Tag: wildlife

We have not seen any cardinals in a week or so, but apparently Ravi has set up shop in a tree in Clarksville, Indiana and is making quite the racket! My dear sister-in-law, Cindy just texted me this morning. For the past few weeks there have been two birds have a bird rap off contest outside her bedroom window, bright and early, every morning. The cardinal, ie: Ravi, has taken over the big maple in her side yard. A California wren lives in a redbud near their bedroom window. For those who do not know, wrens are about 2/3s the size of cardinals but are very noisy and feisty. This duo has been waking up very early every morning to belt out birdie rap songs and debating about who has dominion over the tree. Cindy says that both birds are very wroth, but no fighting, just lots of fluffing of feathers and birdie ballads going back and forth, starting about 5am.

Ravi may have been non speaking, but he did have a voice and could make tons of noise when he felt like it. We used to joke that he was the loudest non speaking person we had ever met. It is no surprise to us that he came back as a very vocal bird. He had so many thoughts in his head, and it was not until he got his AAC, Sam, that he could begin to get them all out. There was a certain energy that he brought into every space. I could feel it as soon as I walked into the house, whether he was was chatting with Sam, stretching his vocal chords, or just chilling. I miss that energy. My house, despite having 3 dogs, 1 cat and a hedgehog, is very quiet.

We are very eager to go to Virginia later this week. The cardinal is the state bird and I look forward to many Ravi sightings. I cherish the thought of him perching in Cindy’s tree, singing the song of his people. Fly free, Boo Bear, and sing to your heart’s content. Love you to the moon and back. Mom.

Hello, #TeamRavi! It is beautiful spring weekend, and our friend has been seen in the form of a cardinal twice in the last two days. He is looking most perky and dapper. The first appearance was when I was driving up Summit Avenue. I looked over at the green space in the middle of the road and saw a cocky young male cardinal. I said, “Hi, Ravi!” and he turned his head and looked straight at me. No joke, I swear that the bird smiled at me. The second encounter was almost in the same place, going the other direction on Summit. I was walking two of our dogs. The bird came flying towards me, did a few acrobatics in the air, just to show off, and landed in a nearby tree, where he commenced to fluff out his feathers and preen. Obviously, he is feeling very good about himself. The red feathers made a stunning display against the backdrop of green leaves.

Things are up and down these days. I relish the sunshine and the warmer weather. I am waging a losing war on the bunnies who keep snacking on my flower beds. Robert has been up soaring lately, and his parachute just arrived. It came from the manufacturer with a bottle of nice wine, saying, “Hope this is the only thing you ever need to open!” With all luck, Robert will never have to open his chute, but it is always a good thing to have while soaring, particularly in competition. Weather permitting, he is hoping to go up again this week.

When I was out running the other day, I saw two beautiful dragon flies. These symbolize Jonathon, Alissa’s older brother, who is now hangout out with Ravi. It is a great week when I can see both tangible signs of both of these incredible young men. Death has not held them back. There is no more epilepsy and pain. Truly, they are flying free. Enjoy your weekend and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day. You are all good humans, and I am proud to call you my friends. Peace in this crazy world. Harriet, Ravi’s mom.