a great bird and a very big part of our daily life for all these years he spent with us. And of course we've also worried for Missy as her life now goes on without him. She and a dwindling number of their last year's fledges have continued to be here everyday since he's been gone.

As might be expected I guess, we started seeing a new adult male here approximately 2 weeks after Mr.B disappeared. This new guy was soon coming everyday even tho Missy didn't seem to take to him very much at first. She has gradually accepted him tho and they are sure mates now as she begins the building of her first nest of this new season.

We hope they will be good together... he has some big shoes to fill.

Kenn

I'm really sorry to hear this Kenn as I know how much you folks love your birds. You have also been kind enough to share them with us so we will undoubtedly miss him as well.

Now you must enjoy his surviving family.

Sorry to hear about this great loss.
May the memories live on in your images!

So sorry Kenn. Mr.B sure had a productive and happy life. I really enjoyed your photo tribute and especially liked the shots of him with his young and Missy. I can only imagine the void left since I get very attached to certain birds over just a couple of months in the rookery each spring, having Mr. B missing from your yard must be far worse. Thank you for sharing your photos of him with us, they captured his beauty and character and I know you'll treasure them for many years to come. Well wishes to all your backyard friends.

Kenn, I'm back because I have now had an opportunity to have a look through the wonderful gallery you have created in Mr. B's honor. It's absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing him with us.

49! If I had a uterus it would be hurting with the thought.

However, the sad news is a shame. 49 is truly and awesome number. And, the fact you got to chronicle so much of it makes me think you gave him as much as he gave you. You likely kept him very healthy.