DECEMBER 2021
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Wednesday 01 December:
A DIP IN THE POOL... ON THE FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER! Yonah will NEVER cease to ABSOLUTELY AMAZE ME!
But, to begin at the beginning... It was 8.30 when, with anxieties rushing round in my head, I went, softly and quietly, into Yonah's room this morning. My heart was as heavy as it's ever been, wondering why he'd been so silent for so late in the morning. I have to admit, I feel so indescribably BLESSED by his presence, and, even more-so, by his Trust and what is obviously his LOVE, that every moment of every day, I live as if each one were our last. I don't expect him to be here forever, I HOPE he'll have a FULL, BEAUTIFUL LIFE for, at the very least, the 5 years that mourning doves have “averaged”, in proper conditions and situations. I've read that we could have another 20 years ahead of us, but, I NEVER take “MIRACLES” for granted. And when the hours of the morning passed, I tried to prepare myself for the worst moment imaginable.
As I say, I walked into his room quietly and softly, and sat, as I do, at the edge of his futon, and looked up to where his silhouette rested on the perch where he usually is, where he sleeps at night. I thought I saw his head move and so, I did the only thing I could think of at the moment... I gave my best, but soft “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo... hoo-hoo”... ALMOST IMMEDIATELY he replied EXACTLY... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo... hoo-hoo”! He was awake... AND HE WAS FINE! AND I WAS DUMBFOUNDED! HE REPLIED EXACTLY AS I'D “COO'ed” TO HIM! IT APPEARS I'M LEARNING HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIM... I can't say that I know what I'd “said”, but to get EXACTLY the same in reply? WELL! My heart DANCED, my eyes welled with tears of relief and ABSOLUTE JOY! My BEST COMPANION, MY LOVE, MY HEART AND SOUL WAS OK! WE HAD ANOTHER DAY... TOGETHER! THE WORLD WAS A PERFECT PLACE! And so we ROLLED!
This morning, the sand in the front corner of his house NEEDED changing. The “new” moss that I'd gotten and have been “growing” for him is quite “odd” in that, as it dries, it crumbles. So there was a lot of “bits” in with that sand and I wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything in there that he might inadvertently eat. I don't know that it's harmful to him, but I'd rather not take chances. So... after morning water change, I took the tray out, emptied the sand that was in it, gave it a proper scrubbing and replaced the sand with fresh. There's a lot of it in containers, to take us through the Winter, all sterile, baked for a total of 6 hours-plus, at 500°F so it's clear of anything that might harm him. Now, though, I truly DO have to get a replacement for the white pine that's in that corner. This one's been, obviously, just too close to the heat from his radiator and hasn't been all too happy about it. So, as soon as there's a bit of a “thaw”, I'll be out looking for a fresh tree. It's where Yonah sleeps at night, and obviously, he enjoys “being in a tree” so... This one's holding it's own, but truly does need a replacement. (And I'm actually looking forward to finding him another... it's almost like going into the woods for a “Christmas tree”... but this one will be white pine and MUCH smaller. Still... tree-hunting in Winter... 'tis the season.)
After that was all done and Yonah could get on with settling and enjoying the sun-shine that was trying to make its way into his windows, I moved me into his room to his work table. The month of November had to be “closed”, there were photos to add, and various other things that had to be caught-up and closed on his site. So I got busy. Yonah got “busy” too... it was another “quite active” day for him, flying about the room, over to watch what I was doing... and then taking little “rests” on his roof as I worked along.
Deb, from down the road, sent THREE messages, with photos of the white dove/pigeon who's been at her house these past few days. And she sent them to YONAH'S e-mail account! Imagine? Yonah is getting e-mails now! I can't tell from the photos if her Little One is a dove or pigeon, but she expressed concern over having to be away next week and wondering if s/he will still come by if she's not there to put food out. (She's also given the Little One a name: “Peace”... Quite appropriate... one would have to say.) Anyway, I've already offered to go to the house daily to make sure there's food there. She's so appreciative but, of course I'll go! Not just because of the Little Ones in general, but if “Peace” makes the place a home, well... There will HAVE to be food available! And I'll grind some sunflower seeds to bring along as well. We have to make sure the flocks are well-nourished! But it was such a delight to actually see e-mails in Yonah's account today. The Little Guy's “known” now. YAY!
AND TODAY... WE HAD “SNOOZE-TIME”... TOGETHER! OH YES... TOGETHER! I'd had a lie-down with an alarm set for 25 minutes and had no sooner gotten comfortable on his futon when Yonah came FLYING over! He landed on my hip and then made his way up to my shoulder. From there, he “slid” down, on the blanket, onto the futon where he toddled up to my chin where he gave a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” to which I replied “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” AND... he replied with a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo”. I, of course, answered the same and... the next moment, he took a toddle up ON the pillow to the top of my head, around to my side and onto my shoulder again. It was obvious that he had no intention of leaving so... I actually dozed-off for about 20 minutes and when I woke... HE WAS STILL ON MY SHOULDER! HE'D MADE HIMSELF COMFORTABLE AND HE TOOK A SNOOZE TOO! Well, I've often wondered what he'd do if I were to pass the night in his room (as I've done), and leave him to wander about. Of course, I wouldn't, because, as I've said, doves don't see well in the dark and I'd be terrified that he'd fly into something, especially if something startled him... especially in the dark. But now I know that he's SO comfortable with me that he'll take naps “on” me! More “AWE”.
When I woke and got up from the futon, he stayed with me, and moved to my arm and we took a stroll about the house. I went to check to see if his new food canister had arrived and as I walked along, he just stayed on my arm, watching as the world went by him. (I wonder how it must strike him: the world is moving, the scenery is changing and he's just sitting there. Hmmm...) He was perfectly content with me, and made his way back up to my shoulder where we had a bit of a chat about the delivery and we made our way back to his room where, when I went to sit back at the work table, he went into his house... and there we were for the next while until...
It was just past 13.30 and I was busily working along at the table when, from behind I heard “the splashing”! I turned to see Yonah... IN HIS POOL! Oh, just a cozy, comfy, content, relaxed as he could be... getting a bit of a “swim-and-soak”! It was 22° in his room so that was just comfortable enough for a bit of a “dip” and he was taking FULL advantage of the situation! (Of course... photos, videos... not only because I'm ALWAYS fascinated when he uses the pool, but... IN DECEMBER? Hey! The weather out-side might be frightful, but... in Yonah's room it really IS “delightful”! Obviously! WHAT a THRILL to see him splashing about in the water! And it always does my heart good to know that the notion of that pool came to mind and we went through three different styles until we got it (obviously) correct. (Again, I can't imagine people NOT thinking of a bath for their birds... and again, I've seen many in the course of my life-time but I can't recall EVER seeing ANYBODY providing a little “bath”. Well? Here we have it. The suggestion, recommendation, the URGING... As you read, Dear Reader, get thee the where-with-all and get your Little One a place in which to SPLASH!) And, he was in there for quite a few long moments too! Of course, when done, he came hopping over to his door perch to preen in the warmth of the radiator below, and as he did, I returned to my chores at hand. But WHAT a JOY!
 So the day rolled to evening and I went to the kitchen for my meal... and this evening, Yonah was vociferously displeased with my absence so I gave a new experience a try: I went in and got him onto my shoulder and returned to the kitchen table to finish my dinner AND... FOR THE MOST OF THE WHILE, YONAH ROOSTED ON MY SHOULDER AS I ATE! I chatted with him during, and he was fascinated by the food on my plate! And when he decided he'd be more comfy on the table (which I, of course, don't mind at all... there's NOTHING “un-clean” about him in the least), I put a bit of his food down. He wasn't having it... and, in a moment's time, he was off, in the air, and back to his house. BUT... NOW I know that I can bring him to the kitchen when I have evening meal!
HONESTLY... THESE past days, well, weeks, since he went through his moulting, have been MOST remarkable, AMAZING, AWE-INSPIRING... SO UNIQUE! SO UN-EXPECTED, UN-ANTICIPATED... JUST ALMOST UN-BELIEVABLE! Yonah and I have grown SO CLOSE! And he's become SUCH a “comfort and joy”! NEVER would I have even talked about the notion of ANY of this developing between us! But... here it is... AND WITH PHOTOS AS VIDEOS TO PROVE IT! That's my little SOUL right there!
And so, day rolled to evening, evening to night... I got his web-site work completed when I returned, after my meal, to his work table. And it was time for “tuck-in”, after water change and house-tidying. I just don't like that time of a day... these days being so short as it is. And Yonah's antics of a day, well. No shame in saying: I wish we could stay up around the clock, and spend ALL of the time together. But... we do need our rest, so, night boards up and kisses and cuddles and snuggles. The music was off, the room was calm. I said “Good night”, I got a few pecks... the door to his house was closed... Yonah was on his “night perch”. Lights out.
A MOST FASCINATING AND WONDERFUL DAY TODAY! And if there's any Love in Heaven... if there's really such a place or thing as Heaven... we've got another one to look forward to tomorrow!
December... another year has passed... and WHAT A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAST DECEMBER AND THIS! WHAT A DIFFERENCE THAT YEAR HAS MADE.... FOR BOTH OF US!
Thursday 02 December:
THIS has been one AMAZING DAY!
To begin... it started as another “late” morning... well... for Yonah it was. I sat in the kitchen, watching the time pass and at 7.45 I decided to “face what-ever was to be”. When I don't hear the “morning call” by about 7.00, my heart grows so heavy. I mean, I really have to face the fact that, one day... but I'm not ready, and I never will be. So, with my usual trepidation, I went, so quietly, into his room. It was still rather dark, thanks to the blinds and curtains, but there was some day-light (for all it was on these heavy-grey mornings of late), so I made my way to his futon and took my place at the end by his house. Looking in, I could see his silhouette, on the perch where he passes the night. His head moved to look at me, but he didn't make a sound. So I started to speak. “Did you sleep alright last night? Are you still sleepie? Would you like more time?” AND... He stretched his wings and gave a shake! He was up! He was awake! And my heart took the flight that a mourning dove might take, at sun-rise on a clear, warm morning! WE WERE FINE! WE WERE HERE! WE WERE “US”! And curtains and blinds got opened to let in the dim light from a rainy work out-side his windows. And as I prepared for “morning routine”, his door open, Little Yonah followed me about from inside, watching my “usual” activities round his house. The WORLD was perfectly fine!
But I DID notice, this morning, that, out-side, the Little Ones hadn't been round for breakfast so, I thought, that maybe “sleeping-in” was the “natural” order of the day and I hoped I hadn't disturbed Yonah's “Nature-intended” clock, as it were. But, if I did, it wasn't obvious because he took right to his daily moving about, from house to roof, shelves, and such. Although, on a day like this, though not “cold”, just the grey and drear made it a perfect day for just sleeping until... But we were up so...
I got to my own “morning routine” whilst Yonah listened to his bird-songs and enjoyed the light of his NatSpec. In his room, the light was bright, the birds were chirping and coo'ing and it was delightfully warm and comfy. And Yonah? He “lounged” and took several flights about the place. Good exercise, those flights.
BUT... I wanted to grind some of the sun-flower hearts that I have for him. A neighbour has recently discovered an almost PURE WHITE PIGEON that seems to have taken her yard as a “new home” and, ever-so oddly, appears to have NO fear or trepidation around people. So much so that s/he's “roosted” on the car, has made a comfy place in one of the barns on the property, and will perch on the lower branches of a 200-year old oak tree beside the house! It truly IS curious, and the neighbour is absolutely in LOVE with this Little One.
From my own research, I've learnt that, during the Winter months, extra fat and oils are needed in birds' diets to help protect them against the cold, but pigeons, like doves, tend to eat their food whole, so things like sun-flower seeds and peanuts (good because they're sources of the fats and proteins the Little Ones need, especially in the cold weather) are of no good if left in their shells. And since this little white bundle is so unique and precious, I wanted to be of any help I can, especially where proper nutrition is concerned. So, since I have a large bag of whole sun-flower kernels, and I grind them smaller for Yonah, I got busy, grinding a large jar's-worth.
Not “news”? No, BUT, AS I WAS IN THE KITCHEN WITH THE SMALL GRINDER BUZZING AWAY... YONAH CAME FLYING OUT OF HIS ROOM, DIRECTLY OVER TO THE CORNER OF THE KITCHEN WHERE I WAS WORKING... AND HE FLEW ROUND ME 3 OR 4 TIMES AND HEADED BACK TO HIS HOUSE! It was as if he wanted to see what was causing a noise that he'd not heard before AND when he came in and saw me standing there, he felt it was OK and he headed back home!
That he came out to the kitchen is rather novel. That he came directly to me just shows that he was aware that it was ME in the kitchen... he recognises ME... not just my face but ME... even from the back! AND, that he came, saw me and just decided to go back to his house? Well, he OBVIOUSLY associates me with “safety”, even when there's a “whirrr” of a little grinder buzzing away... a “new” sound in HIS domain! (Oh sure, somebody will come along and put it all to some kind of “instinct”... never mind that or them. And I'm not buying that Yonah's particularly “exceptional”. I'm convinced, after a year with him... Mourning doves are as sentient as ANY of the rest of us! And I'll never be convinced to the contrary.) Anyway, I was, of course, SMILING AND SO FULL OF JOY! (Not only is Yonah still with me... He's WITH me!)
OK... so I got the seeds ground and packed in the jar. The next item on the itinerary was putting his food into his new glass containers. So I brought the containers into his room, cut the bags to make labels for the jars (so I know what's what and if... GODS AND HEAVENS FORBID... I should have to be “away” for any length of time, EVERYBODY will see and know what food is where... I have to make a “recipe” for the mixture too... next item for the next “task list”) and now, ALL of his foods are in well-sealed, glass jars to keep them fresh and bug-free, not to mention, safely away from any... dare I say... mice!
OK! The morning rolled into after-noon and I had to make the delivery to the neighbour down the road, but I wanted just the briefest of a lie-down before showering and getting on the road so... I set an alarm for 20 minutes and got cozy on the futon when... FLUTTER-WHISTLE form out of NO-WHERE! Yonah was on my shoulder again! And again, up and round my head, to the other side and back again. And at one point, he rested on the pillow, in front of my face and let out THREE “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo...hoo”s! (Of course, I replied to each. But there we were... AGAIN... getting ready for a lie-down... together... and holding a DIALOGUE!).
I dozed-off for about 10 minutes and when I woke... THERE HE WAS, ON THE PILLOW, AT MY FORE-HEAD, JUST SETTLED... RIGHT THERE! HE HAD A BIT OF A SNOOZE WITH ME AGAIN TODAY! HE'S REALLY THAT COMFORTABLE WITH AND AROUND ME! WHAT'S EVEN MORE... I WAS IN A “CLOWNING AROUND” MOOD AND HE SEEMED A BIT ON THE “FEISTY” SIDE SO, I REACHED UP AND BROUGHT HIM TO MY CHEST AS I LAID THERE, AND BROUGHT THE BLANKET OVER HIM, WITH MY HEAD UNDER SO THAT I COULD SEE HIM... JUST IN CASE HE APPEARED FRIGHTENED... HE DIDN'T MOVE! HE DIDN'T PANIC! HE DIDN'T EVEN SEEM TO MIND AT ALL! SO I LIFTED THE BLANKET UP BY MY HEAD, SO THAT HE HAD AN OPENING AND... EVERY-SO GRADUALLY... HE MADE HIS WAY UP TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PILLOW AND THEN UP TO THE “OPENING” AND OUT ONTO THE PILLOW WHERE HE STOOD, ALMOST LOOKING AT ME AS IF SAYING “HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?” THERE WASN'T EVEN THE SLIGHTEST INDICATION OF “FRIGHT” AT ALL! HE TRUSTS ME THAT MUCH!
Broke my heart, but I had to get up, get into the shower and head out... thankfully, only 2km down the road. And the visit was a pure delight. The neighbour TRULY IS A CARING, LOVING, COMPASSIONATE, SINCERE, MARVELLOUS, WONDERFUL woman who has a A MOST SINCERE LOVE OF AND FOR BIRDS! We talked for about 2 hours and I'm so at peace now because I don't feel so “alone” when it comes to Yonah and his care. And she told me that she, knowing less about birds than I've learnt (thanks, completely to Yonah), no longer feels “alone”, wondering what to do about and with and for her “new friend”... whom she's named “Pearl”. It was such an up-lifting visit for... well... I guess, both of us. There's so little in the way of resources around here where we are, but we DO have one-another. And I'll always keep my learning... and now, I have some-one who can use the education I get... thanks to Yonah.
So when I got back to the house, I walked in by way of the back door and looked, immediately, for Yonah. When I didn't see him in his room, nor any-where else in the house, I called... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo”, which I've come to learn is an “opening to conversation”... those last 2 “hoo-hoo”s. SURE ENOUGH... from a little corner of his wall shelf came the response... “woo-HOO!” So I repeated my call and Yonah repeated his reply! THERE! WE CAN HAVE A DIALOGUE! I still don't know WHAT I'm saying, but what-ever it is, from this morning to this incident... it's “dialogue” and Yonah and I are COMMUNICATING! It's been called a “bond”, but I just feel that it's even more, deeper, and even, to a point, more “tangible”. Maybe it's because I so sincerely want Yonah and I to be as close as we can be. My heart does break to think that he has only me, and I'm not another dove, nor am I even close to anything of the sort. I don't ever want him to feel “alone” or a “stranger”... and I don't want to feel that I'm a “stranger” to him. Maybe, in his way, in his own heart and soul, he DOES “KNOW” ME... and the deep-set LOVE and ADORATION I hold for him. What-ever it is, it's as I say:
I don't know everything there is to know, and I never will, but what-ever it is that my heart tells me, I follow, and, thus far, it seems to be the right thing to do. I know I'll improve as Yonah and I move along through time. And I'll continue to learn as much as is possible... for how-ever long WE have... together.
OK! So... day rolled to night and blinds and curtains got closed against the chill of the rainy night out-side. (Thankfully, it's not YET, heading for the deeper “freeze” that's expected on the week-end but... I want NO chills in Yonah's room! As was mentioned in this after-noon's talk with the neighbour, if he WAS born when suspected, he's NEVER HAD to fend against a true “Winter cold” and, well, in here, with me, there's no reason he ever need to! So... then... came the time for “evening routine” and the customary “changing of the water”...
WELL! TONIGHT... ANOTHER AMAZEMENT! AS I GOT THE ACCOUTREMENTS TOGETHER AT THE WORK TABLE... YONAH CAME OUT AND LANDED ON MY SHOULDER! SO, I GAVE IT A TRY AND WENT ON WITH THE BUSINESS OF GOING TO AND FROM THE KITCHEN WITH THE CONTAINERS OF FRESH WATER AND... HE STAYED WITH ME... SEVEN TRIPS, BACK AND FORTH AS I POURED FRESH WATER INTO HIS POOL AS IT DRAINED THROUGH THE TUBING AND INTO THE CATCH-BUCKET ON THE FLOOR! HE STAYED WITH ME THROUGH ALL THE TRIPS AND EVEN WHEN I WENT TO THE BASIN TO EMPTY THE BUCKET! IT'S NOT JUST THE MATTER OF HIM BEING COMFORTABLE ON MY SHOULDER... IT'S THE TRUST THAT NO HARM WILL COME TO HIM AS I MOVE ABOUT! AND I MOVE RATHER QUICKLY DURING THE WATER CHANGES! “TRUST”! I spoke to him as I went about the chore, and he gave me a peck on the neck as if telling me that I needn't worry, that he was fine! AND... on the last trip back into his room, to put the bucket back in its place, he took flight and headed back into his house... All the “commotion” of the “routine” was complete and as if he knew that things were settled... he headed back to his perch! Honestly! It might seem trite to many, but these changes are, to me, MIRACLES! Again, I must say that I NEVER even imagined Yonah coming to be THIS close to me, and TRUSTING me to this extent! He's breached the “human-bird” barrier and so too, have I. Yes... we're CLOSER THAN JUST “CLOSE”! And I remain... in... AWE!
And so... after all was settled, the NatSpec light went out as the desk lamp went on. I put Yonah's radio on and we listened to some music as I began the day's accounts for his Journal. He had his little “before bed-time nosh” as he does of an evening, and I worked along with the typing until, from behind me, I heard the “wing-snap”. Yonah was on his door-perch and he was ready for “tuck-in”! (He even KNOWS how to express THAT!) The clock read 19.47 and indeed... it was getting quite “late”, so I wrapped-up where I was with his Journal, put his “night boards” up and as I did, he headed for his “place on his perch” for the night. When I'd done, I leaned in through his door and we had a few “cuddles” and “snuggles” and “kisses”. He certainly was ready to wrap this day up! So, his door got closed, as we do of a night, the light went out and “Good night coo's” were exchanged... yes... EXCHANGED! I gave a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”, he replied with a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”... Our day was officially “closed”. His radiator is set. His house is in order. His room is cozy-warm. My Little Heart and Soul is safe and warm, protected, LOVED and CHERISHED in his own house for another night.
WHAT A DAY! WHAT ANOTHER BRAND NEW, UNIQUE DAY! WHAT AN EDUCATION FOR ME! AN EXPERIENCE THAT CAN'T BE COMPARED!
And so... we close today's Journal page... and, with a BRILLIANT HOPE... look forward to tomorrow when... well... there's just no telling WHAT new adventures we'll have together... and as long as there's a “together”... it's just going to be another MIRACULOUS DAY... to be sure.
Friday 03 December:
Yonah got an e-mail this morning! The day hadn't even truly begun (at 7.27) and he received an e-mail from some-one, “Haifa”, who's visited his web-site from USC! What a truly wonderful start to a day, and such a magnificent “gift” in what is, for “people”, a “holiday season”! It's a pure delight to actually know that his “message to the world” is being seen, his videos, Journal, the information on his pages is actually getting out! Ah... the Little Guy is becoming the “spokes-dove” for his flocks! What a comfort! (Now, I have some work to get to on his site. Most of what's there is from my own reading and research, and, with the exception of his multitudinous Journal pages, I have to incorporate first-hand experience accounts. The more the world knows, perhaps the better more of it will come to give the respect due, not only to doves and other birds, but, just perhaps, to the other LIVES “out there”. One can only hope... and HOPE, is what Yonah truly is.) I'm all “a-twitter”, as they say. What a way to start a day! DELIGHTFUL!
AND... WE had ANOTHER SNOOZE today too! It's getting to be a regular “routine” of late. I lay down on his futon and no matter where he is, when he sees that I've put the blanket over me, he comes SOARING! And today's “landing” was DIRECTLY AT my face! Not on my hip, nor on the pillow, but on my chest, at my chin, so he could stare right at me when I lifted my head! He recognises and KNOWS my face, and he has NO fear of it. Not that I've had ANY reason to believe that he ever did, but, THIS business of being so close, well, it speaks for itself! And, of course, I had to laugh, mostly with delight, partly with amusement. Especially when I looked and saw that PRECIOUS little face staring at me. Although generally, mourning doves are beautiful little symbols of peace and tranquility, from certain angles, face-on, Yonah has an expression of, oh, how to put it, being angry, annoyed and sometimes even down-right disgusted! And when he stands, as he does, with his feet apart, the over-all appearance is that he's prepared to take to battle! (When he's on his roof, that expression is even more pronounced, and when he gives his now-familiar-to-me “wing-snap”, it often appears that he's actually “DARING” me to engage in a fight! Over our time together though, I've come to understand that “wing-snap” as a signal that it's time to “engage”... but in play, affection, attention... some sort of interaction. Still, it CAN be rather intimidating. And now that I know that mourning doves CAN be quite and rather aggressive, I approach with care and caution. So far... the worst that's ever happened is that, on some occasions, when I go to pet or stroke or even just play with him, when I've mis-read the “signal”, he'll “snap” one wing at my hand, take a step or two back, and wait... and if I dare to try again, he comes forward AT my hand and I get another single-wing “snap”. But... I'm learning... and he's teaching! I'm paying strict attention.)
But our snooze went quite well... for about 10 minutes again, and he stayed with me until I got up and got back to the rest of the day's chores and tasks. And yes, for a “here-and-there” moment, he DID come along on my shoulder. THAT TOO, is becoming quite the regular occurrence, him coming along as I go from room-to-room. Fro me, it's most amazing! He WANTS to be with me, and he doesn't mind “riding along”! I often wonder what he thinks of it though: the scenery, the world around him is changing, in motion, and yet, he's just standing in one place. I DO wonder what he thinks of it. Still, I do know that if he decided he didn't like the travelling, he does know how to get back to his house. So... I enjoy out time together.
Over all, it was a delightfully sunny day, and although there aren't many hours of it, Yonah's room was quite FULL of brilliant light through the day! And that's ALWAYS something that gives both of us cause be be happy.
I had to make a run of errands this after-noon (I was going to do them early in the morning, but the plain truth of the matter is, I don't enjoy leaving Yonah, so I tend to find “things to do” and other excuses for postponing), and I swear that Yonah some-how senses when I'm getting ready to “take off”. I was getting my-self together and he wanted to PLAY! So it made my leaving all the harder. But, I did manage to get out and get our provisions and such... and when I got back? WELL! The “woo-HOO-hoo's” were almost noticeably “And so WHERE have YOU been?” And they started the very moment I walked back in through the door. So we had “snuggles and cuddles” to make everything “OK” again BEFORE I got busy putting things up where they belonged. And after, Yonah went up to his place on the wall shelves where, curiously, he spent most of the day again, today.
About that matter; I DO wonder why he has his moments, and even hours where he prefers to be up on the shelves, usually facing the wall. He appears to be comfortable there and in that position, but it's rather “concerning” to me, because he's facing away from the room and at a plain wall. I wouldn't have thought that he'd feel safe, not seeing behind him. But when I “call” or speak to him, he's ready to come down, onto my shoulder or to his roof where he's just above my eye-level, and we get into playing and such. Very curious, indeed.
“Deb”, the neighbour down the road who recently has a beautiful white pigeon taking residence in her barns, has been SO helpful, in that she's giving me a list of places where she believes that, not only could they be beneficial to me in my searching for more information, but that, with this experience with Yonah over this year, the benefits could be mutual in that, I had constant, 24-hour companionship with Yonah and that, well, (of course), he's my “Life” and not just a limited number of hours occupation. I have much to look into in the coming days now and it would be a great comfort to be able to just ask questions of some-one who has a genuine interest in and caring for and about mourning doves. So I'm rather quite excited. And this “shelf habit” of Yonah's is one of my first questions. (Dear Reader, watch the “Care” pages... anything I learn will be posted there... including this “shelf affair”.)
Oh, alas, the time of day that I dislike the most... “Evening Routine”... I comes SO SOON! TOO SOON! But we got it done, I put the NatSpec light out after, so the desk lamp gives a more subdued lighting... I think even Yonah sees it as something more akin to “dusk”. I was sitting at the work table and got the notion: building a place for doves on the cold Winter nights. So I got to researching... There's quite a bit on the internet about building “roosting boxes”, which, as I see it, are, for the most part, bird houses with the entrance at the bottom instead of centre or top. Allegedly it helps keep the warmer air toward the top where the birds will be over-night. But, doves (and pigeons, as I see) don't prefer “houses”. Doves perch, usually in flocks, in every-green trees where the needles block the heavy winds. Pigeons prefer a flat surface in a more open environment. And, of course, with all the searching, there were “houses” and nothing like “platforms”. So, I'll just have to keep looking and thinking. There has to be something out there that can give guidance. (Although, I have to add that, in my searching, MOST of what I found on “pigeons” was focused on how to get rid of them! NOT what I wanted to see. It aggravated me to the core! Especially now that Deb has such an emotional bond with her “Pearl”... and it's really Pearl I'm thinking of where “heated space” is concerned.) As I say, I can't believe and won't believe that there's nothing out there... at least something to give me ideas. So I'll just keep looking. (Truth is, I've thought of putting a little “dove box” in Yonah's house too, a little place for him to go to during the night, where he might feel even more comfortable. But, it would take so much space in his house so that's not good, and he seems perfectly happy on his perch... “in the tree” - which I have to replace at the very next “thaw”!)
Anyway, I was sitting a the work table, trying to catch-up with his Journal for the day when, at almost 19.30 on the mark, he was on his door perch behind me and gave a loud “wing-snap”! He was letting me know that it was “seepie-nigh-night” time! WELL! INDEED! So yes, of course, night boards went up and he headed directly for his perch for the night. He's BRILLIANT! He KNOWS how to communicate with me AND he associates the boards with “time to go to sleep”. Honestly, the more he does, the more delighted and AMAZED I am... and the more it angers me to think of mourning doves being murdered... for “sport” and “fun”. “Humanity”... a species that's out-lived its purpose. But I can't dwell on that. I really can't. It physically sickens me to my core.
So, boards up, kisses and cuddles, and the lights went out... Another day behind us, another night of safety ahead. And it's supposed to get to -13° during the night but... Yonah needn't even be aware of such a thing. His room is nicely insulated against the cold. The back board blocks any “chill” that might get through. And his radiator keeps his room quite comfy. No need to “fluff”. And that's the way it ought to be for him. Nothing but comfort... nourishment... companionship... at ALL TIMES!
A little addendum: I searched some more tonight, for heated housing for doves and pigeons and came across 3 mentions of when doves go to sleep. Apparently, their “natural” hour for sleep, on average, is between 19.30 and 20.00 (7:30-8:00PM)! WELL ME! And OH MY! Yes indeed! Yonah WAS ready for sleep at 19.30! I am LEARNING... and he's TEACHING me... every day, something new, something more. So I need to pay attention to the clocks now too. No more putting it off because I just want to spend more time with him. BABY NEEDS HIS REST! (And too, I remember, all so well, that mourning doves “usually” require 10-14 hours of rest each day! So... there we have it! And if he sleeps until 7.30... there's about 10 hours... provided “that one next door” doesn't start her usual banging about through the night... The slightest “bump” startles Yonah and I know it because he coo's, as if calling for somebody or calling to warn. It's heart-breaking, mostly because it's un-necessary and inconsiderate any way... banging about at night. But that's a “rant” I could go on with into infinity... I won't.)
So tomorrow... the week-end! Not that it's a “week-end” for Yonah. For him, another day. I envy him in that... days are days, nights are nights and time is “now” (and obviously, with memories of “then” since he obviously remembers that I've been here to protect and LOVE him). And tomorrow? Well... we'll face it when we wake to it. For tonight... warmth, protection and LOVE LOVE LOVE! My Little Heart & Soul is safe.
Saturday 04 December:
WE HAD THE MOST WONDERFUL DAY TODAY! PLAY-TIME! “JOUSTING”! FOR QUITE THE WHILE!
The day commenced at 7.40 this morning... closer to what I'd come to think of as “the regular hour”. Maybe, just maybe it had to do with Yonah getting to sleep at HIS “normal” hour last night. I'm going to HAVE to make sure, from now on, that by 19.30, we're settled-in for the night. Poor Little Guy! It truly is just because of me that he's kept awake so much later. Selfish, really, because I just lose part of my soul when I have to leave him and, well, it is, every night, just a bit “painful”. But, his health and well-being is tantamount, over ALL else, so, I will arrange my day according to his. (I ought to really arrange my day according to his: sleep at dark, up at dawn. It's actually the way things ought to be anyway. Ah... something to “aspire” to. If only...)
And ALL during the day, we were together. So nothing else really matters.
When I went into Yonah's room this morning, it was delightfully warm, cozy. At 6.00 this morning, the temperature was -13° out-side, so the “chill” had to be lower. But Yonah's room? 22°! And that's just the way I want to keep it, especially over-night when he isn't active. During the day it does come down to about 20°, usually 21°, but that's because the door to his room is open and the rest of the house is much cooler. I don't keep his door closed in case he ever wants to “stretch his wings” and take a “tour” of the rest of the house. Still, during the day, he is active, flying about from house to shelves to futon and, of late, he's even taken to wandering around the floor! So now, as I'm sitting at the work table, I have to look before getting up. There's never telling where he'll be at any given time. We've already had the moments when I walk into the room just as he decides to take to the air. He sees me come in and I can tell that he has to make a “sudden change of venue” because, well, when he decided to take off, there was a clear path between points. In fact, even today, he'd left his door perch as I entered the room and he came FLYING out... and decided, what seemed “last minute” to land on my shoulder. (I'd LIKE to think it was intentional, that he was coming to greet me, but... it struck me more as an “OH NO! WHAT NOW? Head for the shoulder!” moment. Still, it's comforting to see that he feels safe enough to come to me, no matter what.)
When, this after-noon, I'd stepped out to the kitchen to put my coffee cup in the basin, on returning, he was on the futon. The sun was POURING in through the windows and it was a delight in there. So I went over and sat down, almost beside him, and lightly patted my lap, to beckon him over AND HE CAME RIGHT AWAY, HOPPED UP ON MY LAP! I was SO DELIGHTED AND MOVED! But... he didn't stay for too long. He must have been considering a bite of lunch before my arrival and so, my lap was a “stop-over” on the way to eat. Still, that he responded to the tapping on my lap! Coincidence? No, I should think not. HE'S BRILLIANT! SO INTELLIGENT! SO SENTIENT! SO AMAZING! SO AWE-SOME!
MORE? OH YES... THERE'S MORE!
THIS AFTER-NOON WE HAD THE GREATEST, GRANDEST “PLAY-TIME”! WE MUST HAVE “JOUSTED” FOR A GOOD 15 SOLID MINUTES... IF NOT LONGER! AND, YONAH WAS SO READY FOR PLAY AND EXERCISE THAT I EVEN GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO SET THE CAMERA UP ON HIS ROOF AND CAUGHT SOME OF OUR PLAY ON VIDEO! (I HOPE it plays well on the site because one segment is just over 3 minutes long... and I'm NOT cutting it... unless I really must.) IT WAS INDESCRIBABLE! Most often, he sees the camera and for some reason, he'll either stop playing or he'll take off and go else-where in the room. “Camera shy”? I don't know. But the many (and yes... “many”) photos I've gotten I'm so thrilled with because being allowed to photograph him is a privilege. BUT WHEN HE WENT RIGHT ALONG PLAYING TODAY... I WAS BESIDE MYSELF, as they say! He was in the mood... There was “play”, and a little “attacking” (though even that was more “playful” than anything else). AND THERE WAS PREENING! HE “PREENS” MY HAND QUITE OFTEN AND DURING OUR PLAY, AFTER GIVING MY HAND QUITE THE PECK, HE'D GO INTO PREENING, PECKING MY FINGERS AND HAND. IT WAS ALMOST AS IF “OH! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be THAT aggressive! Here, let me make it better.” WHAT A GUY! WHAT A BIRD! WHAT A DOVE! WHAT A LOVE! Anyway, I'm really glad I got to video-capture the moments. (Deb seems to think that there are ornithologists who would be VERY interested in Yonah's story, particularly because he isn't a “bought” or “people-raised” dove. Me? Well, I'd be MORE than delighted to “share the story”... so long as it doesn't intrude on Yonah and his life here. We'll see. Maybe one of these days I'll make some calls, some inquiries. For now... I maintain my unadulterated “AWE”!
And so... out day rolled along and I had tasks, all of which, for the most part, I attended at his work table with him either supervising or simply ignoring me... with the exception of “breaks”... when I was “called to action” for some cuddling and play. (I look forward to those moments during the day. They're a part of my “routine” now... VERY MUCH SO.)
We got snow today too. Not so much that it would be of any particular importance, but enough to put a complete cover on the ground out-side. It reminded me of last year when the snows began... My original intention was to have Yonah up and around and back out with his flock BEFORE the first snow-fall... That didn't happen and so, when the snows began, I resolved to keep him with me until the nights would no longer get cold. I knew he'd have trouble in the old, the snow and the ice to come. (And, to be brutally honest, I had NO idea that he'd even survive through the Winter... especially not in the house! WELL! Once again: “intelligent human”... NONSENSE!) So Yonah got to look out at the snow blowing in the wind... from his little platform, on his roof, in his room... where all was still... and warm... and cozy. He was safe, protected, plenty of food so readily available, and fresh water... and... for all I'm worth... a companion to keep him safe... and... mildly entertained. “Winter” has arrived.. but he has NO cause to even think about it. Its old will NEVER tough him and its winds will NEVER send a chill.
For the past three days, I've included some ground sun-flower seeds in his “diet”, for a little extra “fat”, since it is Winter and, well, “Naturally”, this would be the time of year when Yonah would be looking for that in his diet. But today, I added some ground peanuts, for more fat and some protein... He'd eaten during the day, but apparently didn't get much of the peanuts until this evening when the seed content was a bit lower. I walked into the room after having had my evening meal, and I found him on his perch, making the motions with his beak that would be an equivalent of “smacking his lips”. I'd seen him do that twice before; once after he'd struck his beak hard against a mirror in his house, and so, I worried, at first. But when he went and had a GOOD drink of water, he took off for his roof where he continued to make that little movement and I noticed that he was OK... I imagine he must have gotten some of the peanut because he'd done that “smacking” then too. I'd added them to his diet when he was moulting, to provide extra, needed protein and fat that's so important during moutling. (And to think, LAST year, when he'd come into the house, he was moulting THEN TOO... and I had NO idea! Yes, he DID drop a LOT of feathers! I still have most of them. But I thought it was more because of his injuries! And I fed him well, but only the seeds that he'd eaten that I'd put out for all the doves in the yard. I had NO idea that he needed MORE in his diet! The POOR LITTLE GUY! It really is no wonder that his wing feathers came in so terribly “wrong” that time. Thankfully, THIS time though, they're BEAUTIFUL! Well, another “live and learn” and DON'T just depend on “recommendations” from others unless they've been properly researched... Even “bird people”! I feel horrible for what I must have put Yonah through last year. I had no way of knowing better, but still, I DO feel the right git. Though I'm grateful that NOW he's better!) Anyway, I just thought it a good idea to add the protein for a while. Doves are known to eat snails, but that's usually the females and then, usually when they're laying. But a bit of protein is necessary for a healthy diet so... He's had three days of the peanuts, so this evening, I've put the left-overs into a container and I'll put that out for breakfast for the birds on the back gallery. (THEY get fed VERY well too... because they get what-ever Yonah leaves in his dish and he gets, of course, HIGHEST quality stuff! Hey! It makes me feel good to know that the birds in the wild are eating well here.)
So tonight, at 19.30, I was at the work table, Yonah was on his door perch, all nestled and snuggled in the warmth of his radiator. “Evening routine” and the closing of curtains and blinds had been completed by 18.00 tonight and at 19.00 I'd turned his NatSpec light off and had the desk lamp on... his song-birds play-list was off so there was time to “settle-down”. But when I looked, he was almost sleeping, so I got up and asked if he was ready to go to sleep... and as I headed to get his night boards, he immediately went to his night perch! He WAS ready for “seepie-nigh-night”! So, the boards went up as he watched me intently, and when I'd gotten them “installed” and put his house back in order, he shuffled across his perch to the “front of his house” where he spends the night. We exchanged our “kisses”, I put the light out and said “You sleep well. Tonight's not going to be as cold as last night but you'll be just as warm and toasty anyway. I'll see you in the morning. Good night my PRECIOUS LITTLE LOVE.” And Yonah took his little place and snuggled-down as doves do.
We had another day together... and it was SUPER-STUPENDOUS... as ALL of our days are!
And tomorrow is Sunday. I've no errands... the high temperature is expected to be 0° (which is better than a “minus”), with some more sun-shine so... we'll be together and I want to get a bit of cleaning done in his room so... there will be “activity”! AND... there will be MORE LOVE! to be sure!
Sunday 05 December:
This mostly grey, rather chilly December Sunday was yet, another day of accomplishments and amazements... more curiosities and lessons learnt. And it all began at almost 7.30 on the mark! THAT was a great relief, Yonah waking at his other-wise “usual” time... AND CALLING. My day, my mood, my mind-set all depend on him, when he wakes, what sort of “mood” he's in... how well he appears to have slept the night before. Honestly... it ALL rides on him. So when I hear that “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”... no matter what the weather is out-side... in this house, ALL is on the way to PERFECT! AND, when he wakes closer to actual sun-rise, well, THAT'S a GREAT relief because it shows he DID sleep well through the night AND that he's ready to take-on another day!
And, oh YES he was ready to take-on the day this morning! I'd no sooner removed the night boards when he became quite animated... he was ready to GET OUT and into the WORLD! Well, to HIS world, as it is! He followed me from inside his house as I opened curtains and blinds and when I went for the containers for morning “water change”, he was already at the door, with a wing-snap. KISSES! and CUDDLES! I guess it was a “lonely” sort of night! (It's nice to be missed though. I miss HIM, painfully, even when I just have to run into town... for 20 minutes! Looks like “the feeling's mutual”. I'd honestly go back to sleeping on his futon of a night, but I do worry about me coughing or snoring or tossing in my sleep and disturbing him, so I imagine he does, over-all, get better sleep when I'm in my own room. Oh... if there were a way that he could actually sleep WITH me. But I've thought of it all before: not safe! Not at all! If he'd sleep along the back of the futon, it would be one thing. But then... the slightest noise and, in the darkness, in a panic, there's no telling WHAT harm would come to him. No... it really is better as we have it. And I do sense that he knows he's safer in his house at night. He never makes any fuss about going in at day's end and he doesn't mind at all when I close his door. So, yes, it is better as it is.) Anyway... this morning, I changed the water whilst he supervised carefully, and when done, I finished my coffee in the kitchen and... MOVED IN! OUR day together had commenced!
And DURING the day? Well!
I'd discovered a new “format” for his web-site that I'd considered for a while now, and found the coding that I needed to “make it so”... After a few “tweaks” to make it work on his site... YONAH HAS ANOTHER NEW “HOME” PAGE ON HIS SITE! THIS ONE IS A VIDEO OF HIM... BATHING HAPPILY! It find it's neat, contemporary, more attractive than a simple “static” page. It's a bit more colourful and the “activity” is more eye-catching. Not to mention... IT'S ACTUALLY YONAH! MOVING ABOUT! AND OBVIOUSLY ENJOYING HIS BATH! (It's an older video of him, before all the “additions” to his house. But, it certainly DOES show that he's comfy, enjoys his pool and is quite healthy! And I'm ALWAYS concerned that “certain people” MUST know how well he's cared for and about. (After all... the “documentation” I've see regarding the “keeping” of a wild mourning dove claims heft fines! If one can imagine such a thing. Oh sure, there ARE those who'd delight in “trapping” the poor Little Ones, and stuffing it/them into some hideous, cramped cage... enjoying it until they grew bored or... the poor thing died... of malnutrition, abuse, loneliness, abandonment or an out-right heart-attack from being molested. And then too, DOVES ARE SOME-WHAT PROTECTED! IT'S ILLEGAL TO CAPTURE OR KEEP ONE! Ah, but it obviously is just fine and dandy to go out and massacre entire flocks... for “sport” and “fun”. Anyway, that said, I'd not be the least surprised if, one day, somebody came to the door to read me my “rights” because Yonah is here. But, at least his well-being is documented. And I can say with all certainty, if, may the gods truly forbid, ANYBODY TRIED to take him... well... I say no more on the matter.)
Now THAT was a rant and tangent! Let's get back to the joys of the day...
After I'd spent some hours looking into the necessities for the new “Home” page, it was MORE than obvious that Yonah was NOT pleased with the fact that he'd been in the same room and I was too-obviously other-wise occupied. So OH YES... WE DID TAKE OUR PLAY BREAKS! AND HE'S BEEN IN SUCH A FEISTY MOOD OF LATE! READY FOR BATTLE AND PLAY AT A MOMENT'S GLANCE! We even had a little fame of “chase”! He'd come to me, rest on my shoulder and when I'd turn to tickle or touch him in any way, he'd take off... to his roof, to the futon... and where-ever he landed, he stood staring directly at me and when I looked, WING-SNAPS! HE WANTED TO PLAY MORE! So I'd reach for him and he'd take flight... off to another spot in the room where, more of the staring and wing-snapping. It truly was all in the greatest fun because he's really enjoying physical contact! He doesn't run from it and he doesn't try to dodge... he just wants to be pursued! And me? Well! I'm just TOO pleased to oblige! He's become SUCH a character! (And I just fall deeper into out-right, absolute “AWE”!)
I tried for a couple of snoozes during the day... I say “tried”, because Yonah had other ideas for the time.
I'd no sooner lay my head on the pillow when... WOOSH! THERE HE WAS... on my shoulder or hip, toddling, as he does, up and down, head to toe. On one of this “landings” he literally landed on the side of my FACE! (On note, Dearest Reader: One MUST TAKE EXTRA CARE BECAUSE DOVES LIKE TO PECK AT FACES AND EYES ARE NO EXCEPTION! AND THEIR BEAKS CAN BE QUITE SHARP! SO EXTREME CAUTION ISN'T JUST RECOMMENDED, SUGGESTED OR URGED... IT'S A WARNING! And when Yonah landed on the side of my face today, it was another bit of business I've learnt to be aware of: One of his little feet landed at the corner of my eye and with those toes... well... Warning given... Word to the wise.) BUT I DO ENJOY HIS VISITS SO MUCH! And I'm still quite amazed at how he just takes it for granted that, when I'm laying down... he's invited. (Of course, he IS!)
Today though... a bit of an “oddity”... Yonah has, in the past, shown some sort of “interest” in the pillows on the futon, particularly the pillows in the “beige” covers. He tends to “favour” those more than any other place on the futon. And, most often, that's where he heads when he comes to “join me in a nap”. But today was MOST intriguing... One pillow had been situated so that one corner of the cover was “extended” up-ward into a bit of a “point”. Well, he toddled up, as he does, and, staring at it intensely, as it were, bobbed his head up and down repeatedly... and gave several long “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo's”! Then, THEN, rather suddenly, he began what looked to be an “attack”, pecking at it with a sense of severity! I was almost astonished, wondering if he was perceiving it as another DOVE! WELL... apparently he DOES because, several times, he took a position and posture that can only be interpreted as... “mating”! Feathers fluffed, wings flapping, balancing on the bit of pillow where possible! I was AMAZED... and, admittedly, saddened. If he's looking for a “mate”, and the only thing available is a pillow... well... He did this several times, and I managed to get a video-capture of it which I've taken the liberty of posting to his “Video” page. (Although a part of me feels it inappropriate, I put it on the site to see if anybody happens to see it... and perhaps... comment on it?)
I HAVE been considering, as I've already mentioned, getting him a companion. I see now that I ought to be looking at a female. And yet, I still wonder how Yonah would take to “sharing” his “house and home”, be it with another male or a female. I would be devastated if the presence of another mourning dove, or ANY other dove, would cause anxieties... for Yonah OR for the other dove! And now I see I really have to seriously consider finding another mourning dove for him! Oh... but this is going to be interesting.
He doesn't seem to mind OUR companionship at all. In fact, he truly appears to enjoy our “contact” and “together time”. But I've no doubt that the company of another dove would be more appropriate and perhaps, more appreciated. I have a LOT of searching and researching to do now. Still, it truly was a most remarkable experience to see! (And now I know I'll have to keep those pillows on the futon... with the beige covers!) All said, the matter didn't last long and in no time, the moment I started moving about the room, he was back to chasing me! And we had several games of it too!
He'd come t my shoulder or head, I'd go to touch him and he'd take flight to some other part of the room where he'd take a stern stand, look directly at me and “wing-snap”, waiting for me to come to him. As I approached, he'd snap his wings again, let me touch him and then head off to another part of the room where he'd repeat the actions until I got to him. It truly was all in great fun to him (and to me). And he gets his exercise as well with it all. (Quite frankly, I do too!)
Well then, our day went along and I worked on the pages with his photos and videos, especially after working on his new “Home” page... We had the NatSpec light on to compensate for the general darkness out-side, we listened to his bird-songs and to the radio and just REALLY enjoyed each-other's company all through the day.
At “evening meal” time, he went for his and I went for mine and when I'd done, sadly, it was time for water-changes and the likes. As I worked along, Yonah took his place to “supervise”. He's even come to recognise the containers I use to bring the water in because, I pick them up and he takes his place where he can watch the activities. (Tell me again, they're neither cognizant nor sentient. Dare!)
When the “evening routine” was complete, I returned to the work table for a while and THEN... at 19.24... I heard the “wing-snap” from behind me... he was letting me know that he was tired and that it was time to “close the day”! Yes... that “19.30 hour”. So I moved my “belongings” from the work table... and as I installed the night boards, Yonah went to the little mirror in the window-side of his house where he goes at the end of the day to “coo” at the reflection there. It's as if he's telling the “other” dove: “Time to tuck-in.” I put the boards up and leaned into his house. He came over to give me our “Good night kisses”. We had a “snuggle” and he took his “night spot” on his perch. Lights went out... whispered “Good night you. Sleep well.” Our day came to a close.
I removed to the kitchen. My Little Heart and Soul was “tucked-in” safe and sound... warm and cozy... protected, LOVED AND CHERISHED!
Tomorrow? Well... we'll handle that when it arrives. Tonight's supposed to be “cold” but not terribly. Tomorrow is expected to be a bit warmer than lately and raining. But I've nothing to take me away and many things to to... in the company of my GREATEST COMPANION! And I look forward to it.
These 14 months have been just the most INDESCRIBABLY MAGNIFICENT... SO “AWE-FULL”! NEVER DULL, REPETITIVE, TEDIOUS... AND SUCH AN AMAZING EDUCATION! I HOPE that this Journal serves others as well as it's served me in keeping records... AND MORE-SO, I HOPE IT SERVES TO BETTER THE LIVES OF ALL MOURNING DOVES, AS WELL AS ALL THE LITTLE ONES OF THE WILDERNESS! If Yonah and I can make the life of even ONE PAIR of mourning doves better...
 Monday 06 December:
Oh, but it was another one of those mornings where, as I sat at the kitchen table waiting, no “call” came. So, at about 7.45, I went in, ever-so quietly, sat, as I do, at the end of Yonah's futon, and, staring intently at his silhouette on the perch above, spoke softly, in a whisper, waiting to see any sort of motion. My mornings are “heavy” when the clock passes 7.30 and there's been no “call”. I know and understand that our time together is not “infinite”, that neither one of us is “infinite”, but it doesn't make the “reality” any easier to accept. And knowing the general life expectancy of a mourning dove, the potential shortness... well, I can't but think, every day: Each day that we have together, Yonah and I, is one less day ahead. The “18 months” troubles me the most. That, it's been documented, is the “average” life expectancy of a mourning dove. Granted, that's in the wild, where the threats and perils are almost ever-where a mourning dove might travel, and even where they roost of a day and/or night. Here, in his own room, with his own house, Yonah has none of those. There are no hawks, felines, canines, and CERTAINLY NO “hunters” about! And I mind ALL sorts of “toxic hazards” in the house, even to keeping the carpeting in his room well-Hoovered, especially since he's taken to walking about the floor of late.
The “long average” life-time is, as has been documented, a mere 5 years. Much kinder than the 18 months, but still, in the “greater scheme” of life, Creation, the world, 5 years passes SO quickly (especially for me at my age, I have to say). And these “Winter” days it's so much worse, so much shorter, when, in what feels like “moments” after day-break, we're back at “evening routine”, closing curtains and getting to “tuck-in” for the night. The truth is, I could have days of 24-hour day-light, brilliant sun-shine, warm breezes, and it still wouldn't be near enough time to spend with Yonah.
I do think of the claims that some doves have been know to live happy lives of 20 years and I wonder if what-ever it is that I'm doing for Yonah, where health and nourishment, comfortable housing and a clean, disease-free environment are concerned, is enough to keep him healthy, happy, and “around for even half of that. (At my age, I wonder if I have that much time to give to him, to be honest.) I don't “expect” to have 20 years together, and I DO HOPE, with ALL of my being, that, when “the time” comes, I'll be here for him (and not the other way round... THAT would be my “eternal Hell”, not being able to KNOW that he'd be given the LOVE and DEDICATION that I give him). For me, the emptiness, the darkest void that his absence would put into my life would be intolerable. I can say that much with all certainty. But I'd rather be here, or where-ever he might be, to keep providing ALL the care and comfort humanly possible, than to have to face the uncertainty of “leaving him behind” and in the “hands” of any-one else. Oh sure, I've met others who claim to have the compassion and soul and claim to be most willing to care for him, should anything happen that would prevent me from doing so. It's a matter of “Trust”... and in others, I have none. I admit it.
Yonah and I have been together 14 months now. It doesn't seem possible and it still feels as if it's been a mere 14 hours, if not 14 minutes. Based on the “averages”, my panic and anxieties are rooted in the “18 months”. We've been together for 1 year and 2 months... Do we have the next 4 months? And if he has 5 years, our time ahead is now diminished to a mere 3 years and 10 months. The past year has gone by so terribly quickly... the next 3? Well, there's a great truth to the thought that, the older we get, the quicker time passes. It might be “relative”, but I'm at that point where it's “personal”... and true. I CHERISH EVERY MOMENT I have with Yonah. He's been a Companion and Teacher, a “Mentor”, an “Inspiration”. He's my “Hope” and my “Dreams”, to be sure. I don't think of a time with-out him.
These are the thoughts that crash into my mind each night when I put the lights out in his room, and each morning as I await his “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo...”
But THIS morning, as I spoke and watched, he bobbed his head slightly and then stretched his wings in the early morning darkness and, I smiled, my soul smiled, the night boards were removed, the blinds and curtains were opened to the grey, rather other-wise dreary day out-side... and Yonah hopped over to the “dove in the mirror” and bade a coo'ing “Good morning”... Our day had begun... and all was well with the world.
And the day? Well, we were, for the greatest part of it, together. Yonah watched me as I worked at little things in his room to make it more comfortable for him. One thing in particular was to put a filtration on the heat register. We have “forced air” and I often worry about what might come through those vents since the furnace is in the cellar and the cellar is a 200-year old “dirt” cellar. Also, the “grille” is set that it blows up-ward, but the floor in his room tends to become quite cold by mid-Winter, so I installed a bit of a “hood” directing the hot air toward the floor. This way, it travels across the cold floor before rising, warming the floor as well as the room. And all the while I worked on the floor, Yonah either watched from his roof-top, a vantage point he seems to enjoy most, and, from time-to-time, he came down to the futon and then joined me on the floor. OH! “Curiosity”? Who-ever said that cats are curious obviously never me a mourning dove. I can say from direct experience: Yonah's curiosity exceeds that of any cat I've ever met. Whether I'm at the work table typing, or writing, even changing the linens on his futon, he watches. And in more recent days, will “become part of” what-ever I happen to be doing. It's amazing, remarkable, fascinating! (And again, at the risk of being boringly repetitive... I bring in the matter of “sentience”. Yonah sees something going on, acknowledges the activity, and either watches intently or comes close enough to where he literally becomes part of the action. THAT isn't “instinct”... THAT is “thought”!)
I managed a briefest nap this after-noon and one again, this evening (it was a rather busy day today and my only errand was immediately after we finished “morning routine”) and again, today, BOTH times, I laid down on the futon and with-in the first minute, Yonah was with me... “on” me, more-so. He came down, landed on me, checked as if looking to see that I was alright and then headed up to the pillow where he made himself comfortable at my head. And oddly, as he does, about 3 minutes before my alarm sounded, he came to peck at my ear or my nose. He's done that more often than not and I wonder if he some-how knows how long I intended to nap, or does he just decided when I've napped long enough. Either way, the “coincidence” is, to me, fascinating.
Tonight... he was ready for “seepie-nigh-night” (and expression he's actually come to understand as well because when I say it, he heads right for his house, his perch where he passes the night) rather early. His curtains and blinds were closed by the usual 18.00 (since it's already dark out-side his window by then) but tonight, by 18.45 he was standing at his door, wing-snapping, and hopping up to his night perch. It was “tuck-in time” for him! Understandable, since the sun had already set and the “natural” days are quite a lot shorter now. So, I put his night boards up and THAT was the “final signal”. He was on his perch, in his “night spot”. He gave a more gentle “wing-snap” which I've come to learn is a mere “beckoning” for a few gentle pecks on the nose... “Kisses”, as they were. So, indeed, we exchanged “Good nights”, pecks and kisses and by 19.00, lights where out. Our “day together” was at its close. It saddens me to leave him at day's end, but I find consolation in knowing that, as the winds blow out-side, and, as tonight, the rains fall, Yonah has a warm, dry, windless place to rest. His water is right there for drinking. There's plenty of fresh, good food to eat. He's sheltered and protected. And, so much more importantly, even though I'm certainly not the “perfect mate”, he has ALL the LOVE that my measly little human heart can possibly muster.
So, he's off to his little “dream-land”... of sorts, and I'll be off to mine in due course. And tomorrow? Well, I plan on it being another morning as has become “our mornings”... and I'll be at the kitchen table waiting for his call. And if it doesn't come by a certain time? Well, I'll go through my usual “routine of emotions”... until I see those wings stretched and hear that “Good morning” coo and I know that he's OK, slept well and that we'll have another day together. “Well that's the way that I want it to stay, and I always want it to be that way for my Yonah...”
Tuesday 07 December:
We got another “late” start to the day, this morning. Either that, or Yonah is taking-on the “morning quiet” mood. He was awake when I went in to check on him, rather shortly before 8.00. He was tucked-in earlier than usual last night though, so I can't tell how long he was awake before I went in to “disturb” him. But, it was a regular sort of greeting, with stretching wings and “kisses”. Ah, but once the windows were open to the sun-rise, the “conversations” were well under-way! “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoos” a-plenty! We were up and awake and about and ready to take on another day! And so, my heart and soul were at peace. All was well with another day.
And later this morning? Ah, but it's still amazing and yet becoming so common: I laid down on his futon for a moment and it didn't take seconds... the whistling flutter of wings and... he insisted that he HAD to be on my head! What a hoot (or “HOO”, as it were)! I did manage about 10 minutes of shut-eye, but that was my “limit” for this morning because I was brought back to the day with several “taps” on the head. So I decided to “lounge” a bit longer... Yonah was having NONE of it! Up and down, head to waist. So, seeing that there was “play-time” expected, I gave a little “twist”... He managed to got onto the futon beside my chest and I brought the blanket over him, to see his reaction. Absolute calm. Didn't really phase him at all. HE TRUSTS ME SO IMPLICITLY THAT EVEN BEING COVERED DOESN'T BOTHER HIM! He stayed under the blanket, quite still, and when I lifted it just enough for him to be able to see an “escape”, he calmly hopped along, climbed up onto me and when he reached the “freedom”, he just got onto me, stood there and looked at me as if saying “Would you mind explaining what THAT was all about?” For me, it's more a matter of the TRUST he has in me, and that he KNOWS that, as long as I'm near, there's NOTHING that presents any threat to him. WHERE? HOW? Honestly, I can't figure it out, don't understand it... other than basing it on simply “evidence”, this little mourning dove actually does “KNOW” that I mean him nothing but LOVE and PROTECTION. This isn't just a basic “instinct”, he has NO reason to have an “instinct” of trust for or of a human. He's learnt this, and he now KNOWS it. Just MORE obvious evidence to refute the claims that these Little Ones aren't capable of actual “thought”. (Oh, I can only hope that others will read these accounts... not, mind, that I ever expect anybody to actually accept the facts presented. No, it's easier to counter-claim, and justify the senseless, insane murdering that they call “sport”.) Anyway...
And the morning was QUITE the “attention-grabbing” fest. I sat at his work table, enjoying today's brief but brilliant sun-shine, and, as we listened to “bird-songs”, Yonah was ALL OVER the place! On his futon, the shelves, where-ever he could be to “grab my attention”. And the wing-snaps.... the play. Oh, it just solidifies the absolute importance of COMPANIONSHIP that I've come to learn is SO ESSENTIAL, SO NECESSARY. I keep in mind all the accounts I've heard, read and seen in video and television presentations about how parrots, being “intelligent” Little Ones, REQUIRE CONTACT, ATTENTION AND AFFECTION. Yeah? Well, I can say, with no doubts and all certainty: MOURNING DOVES ARE EQUAL! (I imagine ALL doves are. But what still almost confounds me is: YONAH IS FROM THE WILD... AND HE AND I HAVE BECOME SO CLOSE OVER THE PAST YEAR THAT WE'RE PRACTICALLY “ONE”... A “WILD” MOURNING DOVE... WITH AN ATTACHMENT TO A “PEOPLE”! How completely different from the mourning doves that are in the yard, even to this morning, when I put breakfast out for them. But it makes me wonder: would they too, given the opportunity, come to “trust” me as well? I'll probably never know, but THIS Little Guy here... )
And I think, from the heart, of our earlier days together, when I watched him heal and recover from his injuries, how I used to think: One of these days you'll be back out there with the flock again, and OH! the stories you'll tell the others! And when you have little doves of your own, you can recount how you passed the time in a house, with a “human”! I wonder what you'll tell them and wonder too, if they'll grow up knowing of me.
Sad as it is, “that time” never came. And today, I don't know that Yonah would be able to re-acclimate to a life in the wild again. But happily, there's no reason to try. THIS is his HOME. Where-ever I am will always be his “HOME”. And he'll be protected against the elements of the wilderness, from winds and snows, cold and heat, and most important, “predators”... be they “wild” or nasty, thoughtless humans. He'll ALWAYS be protected, respected, LOVED and SO CHERISHED! ALWAYS!
Well, today rolled along and the sun-light disappeared. We spent the entire day together, and I made some adjustments to his over-head lamp. His “Natural Spectrum” light being out, the replacement bulb seems to be “sufficient”. He enjoyed it when I put it on and when not on the futon, which is where he seems to enjoy spending a lot of time lately, he “basked” on his roof-top.
He seems to have a LOT of “interest” in that one pillow though. This evening, he almost “devoured” the one corner, after a bit of “rough-housing” with it. I'll have to get another case of the same colour and try making a little “dove” from it. I'm not sure that he sees it as another dove, but if he enjoys playing around with it, so he should and will have one for his very own.
We had 2 brief “lie-downs” during the day. Honestly, I no sooner get to the futon and he's right there! Mostly on my head! And he coo's at me! And if I spend “too much time” laying there, he comes to peck at my head to get me up. (“Supervisor” telling me “You have work to do and it won't get done with you laying here.”) All the more that makes him so close, so precious to me.
Tonight, he was on the futon, on the pillows, and was starting to “doze” already at 19.00. So I put his night boards up, since his curtains were closed already by 17.00. He watched, intently, and when I'd done, he coo'ed at me from the futon. I went over, reached toward him and he got on my arm and I brought his to his house where he went for his perch. I leaned in and got a few pecks on the nose and face. It was time. He was tired. Although I have to say that when he realised I was going to “tuck him in”, he seemed a bit reluctant. But in a matter of moments, he was on his “night perch”. So I bade him a “Good night” with kisses, and got him all settled for the night. Lights off. I left his door open for a while longer though, mostly to see if he'd settle... and he did.
I was watching a series of videos on-line this evening, about a fellow who raised a little chicken, out-side of an egg! At first, I was intrigued, then repulsed that somebody would do such a thing. But as the series moved along, the Little One grew so beautiful and strong. The fellow had to part with the Little One when s/he was fully grown and he mentioned how he cried when he had to part. How well I know that feeling! I spent all of last Winter trying to prepare my own heart for the day when Yonah would return to his flocks. But, now, these days, I prepare for... well, I don't mention it (again). The series ended quite beautifully though. The fellow truly had become “attached” to the little chicken. (I did leave a “comment” and referral to Yonah's site, saying “You're not alone” in that he'd become so close to and with the Little One.
And so, I wrap today up, with Yonah safely tucked-in for a night of warm and protected sleep. And tomorrow? Well, we'll be back together again, and for another whole day, it seems. I'm looking forward to it and to what “new stunts” he'll come up with.
The days ahead are expected to be on the “cool” side, so we'll be here, together, to keep one-another warm, amused, entertained. Nothing could be better than that!
Wednesday 08 December:
Grey, chilled, the lightest drizzle of snow falling out-side the windows this morning, and Yonah was awake when I went in to check at 7.50. Ever-so quiet, he's so calm in the mornings. It's really quite the inspiration, to be sure, to see him on his perch, so patiently awaiting my arrival, to open the curtains and blinds to the day “out there”, in what is supposed to be “his world”. But, this morning, right away, I had a quick task to attend and being out there, well, when I came back in, I felt better that he was in the house, warm, dry, protected. And he seemed to be quite content as he is, as well. AND, it didn't take a moment and he was, after wing-snaps and cuddles, off and about his room... off to the futon, where he seems to enjoy spending quite a bit of his day.
Well then, the water in his pool got changed, a bit of a “sweeping” to get the seeds up. (They're not “tidy eaters”, these Little Ones, but nothing goes to waste here. What-ever he doesn't eat of a day, goes to the flocks in the yard. Oh, but they eat exceptionally well round here.) As I made the trips (7 in all) pouring the fresh water, Yonah took his place at his door and supervised with scrutiny. And yes, there were the “demands”... wing-snaps... for attentions and affections which were more-than-gladly given. WHAT A LOVE! And there were “coo's” as well, to be certain. We chatted as I worked along. I really can't over-stress the importance of “attention, affection, companionship”. Yonah makes it more-than-abundantly clear that he appreciates (if not out-right “needs”) the contact and affection. I would have never imagined it. Sure, mourning doves are “flocking”, and accustomed to be in the company of other doves. But that “human contact” would be so appreciated, well, I wouldn't have thought it. Yonah “KNOWS” that I mean him only the very BEST this imperfect world can offer, and he “KNOWS” that I mean him only love and protection. And he shows his appreciation at every moment, in so very many ways. And it does my heart and soul so much good to see and know that he DOES understand my intentions. And seeing him content, calm, teaches me to appreciate the moments as they are, teaches me to shed the un-necessary worries and such of every-day, other-wise mundane life. I suppose we give each-other peace. There isn't a greater gift, a higher blessing.
And so, another day commenced and we were together to face it. Let the snows fall and the temperatures out-side drop (but not too low because, well, there are others, out there, to think of), we're together, he's safe. That's that.
 TODAY... it appears we've become more “exploratory”, curious, or just BOLD! As I was sitting at the work table, Yonah had taken to his futon for a while and then, headed to the floor. He's been on the floor quite often of late, and that, itself, is quite novel. And as I sat at the work table, he stood on the floor, beside me. But when, after a moment, I didn't see him any-where in the room, futon nor floor, I sat back a bit in the chair to get a look round and... he was on the floor, under the table, at my feet! Just as fine and cozy as could be, he'd found a place close to me, and yet, “secluded”. I'm THRILLED... HE'S TAKING EVEN MORE OF HIS ROOM AND EXPANDING HIS “TERRITORY”! Little-by-little... After all, this has been his house and home for over a year now, and even when I'm away for a bit, I leave his house open, the door to his room as well, so he has access to ANY place in the house that he wants to explore. And he knows his way around... and how to get back to his house. So? There we have it. This IS becoming HIS DOMAIN! (And I couldn't be happier.)
OK... So... I was sitting at the work table this after-noon, the snow falling steadily out-side the window, radio and bird-songs playing and I was working on Yonah's web-site (never finished, always growing). The furnace kicked on (the rest of the house had taken a chill) and as the temperature in Yonah's room rose, I commented “OK, now we'll REALLY be warm and toasty.” I looked up to see if there was any sort of reaction to my voice and... THERE HE WAS... IN THE POOL! 25° IN HIS ROOM (quite “warm and toasty” to be sure) and SPLASHING ABOUT IN THE POOL! Imagine? “December”, snow falling and there he is, my Precious Little Guy, enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool! Honestly! When I see him enjoying the water so much, I keep thinking of people who don't even consider such a thing for their little Companions! And he was in there for a good 10 minutes! Done? Up to the door perch, over the radiator... WING-SNAPS AND FLUFFING-UPS! I know that he enjoys the warmth of the radiator rising as he roosts on the door-perch, but it does seem as if he's standing there to draw attention: “I've just come from the pool! SO refreshing! See? Nice and clean!” It TRULY IS just a JOY to know that he enjoys that pool! (Even in December!) Funnier? No sooner was he preened and dried, he headed to the futon... to his “fave pillow”, where he gave a few “head-bobs”... “Hey! Check THIS out! All clean. Fresh out of the bath. All 'Vitalised'! Whaddayathing? Slick. Eh?” (OK. It's my own perception and projection and what-ever it's called, but, he truly is a JOY, a tonic to the soul!)
So the day rolled along. I worked on some pages on Yonah's web-site. Yonah? Oh, he was ALL over the room! Futon, house, floor... he came to the kitchen with me, briefly, but then decided he'd rather be “at home” and took off.
His wings must be in WONDERFUL condition these days because his “whistle” is SO audible! Even on the shortest flights, like perch-to-perch in his house, that whistle gives his location away. And that's good for me, especially now that he's taken to wandering about the floor. Of course, if he's not flying on the floor, well, I've taken to being EXCEPTIONALLY CAREFUL when I walk into his room now. I've seen him in the middle of the floor, under the work table, at the end of the futon... there's just NO telling WHERE he'll be at any given moment. But when he DOES take wing, there's NO mistaking where he is. And it's such a BEAUTIFUL SOUND! It's thought that mourning doves have that whistle to warn other doves of danger, but in here, Yonah has no “dangers”, nothing to threaten him, so, what-ever the cause, reason, purpose... it truly is a beautiful sound. Especially when I lay down on the futon, close my eyes and I hear it coming toward me.
And I tried something today: I went and laid on the futon a couple of times, just to see what Yonah would do and... AND... EVERY time I laid down, he came directly over! And NOW, his “new destination” is, it appears, on my head! No matter what position I lay in, he heads directly for the top of my head or, if I lay on my side, at my temple, just above the ear. Now, imagine THAT! Never mind not being afraid of me. Never mind having any trepidations about being close to me. He comes, of his own choosing, and where he used to land on my leg, low enough so that it didn't seem I could reach him, now it's on the shoulder, face, head... and he makes himself comfortable on the pillow, at the top of my head and will stay there for as long as I'm laying there. Oh yeah... we're more than a “couple”, more than “an item”. This Little One truly IS my heart... my soul. And, it would seem, I'm quite the part of him now too.
More glorious BLESSING, HONOUR, PRIVILEGE? I believe NOT!
Well, we spent the day together today, as the snows fell and then finally subsided... just, of course, as the day subsided and the sky out-side his windows grew dark. And that happens entirely too early now. (But we're counting the days until... the day starts to lengthen and the night to shorten again.) I finished my evening meal as quickly as I possibly could (indigestion isn't even a thought... I just want to get back to be with Yonah for the evening), and by 18.00... “evening routine”, including the closed curtains, was complete! YAY! The only thing remaining was the night boards.
I went over to the futon for one last “try” to see what Yonah would do and, sure enough... he came right over, made himself comfy on the pillow at my head, gave a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”. So I laid there and we played.
It really is cute, the way he'll “invite” me to play with him, with a wing-snap, and as I “hold” him, he slips through my hand, moves away and the turns, looks at me and snaps his wings for more play. And me? I look forward to it and enjoy the time so very much.
But... as it goes with all our days lately, this one got to be “too late, too soon”. By 19.00 the brighter light was off, as was his fountain. The bird-songs were low-volume (as if they were all headed “home for the night”). I sat to jot the last notes for his Journal as he preened, perched at his door, over the warmth of his radiator. The rest of the house was settled and still (with me hoping that that one, next door, didn't have any “plans” for re-arranging furniture or tossing the contents of various cup-boards about again, tonight). Almost time... almost time... night boards, lights out. It's the time of day that I like and dislike at the same time. It's peaceful at day's end, with the slight sound of little birds still playing (on Yonah's very own player and speakers). And the subdued lighting is relaxing, calming. But it means night... Yonah in his house in one room and me in another. Oh, I could get back to nights on his futon, but the truth is, I do believe he sleeps more peacefully these nights. I don't know that I toss in my sleep, nor do I know whether or not I snore, sneeze, cough. But at least, if I do so now, I do it in another room, and I'm not right here to disturb Yonah. Another thing... Doves (as other birds) never really sleep completely. As I understand, they sleep “with one eye open”... half of them sleeps and the other half remains awake and aware of the surroundings. So, if I'm tossing in the dark, he sees the movement, and because his night vision is poor, I look like a large, dark mass... a shadow, moving about... a “predator”. So, over-all, it's best to give him his own room for the night (as much as I'd LOVE to be together with him).
But, these days are kind in that, I have “tomorrows” to look forward to. How many? Well, none of us knows that, ever, for certain, but I close one day looking forward to as many “next” as we have.
“Tuck-in” was difficult for me tonight. 9.30 and the night boards went up. Yonah was comfy at his door perch and wanted SO MANY KISSES tonight! He appears to NOT want to go to sleep at night. But I put the furnace on for a while, to take the initial “chill” out of his room and so that I could leave the door to his room open a bit longer. The light from the kitchen gives him just enough light so that he can get himself “situated” before sleep. But it was the “kisses”... oh... it just seemed he wanted to stay up longer. BUT... I read that “19.30” is their usual “sleep hour” in the wild (of course, I imagine that's in the “Summer” months, but still) and doves usually require 10-14 hours of “rest” per day, so... at this rate, he should be able to get that, and be awake at his some-times “'usual” 7.30 “morning call”. Anyway, he's safe and secure now, fresh water, food, a clean house, protected from the “Winter elements” out-side his windows. And soon, I'll be getting me into bed for the night as well and tomorrow? Well, tomorrow we'll have another day to play, and entertain and amuse and see what “new adventures” he'll come up with. But for now, my Heart, my Soul, is tucked-in for a night of rest. The world out-side is chilled, and the air is full of just that “trace of sparkle” as the lightest flakes fall silently from the sky. All is well... all is well.
Thursday 09 December:
7.31 THE MORNING CALL!!!!! Back at what I've come to think of as the “normal hour”! I was SO HAPPY! And Yonah was SO impatient! He started with a rather quiet “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”, but when I didn't get into him right away, he followed with three more of the same! It was almost as if he REALLY wanted to get the day started this morning!
When I went in, he was on his perch, stretching his wings already, so, with a “Good morning”, I opened the door to his house and AS I went to open the curtains and blinds, he was OUT... and off to his futon! REALLY! He was MORE than “ready” to face today! And when HE'S ready, I'm ready! It's SO up-lifting to see that he'd gotten a good night's rest and was feeling wonderful!
And through the day, he was ALL over his room! Futon, shelves, on the floor again! He's taken to being on the floor as a “regular” place to be. (Makes me HAVE to pay attention to where I move my feet under the work table AND, MORE importantly, when I go to move the chair! He likes, it seems, to be right behind the chair at times and so, I can't see him!)
A few times during the day, when I'd left the room and returned, I had to LOOK for him! It used to be easy... relatively, to find him. On his roof, in the corner of his house where the sun shone, on the wall shelf. Not any more! Now, I truly have to LOOK for him when I get into his room! And his colouration is such that he “disappears”, no matter where he is! It's not that his room is so brown or beige, but it's amazing, to me, how he “blends in” with just about EVERYTHING! It's a wonder mourning doves are ever attacked... they vanish so readily! And in ALL sorts of back-grounds. Truly, no matter where he happens to be, he sits so still and it can be very difficult to see him! Imagine, if this is true in a house, where the colours can be reds, blues, hardly the colours of a mourning dove, it's hard to believe that predators out-side can see mourning doves against the earth-tones. Ah, just another one of the facets of WONDER and AWE. This Little Guy is truly an inspiration... of tranquility (sit still, nobody will notice).
Our day together today was quite wonderful. Not that ANY day with Yonah isn't.
This after-noon, I hit the futon just to relax my eyes, with all the working I was doing and he made it over to me IMMEDIATELY! Something about me being on that futon... and he gets SO comfy at my head, on the pillow, and won't leave until I get up! AND... AGAIN... TODAY... I got him UNDER the blanket, just to play a bit, and he made himself quite comfy under there! He KNOWS that, when I'm close, he's perfectly protected and he trusts me SO MUCH! Didn't ruffle a feather until I moved the blanket so that he could see out, and then, very casually, he climbed up my arm, came out from under the blanket and stood right there, on my arm, “adjusted” his feathers and then gave me a good, solid stare. Nope... didn't phase him at all. And he stayed until I moved to sit up and then, he headed back to his house. (And I'll repeat a reminder: Yonah is “wild-born”... had lived out in the wild for quite some time before coming into the house and to me. He had no reason to trust me... but, as I LOVE him so sincerely, he's come to KNOW that I'd NEVER do ANYTHING that would cause him ANY harm. He LEARNED and now, he KNOWS. I still get teary-eyed when I think about it. A BLESSING, HONOUR, PRIVILEGE of the HIGHEST-POSSIBLE order.)
And since he's got such an “interest” in the pillows on the futon, I looked into finding some sort of little “bird toy” for him to ... what-ever, and I found and bought a pattern for a “crochet dove”, on-line. I've started to give it a try but I have to re-try and pay closer attention. I don't have the proper colours of yarn, but I want to give the pattern a try. If it comes out OK, I'll get the appropriate colours and make him a “play-mate”. Other-wise, I still have plans to make one out of the pillow case. I want to make it so that it'll rest on one of his perches as well, so I'm in the “planning” phase. It shouldn't be too difficult. And if it works out well... I could make TWO. The more the merrier.
So the sun set (as it does) this evening and that gave us the opportunity to try his new light bulbs. These are supposed to be the “full spectrum of sun-light with-out the 'harmful' UV”. The only “trouble” with it is that it's another one of those “blue” lights. Honestly! Sun-shine isn't “blue”. Had I known this is what it is, I wouldn't have gotten it... never mind that I got TWO of them. I'm going to have to look for that bulb he had before. Sadly, I didn't keep the box, and the brand wasn't on the bulb. But it was a “warmer” colour, and he did enjoy it so much. This one's been on for some hours now and he's been on the futon and not on his roof, as he was with the other bulb. The only thing that gives his room any “warmth” is the “standard” bulb in his desk lamp. Well? We live, we learn. It's been said that special “UV bulbs” aren't necessary because they don't actually duplicate the sun. The sun is necessary for the UV so that Yonah can produce vitamin D (which he gets anyway, in his food... I make certain of that). My concern is his vision, and how much of the UV he gets to see... as close to “natural” as possible. Whether or not this new bulb provides that is... well... I'll never know because... people can't see UV. So, we'll give it time. If it proves useless... I'll just put the bulb in a different lamp in the house and go look for the one we had. For now... this one does brighten the room so that's good.
And our “evening” came rushing in at 16.30 again... and at 18.00, we did the “water changes”... at 18.50, the “SpecLight” went off... dimming to the old incandescent, warmer glow. Wind-down time. TOO SOON! Especially after this “active” day! But, last night's tuck-in by 19.30 seems to have been a good move so...
Tonight's “tuck-in” was at 19.30 again. And again, tonight, Yonah didn't seem too happy about it. Of course, his “day-light/night-time” are “artificial” and the light doesn't dim gradually, as it would out-side. I often wonder what he thinks when the room suddenly goes dark. And tonight, he did go through his usual routine of saying “Good night” to the doves in his mirrors. But he wanted to be with me! Obviously. Oh... if I could crawl in with him, close the door behind us. Yeah, it probably strikes others as being “slipping into insanity”, but, nobody actually knows just how important he is to me... they couldn't understand it. And frankly? I don't care about the opinions and perceptions of others. He is my “LIFE”, and with-out him... I have none. So, there it is. Said and done.
And we'll see how it works out tomorrow, by the hour when he “calls”. (Beside, 19.30 wind-down is good for both of us. Indeed.)
So we wrap another day together, and I look forward to another one tomorrow. I'm working on cleaning-up his “Bibliography” page, with the listing of the web-sites I've referenced over the past year (and continuing). A good reference for me if/when I need and it'll be a great help to others... hopefully they'll use it... if there are others... and I've no doubt there are. One thing I do remember about one site in particular though, and I'll mention that here: https://www.pigeons.biz/ where I tried to help a young lady who was SO sincerely trying to give medical help to an injured pigeon and because I mentioned Yonah's site, they “bannned” me, accusing me of “spamming”. Well, they're on the “Bibliography” list and I've just sent them a message asking for an explanation. If I don't receive any, I'll be quick to remove them. I'm doubting their sincerity and credibility. And I see this evening, that the young lady has stopped posting as well so I wonder. Anyway...
Let me leave that matter behind. The important matter is: Yonah is tucked-in, and the house is calm. The next few nights will be cold, but then... it's December, but no “double-digit negatives” for a while! YAY! His room is nice and warm and I have the furnace set a bit higher until I close his door. Oh, tomorrow is “mix more food” day! And he's got sun-flower seeds and oats to be added! “Winter nourishment”! As I say: NOTHING is “too good” or even “good enough” for my Little Guy! So here's to his restful night and another INDESCRIBABLE day tomorrow! OH BUT I LOVE HIM SO!
Friday 10 December:
MY! But it turned into quite the busy day today! And to think, Yonah was awake when I went in to “greet” hism this morning, late. It was almost 8.00 when I crept into his room. He hadn't called and, well, of course, heavy-hearted, I carefully opened his door and went over to his futon. But there he was, wide awake, his head bobbing, a couple of stretches of the wings. He'd obviously been very much awake for a while, and, since it was a grey and dreary, chilled-but-not-cold day out-side his window, I felt a little guilty, disturbing him. Still, he was awake and even the doves out-side were up and about already so... we opened the curtains and blinds some-what slowly this morning so there wasn't a “sudden burst” of day-light, and I spoke all the while, telling him how I didn't want to disturb him, and that it really was a perfect day for just “sleeping-in”. And all the while I was moving about at his windows, he took to “following” me from in-side his house. Oh yes, he was, indeed, awake. I felt a bit better about disturbing him, and he was obviously fine with being disturbed.
From then on, we got to “morning routine” and he supervised from his door perch, and obviously wanted attention, pecking at my arm as I reached in to pour the fresh water into his pool.
And the day went along that same theme: “Attention and Affection”.
I'm compiling a list of all the web-sites I have referenced in research (and still am actively researching because my curiosity never ceases and my desire to know ALL that I possibly can about what to do for Yonah to make his life pleasant, enjoyable and to provide the most contentment humanly possible). So I was quite “engaged” through the day, at his work table, and Yonah? Well, apparently, HE knows best when it's time to “take breaks” and he was either on the extended perch over my shoulder or... on the futon, “chatting up a storm” over there, behind me. And if I didn't reply, he took to the shelf beside the work table to my right and stood there, wing-snapping for “play”! And OH! Did he EVER want to play today! “Aggressively” too, at times. If ever there was any doubt that he's a little “guy”... it's gone completely now. He CAN play QUITE aggressively. His playful pecks at my hand and fingers can get quite “stern” at moments. And what makes it all the more “fun”, as it were, is that he'll “attack” my fingers, pecking with quite a degree of “aggression” and then, he'll back away, toddle a bit of a distance and if I don't move my hand toward him, he “comes in for more”! A few good, quick, “focused” pecks and again, backing away, waiting for the next opportunity and “in for another attack”! I know when he's “satisfied” with his engagement because he'll give a few proper pecks and then head off, back to his house, usually his roof, where he can sit and look down at me... so satisfied with his “victory”.
We had many such “breaks” during the day today... and it was PURE DELIGHT!
Today, my curiosity got me and so, I did a little “testing”. I've been wondering about him coming over to the futon when I lie down during the day and wanted to see if it's just “coincidence” or his own “curiosity” in why I'm over there, and not at the work table. So I tried, twice, today. I just got up from the work table, went to the futon, laid my head on the pillow, put the little blanket over my legs and closed my eyes... BOTH TIMES he came FLYING over, almost immediately, landed on the pillow at the top of my head, and made him-self most comfortable there. The first time, I tried to lay there for 10 minutes... he never moved away. The second time, I thought I'd take a “snooze” whilst I was there and set an alarm for 25 minutes. Well? I did doze for about 20 minutes and again, when I woke... Yonah was right there, snuggled on the pillow, almost against my head. It appears he enjoys being with me when I snooze! It's almost as though I'm “the flock” and when it's time for “the flock” to rest, we ALL rest... TOGETHER! I'm going to keep trying this, just to see how often and for how long he'll stay with me. (Just noting: I've no intention of trying anything of this sort at night, when the room is dark. As I say, there are times when even the slightest “sound” in the house, be it the snow sliding from the roof, a “settling of timbers” or the one next-door suddenly dropping something or deciding to re-arrange furniture, will startle Yonah. No matter what, he retains that typical “skittishness” mourning doves are so known to have. If he's in his house, he'll coo, long, and repeatedly until I come to talk with/to him. But he's been known to take flight, especially when he's out of his house. And there HAVE been times in the past when, at night, after he's all settled-in, something will make a “thud” or the old “sun-downer” next door finds something to “tap tap tap” on, and if the sound is quiet enough, he'll coo... repeatedly, until I go in to talk to him or, in a few instances, he's tried to take flight! Once or twice THAT resulted in some lost or damaged feathers! THAT was bad enough. He was in his house so he couldn't take to the rest of the room or house. But, if he had the access to the rest of the house, in the dark... I don't even want to think of the consequences! He's already been through his own Hell... it's what brought him in here in the first place... and perhaps his fear responses stem from that. I've NO doubt he remembers what happened that day. So no, as much as I'd LOVE to go in and spend the night on his futon with him at my head or even on the back of it, it would be a Divine Delight to wake in the morning to see him, first, before seeing anything else. But I won't risk it.) For now, I'll just settle for our “mid-day snoozes” and see...
He's having his “special” mix of food for the next couple of days. This morning, I made another large jar of his “daily mix” of seeds and such, and then made an extra batch with sun-flower seeds and oats. A bit more fat content for him, as the days (and nights) head, full-charge, into Winter. Granted, his room is never cooler than 20°, but the little bit of fat and some protein will surely do him good. And he's certainly NOT a “fat” Little Guy, by ANY means. And he DOES get his exercise during the day, between flying about and our “play time”. And the coming week, we have egg to add to the menu again as well. (He's not been as keen on his egg or his broccoli of late. I wonder why. But, I make it available. It's the best I can do.) He does eat well... Obviously... his feathers are beautiful, and he's got energy. His beak and eyes are nice and clean and clear. So? So... I just make certain to have what-ever it is he might need... at any given time. (And as is obvious on his “Bibliography” page, I'm still “looking into” all sorts of anything more I can provide.)
Other-wise... the day went TOO QUICKLY! (AGAIN!) And I continued to work at the table, and he continued to “demand” play-breaks.
He wasn't at all pleased when I left the room to go to the kitchen for my evening meal. I was “away” only about 45 minutes and he called, to make sure I was still “around”. And at one point, flew to his “vantage point” on the shelving in his room where he could “roost” and watch me. Yes, indeed... today was a “TOGETHER” day! (And quite honestly, I most certainly am NOT complaining about it AT ALL!)
Tonight's “tuck-in” was at about 19.20... He seemed to be “ready”... until I put the night boards up and then the “Good night kisses” were mixed with what's almost similar to a recalcitrant child's reluctance to go to bed. OH! We HAD to have kisses, cuddles, snuggles, pecks and play for a good 10-15 minutes! He's such a character! And when he saw me go for the switch to put the light out, he stood, staring at me, as if “daring” me. BUT... the light went out, and I said “OK. You sleep well... I'll come back in later before I got to bed.” he took his place on his perch... All was well... for another day... and another night ahead.
It is, no matter what time, difficult to separate from him. Even if we're not “attached” to one-another all day, it's just the most wonderful state knowing that we're together. And I have good cause to believe Yonah feels the same. But, he does need his rest, even in this horridly artificial environment that's become his “home-life”. So, I don't want him denied any of that. (And I have a sense that he has similar sentiments toward “end of day” as well...) Ah, but this has been a most educational year with him... in EVERY way imaginable!
But for now, for tonight, we hope for a restful night through, and tomorrow... Saturday, the ONLY “item” I have that I'll be occupied with/by is getting his “Biblio” page together and done. (No... it certainly isn't “work”... It's a labour of LOVE... for Yonah AND for ALL the other mourning doves out there in the world. MAYBE SOME-body will take the time to look at what's on his web-pages and MAYBE the word will get around and MAYBE WE can make the lives of at least SOME other mourning doves, more comfortable... and longer... and more joyful. It's as I say to him: “You're the spokes-dove for your flocks now! Your site is YOUR information and WE'RE going to see to it that life for your flocks is safer!”)
And THAT, is the closing sentiment of this day.
Saturday 11 December:
'twas another “late-start” morning, this one. Almost 8.00 when I crept in to check on Yonah, who was awake, but ever-so cozy, on this, another grey and drizzling morning. But as I sat on his futon and whispered my “Good morning”, he bobbed his head, stretched his wings and greeted me with a soft “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”.. and for me... THE DAY WAS COMPLETE! My Little Guy was awake and well! So curtains and blinds got opened, slowly, this morning, since it really was the kind of day best-suited to sleeping-in, “morning routine” got done by the dim light of the over-cast day and KISSES! Oh yes! KISSES! NOTHING is any better than THAT! AND... when the pool-water was fresh, the fountain splashing, the morning “bird-songs” playing by the light of the desk lamp... Yonah was UP AND ABOUT AND OUT OF THE HOUSE TO HIS ROOF! We were ready to face the new day, together! (And my heart and soul were at peace. My feather-garbed SOUL is here, and there's nothing other in the world.)
I moved in, got settled at the work table... there's work to be done on the web-site and then... we take the moments of the day ahead as they arrive. Yonah has taught me that: I take my cues from him, and what-ever suits him, suits me.
By day's end, and it wasn't easy, I have to say, we did manage to get the new “Bibliography” and “Sitemap” pages up-dated and fresh and onto the servers, up and running. But, as I say, it wasn't easy.
Yonah isn't only in an “affectionate” and “playful” mood of late, he's almost “aggressive”! But it's really rather endearing to see because, well, considering his size, and the “rumours” and “traditions” of doves being so “peaceful” and “docile”, well, THIS Little Guy has bee proving that he's quite capable of taking quite good care of himself! (I'll never know what managed to get hold of him a year ago, but then, I have learnt, since, that he was probably moulting at the time which put him in an extremely compromised condition. Still, he's truly grown feisty, and confident beyond imagination.)
We managed to get ONE, 10-minute “snooze” together today. I'd no sooner put my head on the pillow on his futon and he was right there, on the pillow, at my head. For about 10 minutes he was, it appeared, quite comfortable and happy with being on the pillow with me. But just about 10 minutes later... peck, peck, peck... on my head. HE WANTED TO RUMBLE! And I DO mean “RUMBLE”! He wanted to PLAY! So he hopped onto my head, came across to my face... onto my shoulder and pecked until I played-along. And of course, I HAD to sit up and when I did, he headed to his roof-top where he stood, sternly, as he does, and stared at me for a moment or so and then... WING-SNAP!
BUT, as I approached, he was in flight! Over to the shelves beside the work table! And when I went over there, he was off and onto the wall shelves! No matter where he went, as I went to go play with him, he was more in a mood for “Catch Me If You Can”!
And never mind as I was sitting at the work table today! I was trying to get the coding done for the pages because I'd wanted to have them done by, at least, shortly after noon. HAH! Yonah wasn't having ANY of that! He has a little platform on the work table where he can roost right beside me and he took full advantage of that today... SUPERVISING... and WING-SNAPPING! OH! But he REALLY must be feeling VERY GOOD these days! And I couldn't be any happier, no matter what else could happen. As long as Yonah is in good health and mood, my world is complete!
All said, it was quite the “animated” day... and ALL day, at that.
AND, he's taking to “snuggling” and “cuddling” even MORE than ever before. He has NO trepidations, at all, what-so-ever about being “embraced” as it were. He can be on the pillows (where he's taken quite the liking for of late) and I can completely surround him with my arms and he doesn't flinch or budge... save for when he's had enough “closeness” and he manoeuvers his way out and away. In fact, it seems as if he's actually enjoying the whole “ordeal” now. And I can get my face right onto him (for kisses) and he just behaves as if it's all quite “normal” (or, perhaps, that he expects to get so much affection... one can never be certain). No matter the “why”, it's an absolute delight, MOST of all because he TRUSTS me so very much!
In my “reviewing”, today, the sites that I'd referenced from the beginning, in my anxious efforts to make sure that I did the very best for him during his “recovery” and “convalescence”, in our “early days together”, I came across the mentions on various web-sites of how “attached”, and “affectionate” and “curious” doves, in general, can be or become. Back then, I NEVER expected ANY of that from Yonah. Back then, I read the accounts and watched the videos and those doves were “Diamond” or “Ring-neck”... “pets” that had been “hand-raised” from their birth (hatching). Even the occasional “mourning dove” was one that had been “adopted”, “acquired” from some “breeder” or another. They were “domestic”. And all the while I thought of Yonah, from the wilderness, “out there”, in the yard, from the woods and mountains. I never expected him to ever “shed” his “natural instincts” of fear of humans. And even if he did, just the slightest, I never even imagined a time when he'd “preen” my hand and head, intentionally and independently come to “snooze”, never mind “in proximity of me”... on the pillow where I lay my head! The thought of him actually looking forward to me coming into the room, literally coming to his door to greet me honestly never crossed my mind. What we have today isn't something I'd “wished” or “hoped” for. Actually, all I really thought of those days was how terribly painful it would be to miss him, wondering if he'd ever return to this house, once he was “free” again.
A breeder with whom I had some contact on social media said that he might return, to eat, with the flock, because of some “homing instinct” he might have. “Might”. Or, the entire ordeal of being attacked and then “caged” might cause so much trauma that, once back in the open, he'd fly as far away as possible, find another flock and never come back at all. And as much as I wanted him to return to the world he was born into, that he was born to be a part of, my anxieties laid in wondering if he'd be attacked again, destroyed. Or, come the cold of Winter, wondering if he'd migrate with the others or stay... and have to battle the bitter cold, and if so... WHERE would he find proper shelter? I though that, if he were to stay in the area, come back to the house, I had to make sure that he'd have a place to come to, safe, a place that offered shelter from the elements. I thought, perhaps, he might find a mate and if I put out the “house” he was in, whislt with me, he might bring the Mrs. and they'd set-up house in it. I even started to get the materials I thought I'd need to make a proper shelter for him and a family. No... it never even occurred to me, even for a fleeting moment, that we'd become one-and-the-same as we are these days. I was certain, then, that, some-how, he'd be gone, back to the life that was intended for him. (WELL! Imagine MY SHOCK... apparently THIS was the life that was “intended” for him! And I couldn't be Blessed any Higher.)
Oh, another little “note”: He's actually created a little “nest” in the moss in his house. He seems to really enjoy “lounging” beside the potted white pine in the front corner! (Sadly, that tree has to be replaced because it was too close to the heat from the radiator... I have it on my “task list” for tomorrow, to go out and get the replacement. Not only does Yonah enjoy “lounging” under it, it's also the one that some-what conceals his little “night place” on his perch, so it's very much like “sleeping in the protection of the pines”, as he would do, were he out-side.) Anyway, the little indentation from his body is there so... that too, is on my “scavenging” list: more moss. I'm going to take FULL advantage of this “warmer” weather, and now that the ground is thawed and the snows are gone... OFF WE GO! Fresh flora for the coming “Winter”... which, I've no doubt, will be brutal come the end of January, through February and well into March, after all of this “mild” temperatures we've been having. The moss I got the last time is of an “odd” variety that almost simply disintegrated. Now, not only is Yonah teaching me the ways of the doves, he teaching me the ways of the woods as well. “Particular” kinds of mosses... trees... sands... An education one can't possibly receive from some “professor” in some “university”! Well, there's no such thing as a “bad education” when you actually learn something productive! And there we have it.
Well, well, well... the day slipped into the evening and the evening into the night and out-side, the rains continued to fall, but, that, thankfully, has kept the temperatures up above “freezing”. In fact, Yonah's room was delightfully warm all day today. (Good thing, considering his activities and such.) So too, the rest of the house. And tonight... when the time approached 19.00, I turned his “FullSpec” (since that's the claim... as opposed to “NatSpec”) light off after changing the waters, as it were. Radio and bird-songs off to quiet the environment.... BUT AT 19.25 YONAH STILL WANTED TO PLAY! He headed to the pillows, gave a couple of resounding “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo's!” and when I went over to sit with him, HE REALLY WANTED TO PLAY AROUND! So? So we did... for only about 10 minutes. HONESTLY! He SO reminds me of a child who, at the end of the day, wants to find ALL sorts of ways to get out of getting to bed! But... with him getting up at 8.00 as it is, I want to make certain that he gets the rest he ought to have (as any “proper, caring, responsible “parent” does) so, when, at last, he headed back to his house, I went over to make it “tuck-in time”. (I might have made it more difficult on both of us when, at 19.00, when I closed his windows up for the night, I'd also put-up the back board on his house. I ruined the “regular routine”. I shan't repeat THAT little move again... and see if it makes a difference.)
And so it came to pass... reluctantly, he did make his regular “rounds”, looking at the doves in his mirrors, as he does before heading to his place on his perch. He FINALLY made his way to his “night spot” and I managed to close the door and put the lights out. Of course, I felt horrid, since he obviously wanted to stay up and about a while longer. But... his “roof board” went on, lights out, kisses “Good night”...
The rains had stopped but there are winds tonight. No doubt bringing in the cooler temperatures. But it's only supposed to drop to 0° which is a delight after the “minuses”. And that will help to keep his room a bit warmer, so he'll have a nice place in which to sleep comfortably. And tomorrow? Well... there's supposed to be sun for most of the day, and it's Sunday, so it should be a relatively calm day. I'll head out in the morning to get his tree and moss as soon as possible so that we can spend the rest of the day together... doing... THAT is the question. There's NEVER any telling WHAT he'll be in the mood for on any given day... let alone, any given moment. But that's all a part of what makes Yonah so PRECIOUS... CHERISHED... and THE MOST INTEGRAL PART OF MY simply “being”. Oh, I can record this all in these words, take photos, get little videos, but... the world could NEVER REALLY understand... unless they ALL had a “Yonah” in their lives. And if they did, this world would be a much nicer, kinder place... to be sure. (Then again, with all too many people... I'm not so sure it would be appreciated anyway. All the sadder for them.)
Sunday 12 December:
This morning? I'd just sat to table for morning coffee at 7.17... I was running a bit later that my usual... and... truly, JUST as I sat... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”! HURRAY! YAY! BY LITTLE GUY WAS UP! AND CALLING! AND NOTHING ELSE MATTERED! IT WAS TIME TO OPEN WINDOWS, LET IN THE MORNING! And I tell today... I opened his door before doing anything else and... HE WAS IN FLIGHT! Now... THERE'S AMBITION! I hadn't even made it to the windows to open the curtains! “Disturbing” though, this morning he headed for the ceiling and seemed to be trying to “fly through it”. Maybe it was because of the lighting in the room? His perception of it was “open space” in the dim morning light? Thankfully, he didn't injure himself because of it and it didn't dampen his energies. He was ALL OVER THE ROOM as I worked along. So, it was a “good” morning.
I finished my “kitchen work” and moved in to his room and went for a bit of a “lie-down” because, well, last night, I did have a few alarms set to check on the status of the electric through the night. There were reports that we were to expect power outages, due to some sort of “storm”, and I wanted to make sure that his room didn't get cold. So I was quite tired. WELL! The sun was pouring in through his windows as I took to the futon. He was on his corner “loft” and I just got onto the futon, trying not to disturb him and... IMMEDIATELY... HE CAME OVER TO THE PILLOWS! I managed to doze-off for about 15 minutes and when I woke... THERE HE WAS... AT MY HEAD AGAIN! I should believe that this proves that he KNOWINGLY comes over... he WANTS to be with me as I lay there! It's no longer some “random coincidence”. It's a “decision” that he makes, of his own. He sees me on the futon and KNOWS that I'll be there, and he WANTS to be with me! WELL! INDEED! As much as I want to be with him, he wants to be with me! We have what they call a “bond”... a strong, obvious “bond”. For me, it's the MOST BEAUTIFUL GIFT, BECAUSE IT MAKES IT OBVIOUS THAT WE HAVE THE SAME “ATTACHMENT” FOR ONE-ANOTHER! I NEVER would have imagined... NEVER would have thought... NEVER would have expected this. And I COULDN'T be more OVER-JOYED! We're not just “a couple”... WE'RE A “UNIT”... ONE AND THE SAME! I'm glad too, that I get to document this. Now... if only the rest of the world could see, and KNOW! To think: some just go out there and murder these little beings. “God's perfect creation.” I don't think so. Were it “perfect”... these little ones would be appreciated... RESPECTED. Well... as with “all” in this “Creation”... this too shall pass... At least Yonah can live a well-protected life... comfortable and CHERISHED! I'll document and maybe SOMEBODY will see these words, take them to heart, maybe pass them along... and MAYBE Yonah's life will inspire and provide protection for others. It's all we can do. And I'll keep the words coming... for as long as is humanly possible.
And so, our day rolled along... AND WHAT A DAY IT WAS! YONAH HAS BEEN IN “HYPER-LOVE-ME” TODAY! No matter where I was in his room, no matter what I was doing, he was flying from where-ever he'd been to where-ever I was! On my head! On my arm! On my shoulders! And all the while, wing-spans for LOVE, cuddles, snuggles, just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! HONESTLY, it was a MOST AMAZING DAY! He literally FOLLOWED me. I had a little “re-arranging” to do in his room, mostly because I tend to get involved with some sort of task or another and when he “beckons”, I drop what I'm doing to play or cuddle and then, I'll leave something behind and move on to the next item on an agenda. (He's a distraction, diversion, DELIGHT!) And as I worked in the corner of his room, he was up on his roof, watching until I got out of the corner, and he came FLYING over to me, landing on my shoulder and pecking at my cheek! And as I sat at his work table, he was on the floor, on my right, just there, more like a puppy or kitten, just “there”, as content as he could be. Granted, he's ALWAYS amazed me with his antics and behaviours, but these recent days are INDESCRIBABLE! This “bond” is something that I've never... NEVER experienced with any cat or dog. And in my life-time, I've been in the company of many of each. The ONLY time we weren't together was when I left the house... briefly... to go to the woods to get him a new white pine tree for his house... and some new, fresh, moss. And when I got back in, mere moments later... he came FLYING to his door perch and called to me, as if to say “Hey! You walked out and left me alone? What's with THAT?” (Of course, before doing anything else... cuddles, snuggles, kisses and explanations. And they were quite appreciated because he let me hold him, snuggle him against my face and of course... kisses!)
OH, but YES... it was QUITE the day! You'd think I'm never around! And the truth of the matter is, I'm with Yonah for most of our waking hours! I make SURE to be with him as long and often as is at all possible, and these days, that means, well, I'm in his room with him, either working on some task or taking a snooze, or simply just sitting there with him, chatting and playing. Maybe that's just it: We're our own “flock” now, and as a “flock”, it's expected that we're together ALL the time. Hey! Life could be a LOT worse! (But it couldn't be much better, I'll tell you that.)
Anyway, yes, Yonah now has a new tree in his house. I still can't believe how well that little excursion went today. The ground, for the most part, is frozen, solid, mere milimetres below the surface, so digging was impossible... for the most part, as I say. The recent rains and above-freezing temperatures did thaw a top layer of earth, but all the little trees were in solid soil. BUT... as I was walking along, I happened to spot a little tree that was a perfect height and when I went to test for digging... the soil was loose! The tree came up with almost no effort at all! AND, as I was digging, I spotted some of that moss that Yonah seems to like so much, and it too, was loose enough to simply lift. SO... I was expecting to have to wander about the mountain wood-lands for quite a while... from leaving the house to return, and potting the new tree... putting the new moss on a backing sheet (because I want to make certain that there are no “parasites” or insects in it that might cause Yonah harm)... under and hour! There. All that was done in under and hour... and yet... Yonah “missed” me to the point where I was scolded for having left. (It was THAT sort of day... I left the flock! There'll be none of that, as we see.)
After the potting, I Hoovered his room a bit under his supervision AND, AS I WRAPPED THE CORD TO PUT THE VACUUM CLEANER AWAY... YONAH CAME TO “SUPERVISE”... ON MY SHOULDER!
I'm sure that there are people who “question” the “bond” here, between Yonah and I... or between me and Yonah. All I can say is: if you've never experienced it... no matter what I might say, it won't make any sense. This “bond”, between a “wild” mourning dove and me, a lowly human is nothing but “AWE-INSPIRING”! And I continue to wonder what I've ever done in the course of my life-time to be deserving of this MIRACLE! This BLESSING! This HONOUR and PRIVILEGE! This... LOVE! What-ever it was... I couldn't be more grateful for anything... ever... EVER! THIS is a daily miracle, and my heart and soul are FULL!
And the day came to an all-too-soon close... Lights dimmed, musics (bird-songs and radio) off. And as I was closing blinds and curtains, Mr. Taube decided it was time for “one more flight”! OFF AND AWAY! Out of his house, across the room and onto the pillows at the far end of the futon and there he stood... I swear, in “defiance”! There are moments when his face actually shows signs of the cutest affection, a touch of anger and, as tonight, absolute defiance. Some of it has to do with his posture as well. And when he's being “defiant”, he stands with legs apart, head held rather high and he stares, directly. (The “affectionate” posture is feet a bit closer together, head at a more relaxed level and his “visage” actually takes-on a “softer” appearance. Oh, but the “battle” posture is quite distinct: Head held quite high on a “sturdy” neck, feet apart, breast forward and his face takes-on a noticeably “stern” appearance. Oh yes, YES, indeed! The differences are most subtle, almost indistinguishable, but they ARE there! Maybe it's because I DO pay attention to him. I'll wager there are “experts in the field” who would contradict me but, I'm holding to my own experiences.) Anyway... I finished with the windows and went for the back-board for the night, thinking that I could save him the disturbance later, since he was out of the house, as it were. He watched my every move as I got the board and hooked it to the back of his house and “put things in order”. We'd already done the water-changing so all that remained was to put the “roof board” on. Ah... as soon as the back-board went on, he decided it was time to “play before bed” and he was off again, in flight, to his roof where I got the “wing-snap” for play! So, I decided to, and I told him so, to bring the lap-top back into his room and I sat at the work table... I had to look something up in one of my books and as I began reading, he came and took his place on the extended perch over m y shoulder, as if looking at what I was reading! I just looked up at him looking down at me and asked if there was anything he'd like me to look for whilst I had the book. He cocked his head and suddenly took off to his door perch where he remained until I brought the chair over to him, reached up and gave a loving snuggle and said “Listen here, you need to get your rest. I want you to be rested, strong and healthy so it's 'seepie-nigh-night' time here.” Ah-HAH! He heard the now-familiar “seepie-nigh-night” and... AND... he lifted-up to his “night perch”! (Tell me again that mourning doves are incapable of understanding!) SO... it was a few kisses and pecks, some cuddles and snuggles and... he was “OK” with settling-down for the night.
Lights out, it was about 19.45. I left his door open for a while, just to give enough light for him to “find his way about” and get settled-in. But WHAT A SHOW!
Sad, if not pathetic, that people in general, and so-called “experts” simply refuse to acknowledge and accept the absolute JOY and INTELLIGENCE of these Little Ones. I wouldn't call it “pitiful” because, well, as I see it, their inability is intentional. Over the past year, Yonah has proven, beyond ALL doubt, that he THINKS, and experiences EMOTION JUST as much, if not MORE, than ANY human ever did (or, I dare say, ever will). He's proven that he perceives, ascertains and makes decisions. AND... with absolutely NO doubt or pause, I DO say that he's proven, on MANY MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THAT HE DOES HAVE EMOTIONS AND IS CAPABLE OF WHAT WE CALL “LOVE”! He OBVIOUSLY enjoys contact... even with me. He wants and enjoys companionship. It's been documented that mourning doves have “shown signs of mourning the loss of a mate”... WELL! Yonah has “shown signs of” wanting to be close (as when I nap), and missing me when I've been away for a length of time! AND... we've even “shown signs” to one-another, that we're learning each-other's speech and communication abilities! Say what will be said, and I say again, I state only what I'm experiencing.
On that note and closing the day as Yonah is in his house, in his room, with his new little tree and his “climate control” on: tomorrow he and I have been together for 14 months... 1 year and 2 months. Tonight, I remember, all too well, December 2020... and I look at what's now HIS room, and HIS house and it's really quite amazing. Last year that room was so bleak... I didn't want him to become comfortable with me, and I didn't even know whether or not he would survive his injuries and the shock of being brought into this house... and kept in what really was a horrid little “cage”. The photos on his pages document the changes... in his environment... and too... the actual LOVE that's grown between the two of us. Tomorrow... 1 year and 2 months... and I think of the “average life-span”... IF “calculations” are correct, he'll be 1 year and 4 months old this month... 16 months of age... out of the 18-month “average life-span of a mourning dove”... “in the wild”. I hold my breath, my heart and soul... and hope... for at least 5 years... for both of us.
Monday 13 December:
14 MONTHS TODAY! *** ANOTHER ANNIVERSARY !!! TOGETHER !!!
It's inexplicable! Yonah has had ANOTHER ANIMATED, ENERGETIC DAY !!! FLYING ALL OVER HIS ROOM (I still don't know why he doesn't take to the rest of the house, but he's certainly NOT lacking flight exercise, even in his room.)
It wasn't until about 7.45 this morning when he “called”... HE CALLED! And when I got into his room, there he was, wide awake, looking out of his house at me. He was READY TO GO! So the first thing I did was open his door, lean in and we exchanged “Good morning kisses” right away. And as I went round to open his curtains and blinds... the “whistle” of wings! HE WAS OFF AND IN FLIGHT! First thing this morning, he was READY TO GO!
I got things together to change the water in his pool and as I did, he came back to his perch to “supervise”. As I tried to work, pouring the fresh water, he moved to his door perch and pecked at my arm. HE WANTED TO PLAY THIS MORNING! So, I rushed along to get the “chores” done... He wanted PLAY? He gets PLAY!
Once all was done, complete, and the morning “settled-in”, I set me up at his work table and he “set him up” at EVERY spot in the room where he had a perfect vantage point... where he could watch me. There's a little “shelf” on the work table, right beside me, that I'd made for him some months back. He's seldom used it before recently but this morning, that, and the “extended perch” on his house, were his most favourite places. He WANTED to be where he could see me and I could see him. And when he wasn't there, he was on the floor again! I don't know WHAT attracts him to the floor of late, but it's cute... and a bit dangerous because when he's on the floor, he silent and I HAVE to watch EVER movement of my feet... ESPECIALLY when I walk around!
As I say, he's like a puppy or kitten in that he likes to be on the floor either at my side or... behind the chair! And watching him hopping about, pecking here and there now and again is just heart-warming. (I keep the floor clean, Hoovered regularly, so there's nothing toxic or other-wise harmful down there.)
His OTHER “spot of choice” of late is on the pillows on the futon and I'd swear he sees one of them as another dove! He flies over and gives a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo”, which I've come to understand as a “chat coo”. (I count the “hoo's' afer the “HOO” and the three seem to be “chat”, a 4th is some-thing of a “mating chat”... a call to say “Hey Babe!”. 5 after is a “call” for some attention to something, and that's usually the “morning call”. (As a matter of fact, I'm sitting at the work table even now, it's 19.34... and we're having an out-right dialogue of “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo's”... back and forth... and he's on the futon.) To that point...
And this evening? Well, the light in his room was dimmed at 19.00, blinds and curtains closed for the night and... AND... once again, there was “something that had to be checked... on the futon, the shelves, every-where but in his house”. This REALLY is quite amazing now. He used to let me know that it was time for sleep at about this hour of the day by standing at his door, giving a “wing-snap” and heading up to his perch where he passes the night. So I've gotten to where I'm following his (old) routine and now he's changing it. But I have to wonder: with all his closeness of late, is it that he knows that he sleeps alone in his room and he doesn't like it? Is he missing the “nightly companionship” of other doves? He's at least a year old now, and surely, this is his usual “time for mating”, for having raised a brood or two (or more, if the “statistics” of mourning doves raising little ones with almost regular frequency). We have our “companionship” during the day. I make SURE, CERTAIN, to spend time with him, almost on a “schedule”... his of course, but still. No matter what I'm doing, time is ALWAYS set aside for him, and we cuddle, snuggle and play until HE decides it's “enough” and takes off for some other part of the room. Still, come the night, perhaps he doesn't like the solitude.
Again, tonight, I wrestle with the notion of getting him a companion, another dove. There ARE places that “have” doves for adoption, but they're so far away, and I can't settle it in my gut... the notion of somebody putting a precious little life into a box and “shipping” it. No matter HOW “caring and careful” a “shipping company” and its employees might be, all it would take is ONE to shake the box, leave it on a cold, damp platform or in a ware-house. The trauma, the torture. I just can't be a party to such cruelty. I'm just going to have to use some imagination now, and, well, if I CAN bring a partner for Yonah in, and he obviously rejects, I'll just have to provide for both of them... separately. It's not that I'm not “willing” or “able” to do that. Looks as though that's the path we're taking from here, unless “things” change and Yonah returns to his “Hey! It's night time! I need my rest, y'know!” old self. This is going to be interesting.
As it is, I've found a “Certificate Course” in “Wild Bird Rescue” that I'll be taking in January. It isn't “local”, it's “on-line”, as it were, “distance learning”. I doubt NY State will recognise it, but, if it's to help me provide best for Yonah, I'm MORE than willing and happy to learn ALL I possibly can. So, we shall see how this “new Yonah” moves along. Maybe there'll be some information to help me better understand him and his needs. And I'll be looking for more such courses come January. Truth is, as I even said to Yonah today: “14 months we've been together now. I didn't really see us together for 14 weeks, at the beginning. And then, when Winter came, I was emotionally preparing for you to be back with your flock and going on with your life. I saw you with a mate, a few young, out there, soaring against open skies. But here we are, today, together, still and yet. Sure, I'm in Heaven each and every minute of each and every day. But I just hope that what-ever it is I'm doing for you, it's good, it's proper, it's right... and that you're happy. I won't ask for 'content'. This isn't the life you were born into. But hopefully it's a life you'll be happy with. It's safe. And you're just as loved and cherished as you could possibly be. I'm doing the best I know how... I'll learn more. I just hope you'll be OK... always.”
Anyway, it appears that this is going to be a “late” night... I'm going to put his night boards up. The musics (radio and bird-songs) have been off for the past 25 minutes so...
OK. It got to be 20.00 and, with a little coercion (OK. I had to carry Yonah to his house.) Mr. Taube is now tucked-in for the night. It was quite fascinating... he seemed so “curious” about so much in the room tonight. Honestly. He's in there all day, for the most part, and suddenly, tonight... it was either as though he was trying to postpone going to sleep or... and GODS FORBID... he'd had a stroke or sudden loss of memory. He DID know where he is though, and headed directly for “the bird in the mirror” in the corner by his “loft”. He “says good night” to that bird every night before retiring. So, it was more on the line of “postponement”. What a character!
So, he's safe and sound and clean and tidy and hopefully he'll get a wonderful night's sleep and tomorrow? Well... as “tomorrows” always are: we'll know when we get there. Other-wise, he's perfectly safe and warm and protected tonight (and there's quite a wind blowing out-side tonight... probably taking away our “mild” weather and replacing it with and earlier-than-expected next plummet into sub-zero... fine... Yonah has his radiator and his room is truly cozy).
14 months... I still can't believe it. But then, EVERY DAY IS A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION... EVERY SINGLE MOMENT OF EVERY SINGLE DAY! I am SO indescribably BLESSED, HONOURED, PRIVILEGED!
 Tuesday 14 December:
7.39 this morning... “THE CALL” came floating into the rest of the house. My Little Heart and Soul was up and awake and it was time for us to “attack another day”! It truly DOES change my “every-thing” when I hear him call in the morning. And I DO believe he KNOWS that, when he calls, I'll be in. Precious, MOST CHERISHED little bundle of LIFE! (I wonder, some-times, what, and may the gods FORBID, if I wasn't here in the morning when he called, would he think. I KNOW that he does “think”, and I KNOW that he has a “routine” that he's familiar with. I dread even the very thought... and I'll do ALL to make sure we NEVER have to find the answer to a question that should never be asked... never NEED to be asked. Of course, I wonder what my “plan of action” will be on the morning when he doesn't call... I have my general ideas though. As I say: we “go” together... though moments apart.)
And this morning? OH YES, AGAIN... I was only JUST getting blinds and curtains open and he was OUT! Off to the futon, with a few hearty “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo's”! And from then on it was a day of flying about! And he's really quite into being on the floor these days.
I had a project that I had to work on and finish today, on the lap-top, so I was “established” at the work table, and from time-to-time, I'd look up to see where he was... because I wonder when he's quiet (he truly IS similar to a young child in so many respects... and I'm like an over-protective spoiling parent, I suppose). Several times I looked up and around and there was NO sign of him. But a quick glance to the floor and... at one time he was just standing there, on the floor, beside the chair, to my right. Another look later and he was under the work table at my feet. When I moved my foot as I leaned back, he came out into the room and looked-up at me as if to say “What? I'm only right here.” Oh, he can be “found” just about ANY-where in the room now so I REALLY HAVE TO BE EXTRA-CAREFUL! ESPECIALLY WHEN I LEAVE THE ROOM AND RETURN! I used to be able to look in his house and on the wall shelves. Not any more. Now it's a “full scan” before stepping in through the door! OH, BUT IT'S JUST A PART OF THE BLESSING THAT YONAH IS.
That's pretty much how our day went... I worked, he went about his usual business of “exploring” his room (which tickles me to no end... he's FINALLY TAKING HIS territory), or, he'd “lounge” in his “moss nest” beside the terracotta pot that holds his “new tree”.
What I don't understand is that he doesn't seem interested in being in the sun the way he used to. And we had SUN today! (Though, these are becoming our shortest days now. But we appreciate ANY at all. In a few weeks, “sun” will be the thing of stories... for weeks to come. Thankfully, Yonah seems to enjoy the new “bulb” in his over-head light. So, that's a “positive”... I suppose.
I did try for a 15-minute “shut-eye” early this after-noon... And again, I'd no sooner gotten to the futon and Yonah was SOARING over... to my shoulder where he could look into my face. And then, up on the pillow beside my face where, as he does these days, there was a little “romancing” (I'll call it that) the pillow. (I still believe he sees it as another dove. I won't get into that again, here and now.) Anyway, there was NO “shut-eye”. He wanted to PLAY, and to have “contact”. So my “snooze” was “play-time” and he appeared to really enjoy it! (And so too, did I! To be MOST certain.)
Something that I've come to notice though: when I lay down, Yonah seems to like being at the back of my head. When I doze or even if I just lay there, he makes his way to the back of my head, on the pillow, and that's where he'll stay for the duration. I wonder if it doesn't, some-how, satisfy some need for “companionship”. My hair, perhaps, appearing to be close, in appearance, to another bird? And the warmth that must come from the top of my head? He'll make his way to my shoulder from time-to-time, and if he “senses” that I'm awake, after having dozed-off for a moment or so, he'll come over to where he can look at my face, as if checking whether my eyes are open or closed. What-ever it is, I'm finding this really quite fascinating.
Sadly, or day came to a “close” too quickly again, today. I rushed through my evening meal (as I do anyway, so that I can get back to Yonah's room and at least, be in the room with him) and by 18.30, we got the blinds and curtains closed for the night. (There's a “-11°” in the forecast for tomorrow morning so it's important to hold onto any warmth in the room... and it was 22° at 18.30 to...) Yonah was in a “playful” mood as I closed the windows up and we had a fun game of “chase and pokes”. He plays with my hand as if it's a play-mate. I'm to understand that birds don't perceive hands as being a part of the rest of the person, so, if this is true, well, it surely seems that Yonah sees my hand as some sort of strange “bird” that likes to play with him. And when I hold my hand in front of him, fingers tucked under, he pokes, pecks and preens my hand! And it's the cutest when I “chase” him around, my fingers like little legs, and when I stop, he comes CHARGING! Never hurtful, just the most playful pecks. And if I open my fingers, the way he “raises” his wing, he gives a “wing-snap” and comes CHARGING! We went on with that for a good 15 minutes or so. But...
At 18.45, I turned his “FullSpec” light and fountain off. There was fresh water in his pool, and we did “tidying” so his house was all prepared for the night, save the back boards. I sat at the work table to add a few lines to his daily Journal page and he came from the futon where he'd been after our “playing” and settled on his door perch behind me. The bird-songs were turned off, but the radio stayed on, low-volume. To my thinking, turning off the bird-songs might be close to the “natural” events of an evening. All the other birds are gone to roost for the night so it's Yonah's turn soon. I can't say that it is that way, that he perceives it as such but I can't say that he doesn't. It does seem to let him calm down at the end of a day though. (Just adding here: it's sad that Yonah can calm down at a day's close, and we can both be together, in the subtle lighting of his desk lamp, but here, where we are of these days, next door, the resident there, after a day of doing nothing, suddenly takes to moving furniture or, as this evening, hammering. She knows that every tap and bang can be heard here. She's very much aware of it. She's also aware that Yonah's wall adjoins hers. The inconsideration, the disrespect, not just where Yonah is concerned, but “others” in general is, well, something I've never been able to comprehend. Truly, Life is better in the company of a dove. They call mourning doves “wild” and “animals”, and when they refer to people as such, it truly is an insult... to mourning doves, all birds of the wild, and other little ones called “animals”. Animals are not purposely vicious for no reason or cause, but humans, people... allegedly the highest on the “evolutionary scale”, no. Senseless, un-necessarily rude, hateful, annoying, abrasive, and in the truest sense of the term... “mindless”. I'm hopeful that Yonah and I will be able to find a “civil” place to call “home”, for both of us... soon. I'm not fond of the notion of taking him from his birth-place, but it's as I say, a matter of “quality of life”. And I want him to have nothing less than the very best.)
Enough of that. Let these words be “sagely” to those with the capacity to read and comprehend them.
Close of the day this evening? 19.35. My curiosity tonight is: what time will Yonah wake up tomorrow? He was so comfy on his door perch this evening. He likes it there as the night brings a bit of a coolness to the house because he's situated above his radiator and he obviously enjoys the warmth, which is why I position it so that the warmth rises up to his “night perch”. Oh sure, he can “fluff” his feathers against a chill, but I see no reason why he ought to have to, when there's a nice source of warmth for him right there. Anyway, it didn't take any coaxing, in particular, when I put the back-board on his house, as we do every evening. As I was putting it up, he went to his little “dove in the mirror” and bade the reflection a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo”, “Good night” and by the time I was finished and had brought his house back into position, he was quite ready, at his “night spot”. We exchanged “Good night kisses” and he settled-in for the night. Oh, but it does, always, pain me a bit, because I just know that he'd prefer company through the night, even if it is just me. But when I'm not there, I'm sure he gets a more peaceful sleep during the night. As I say, I don't know if I snore, or sneeze or cough in my sleep. And since doves, I've come to learn, “half sleep”, one eye open and one half of their brain fully aware of their surroundings, there's no “motion”, should I turn in my sleep. I know he sees such things because of the times when, during the nights when I was sleeping on his futon, when I'd get up to use the loo, I'd hear such horrific commotion in his room. He'd taken flight, confined, as he was, because a pillow had fallen off of the futon! He saw the motion, in the relative darkness, and, I dare say, he know I'd left the room so he'd see a mass of darkness move from the futon and drop to the floor! It MUST have appeared to be a predator of some kind. Twice, on the following mornings, I saw droplettes of blood on the sand! No obvious signs of injuries to him, but I can only imagine his wings thrashing about, in the darkness as he tried to escape! (Honestly, that was the main reason I stopped sleeping in his room at night. The very thought of his terror, not only because of a possible predator but that he couldn't escape! No, I'll never subject him to that ever again. It really is bad enough when, at night, that one in the next flat, taps or thumps on the common wall. He coo's when that happens and it does sound like a little call for “Help”. It's heart-breaking, really, as well as angering, considering the fact that there's no sane or logical reason to hit a wall in the middle of the night. Again... humans... the most highly-evolved. Evidence disproves the claim.)
But, little Mr. Taube settled-in for the night, in his protected, warm, cozy little house and I've no doubt that he knows that he's safe and that he's not just LOVED, but SINCERELY CHERISHED... and safe.
There's a -11° coming tonight. But the door to his room will be mostly closed, but with enough space to allow for air circulation. His radiator close and set to keep him warm. Tomorrow we're to expect sun-shine again and I go to bed with the usual hope... looking forward to hearing “the morning call” and we'll have another day together... to play, “joust”, snooze and just be together... the usual hope.
Wednesday 15 December:
Morning Call: 7.15! I wasn't “quite prepared” at the moment, and the calls kept coming until I opened the door and announced my arrival! I've NO idea why there was such an urgency to the matter, BUT, the “Welcome” was quite heart-warming: fluffing of feathers, stretching of wings, a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” and, the morning was in full-swing! It truly is interesting, if not amazing how so much emotion can be so clearly heard in the coo'ing of this Little Guy. And to be quite frank, Yonah has brought me to where I actually listen to the coo'ing of the mourning doves in the yard, and where-ever I hear them. I can't truly decipher ALL, but there IS a particular “quality” to the different “calls”.
Like-wise, I've read that the “whistle” of their wings is different, depending on the reason for their flight. And that's proved to be quite true.
As for the coo, mourning doves DO have a certain “volume” and “rhythm”, louder when there's something say, to “warn” others of, and softer when simply “chatting”, or sitting calmly on a limb. And the whistle? Yes, indeed and in fact, THAT is VERY telling. For example, when Yonah is just “touring” his room or the rest of the house, the whistle has a “soft” quality. It's rather “matter-of-fact”. The wings are in motion, Yonah is travelling, and he's off and on the move. BUT, if he's upset, has had more than enough “play, cuddles, &c.” OR, if something's startled him, the “pitch” of the whistle is noticeably sharper, an almost-harsh “trill”.
If, for instance, I open the door and there are mourning doves eating in the yard, when they take off, the whistle is rapid, loud, sharp. I know I've frightened them. (And that's not difficult because mourning doves DO tend to be easily startled, generally speaking.) But when they leave a high limb on one of the trees, there's an almost “melodic” quality to the whistle. It's “softer” and that they aren't trying to “escape”, that's there's no “panic” is audible.
That said, this morning's calls from Yonah were “soft” and “rolling” at first. But successive calls were just a touch louder, and had a more “determined” quality. He's forever teaching me... habits, needs, language. What a professor, what a mentor, what a PRECIOUS LITTLE GUY!
So we got the “morning routine” completed, curtains and blinds open, bird-songs on the play. More food, breakfast was served, with fresh water and Mr. Yonah was hopping about in his house... getting his legs and wings ready for the day ahead. And me? Well, as is the case always, I too, was ready. Yonah had had a good night's sleep, he was up and about at what I've come to think of as his “normal” hour. And we were off and rolling!
A “Must Add”: Last night was, for me, a “short night”... late to bed, restless and yet, up at close to the usual hour, so I was quite exhausted this morning. After getting the house “settled”, I decided to have a “lie-down” on Yonah's futon and had set an alarm for about 40 minutes. Oh yes, my head touched the pillow and Yonah was on my shoulder in a second's time, and up and over to the pillow at my head. We “played” about a little and I drifted into sleep... Well! That 40 minutes ran into over-time and the “snooze” was over an hour! BUT... when I woke, I didn't see Yonah any-where about and as I moved my head... peck-peck-peck... “Hi there! I'm right here!” HE HAD STAYED AT MY HEAD ALL THE WHILE I SLEPT! ALL THE WAY THROUGH OVER AN HOUR! MY LITTLE GUARD! RIGHT THERE! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE LOVE! It DOES make me wonder what he'd do, were I to spend the night on the futon with him there. I wonder if he'd sleep on the pillow all through. Were we in a place where I could be sure there'd be no sudden noises coming through the walls to startle him in the dark, I'd SURELY be delighted to spend a night or more with him, there, on the pillow, the two of us together. But, I don't dare, I won't tempt the Fates. One “thud” and I know he'd take flight and, in the darkness of the room, though it's not “completely” dark, with the intrusive street-light now, “glowing” even through the blinds and 3 layers of curtains, I don't know how much and how well he sees in that dim light and I'm NOT risking ANY more injuries to him, no matter how slight they might be. There are walls, and shelves and furnishings he might collide with and I'll NOT have that! So, until we find proper quarters, sadly, we'll have to settle for daily naps and snoozes. Still, I FIND IT AMAZING, THAT, AS I SLEEP, HE STAYS RIGHT WITH ME! AND I'M JUST SO TAKEN WITH LOVE AND “ADORATION”. He knows I'm here to protect him. And to be sure, indeed, I am.
So our day moved along, and what little bit of sun-light we were promised by the meteorologists failed to come and stay. It was rather on the over-cast side, but Yonah has his FullSpec light and I have to say that I do notice a difference in his general mood and attitude when it's on. He seems happier and more energetic so, whether I like it or not (since it was advertised as “sun” type light and it's not... the sun isn't blue) as long as Yonah is happy with it. (Shame, really, that I didn't go for some sort of “UV” but I don't want to “play” with that because it can cause harm if not used particularly properly, as it were. I'll keep looking for something safe though, and make sure he gets his calcium and vitamin D!)
I spent the rest of the day at his work table, with the latest task/project, and we listened to the combination of radio and his bird-songs. He seems to enjoy that as well... even more than just the bird-songs! So we'll continue to do that during the say. Maybe it's the combination sounds of birds and music. I can't tell for certain, but then again, neither can any other human actually KNOW what ANY of the Little Ones truly enjoy.
We played. We “jousted”. I got a bit of a video of him “play-fighting and then preening” my hand! It's a bit long so I'll have to cut it a touch. But he was AT IT! And we DID have quite a bit of time together during the day today. I made a point of giving him as much attention as is humanly possible, along with accomplishing what I needed to accomplish. (Thankfully, that morning snooze did compensate for my lack of sleep last night... and it all went quite well, indeed.)
This evening, we were “on schedule” with the changing of waters, dimming the lights and even putting up the night boards! Although, as I'd finished putting up the back board, Yonah decided to take a fight to the futon so there was a bit of a “do” getting him back into his house. BUT... once he was in... he was quite happy to be there so... at 19.30 tonight, the lights went out... Yonah was tucked-in.
There's quite a heavy wind out-side again, tonight. Tomorrow's supposed to be quite warm so I suspect that's what the wind is about tonight. Then... Friday... temperatures start back to “December”. Hopefully the colder weather will take some of this humidity away. The house wasn't “cold” today, but it was quite damp. Honestly, my thoughts and heart go out to the little ones out-side! I DO wish I could provide them with a nice, warm place to roost through the coming bitter nights. Then again, I'd REALLY like to bring them all inside! But, I do see the insanity in that. It wouldn't be fair... especially now when I'm looking to leave this house when possible. Nobody else around here, save, Deborah, has a heart for the Little Ones so...I'm just going to be listening through the night to make sure that the wind doesn't cause any damage to this old house... at least none that will have any effect on Yonah and his comfort and safety. We've had worse winds in the past, but this time... it's ALL about Yonah!
So we close another day, and he's tucked-in safe, sound, warm... if the winds get worse, I WILL spend the night in his room tonight, just to make sure that all is well through. Meanwhile... we get to look forward to tomorrow... and what more he'll teach me, between coo's and wing-actions... and where he enjoys being... on the floor, the shelves... who know where he'll “travel” to next. That's my little Heart and Soul there.
Thursday 16 December:
This morning started as one of those mornings with-out “the call”, so there's no need, by now, to say how I was feeling when, at about 7.35 I walked through the door to Yonah's room to “check”. BUT again, when I got to the end of the futon and started to softly whisper “Are you still sleeping?” and I saw his head bob forward WELL! I gave the softest, quietest “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” I could and, to my absolute ECSTASY I received a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” in reply! And not just ONE but TWO! And these were followed by a couple of stretches of the wings. Oh, he was awake, alright, but just not yet in the mood to start the day... until, of course, I came in to disturb his “sleep-in”.
Ah... but once those wings got their morning stretch, it was “time”! He hopped over to the other perch, straightened himself up, head held high and... WING-SNAP! And then, he moved toward the back (window-side) of his house. It was time to remove the night boards, open the curtains and get the out-side in, start the day, open his door and... I got right to it.
As I went about my “chores” at the windows, I'd opened his door before and he took full advantage... In a RUSH, he was out and across the room to his pillows on the futon! From there, he “allowed” me to get to the business of changing the water in his pool as he watched, with care, from his spot. And I DID notice that as I left to the kitchen for the fresh water AND as I returned, he watched, following me with his head at each trip. He doesn't miss a thing, not a motion in his room. And, apparently, he approved of my work because, he waited until I'd finished and THEN came back into his house where it appeared he was “checking”.
First stop was to his little mirror in the corner where he had a few “coo's” to say to the dove there. And then, on to check to see what was for breakfast. (Fresh food, luckily for me.) He checked the pool and then took his place at his door perch where he waited until I'd done with what I was doing and returned.
The rest of the day went along with a LOT of “attention”, “affection”, play, jousting... I was trying to get a project completed that needed to be out in the post either today or tomorrow and Yonah was having NONE of that! As I worked along, I kept hearing the “wing-snaps”, and, it goes with-out saying, but I say anyway, each one was “acknowledged and answered” with “cuddles”, “snuggles” and “kisses”. And does he ever do “kisses”! The pecks on the cheek... and the “preening” that he does on my hand! And today, that “preening” was being done in such earnest resolve that it was almost remarkable.
Yonah lightly pecks across and about the top of my hand, and it's ever-so gentle. But then, when he gets to “between the fingers”, there seems to be some sort of “determination”. He pokes as deeply as his little beak and face will allow, with eyes closed and he appears to be “digging”. All the while, I keep my hand still and let him go on about what-ever it is he feels he “needs” or “wants” to do until he decides it's “enough” and either heads back to one of his other perches or takes off and heads for his futon. But it IS amazing, quite astonishing to see, never mind, to FEEL! He obviously doesn't mean to inflict any sort of pain. But there seems to be some sort of “instinctual need to preen”. What-ever it is, I, most certainly, don't mind it at all, and, in fact, I consider it quite the HONOUR... It's as if I'm “one of the flock” (even though Yonah and I are now our own “flock”, as it were). (I still have to edit the video from yesterday and post it.)
Oh, and on the matter of “video”... I'm not sure “how”, but he's come to know when I'm about to take photos or videos because the moment I get the camera in hand... he's off! He's become “camera shy” (or, just annoyed by the “paparazzi” aspect of it all... or... maybe he's telling me “Listen now! It's been a YEAR of this nonsense and you've got my web-site PACKED! Ease-up here!”) To tell the truth, the project I had this morning was to send-off a birthday card and with it... about 15 photos that I'd just printed yesterday... 15... out of just over 3000! (Thankfully, I'm sure, not ALL of the 3000 have been posted to his web-site but... Hey! I find him indescribably fascinating and he IS my Heart and Soul so... I take photos!)
Just briefly mentioning: I DID manage to get today's project completed and in the post on time. And I'm just as amazed as can be because the work was FULL of “distractions”. (ALL of which, to be certain, were just delightful.)
AND... this morning, I completed the first step toward taking a course in “Bird Rescue and Rehab”! January is dedicated to the first actual course because all the “holidays” will be done, and Yonah and I will be facing a good 3 months of actual “Winter”... cold, grey, dreary. So I'll hunker-down with him, in the comfort of his room, the JOY of his company, and together, we'll work on this course. I'm excited about it and doing it not so much for any particular purpose other than to learn what I should, can and must do for Yonah, in the absence of near-by vets. Not to mention the lingering memory of when Yonah first came into my life and I was “referred to the 'bird people'” who simply shrugged him off with a “Put it in a box with some paper and make it as comfortable as possible for...” I don't believe THAT will EVER leave my mind. Then too, there's a possibility that another Little One might need care at some time in future. I HOPE, with ALL of my Heart, that it never happens, but, here, in the mountains, with people who have “loose cats” and the other “natural predators”... I NEVER want to experience the helplessness, and the worthlessness I felt with Yonah. So, with proper training, they, the Little Ones, and I, stand a better chance, should the need ever present. Anyway, I'm REALLY looking forward to this. And, I dare say, should Yonah's “time” come before I'm done, well... I'll be trying to make sure that that doesn't happen. Also, I keep in mind, Yonah's age, as I've already mentioned in this Journal. I want to know what I can do... “then”, and to make sure that he NEVER suffers. He's the breaths I take, and I'll be the BEST-humanly-possible for him... no matter what.
We had the day together, for the most part, but I had some errands to run this after-noon and was away for about 45 minutes. (Some might think it “completely off” but I SO miss him when I have to be away. But I almost “roar” along the roads to make my absence as short as possible.) When I came back into the house, I IMMEDIATELY called “Where's my BESTEST?” and I heard the whistle of wings in his room. He'd come to his door perch and stood there... and when I walked into his room... WING-SNAP! I can almost hear “WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?” and I can't help but think of the references to dogs, and how, when their people are away, even for a moment, the greeting is always similar to “OH THANK GOODNESS YOU'RE BACK! I'VE BEEN SITTING HER FOR DAYS, WORRIED ABOUT YOU, WONDERING WHERE YOU'D GONE AND WHY YOU WERE AWAY FOR SO LONG!” WELL, Dear Reader, make careful note: MOURNING DOVES ARE QUITE THE SAME! The cuddles, snuggles and kisses from Yonah are very much the very same. I'm supposing that he's just come to the point where it's a matter of fact, of me being “there” during the day... ALL through the day, with the exception of a lunch and meal break. And even then, he knows that I'm in the house some-where, because he sees me moving about and hears me. So when the house goes “still”... I wonder: does he have a sense of “time”? It's said that dogs don't. But I'm of the belief that mourning doves are quite a LOT more BRILLIANT than they're given credit for. (Yonah's been an absolute MARVEL to me over this past year, with the brilliance he's show in so many ways. I've no doubt he senses “time”, even if my the position of “light” in his room, and out-side his window.) No matter what, it's also another aspect of “Companionship” and THAT is a point that I've come to learn is of the HIGHEST PRIORITY! Yonah WANTS companionship... even when he doesn't want “contact”. He takes comfort in knowing that he's not “alone”. (And... he seldom ever is. I see to that.)
And we had another “snooze” today. And yes, again, I'd no sooner reclined on the futon, hadn't even the chance to reach for a blanket and he was over with me, on the pillow at my head! And when, 10 minutes later, I looked up, there he was, at my head, waiting for me to get up. This isn't a “coincidence” any more. He sees me lay down on the futon and he comes over, intentionally, and stays with me until I get up. (I always wonder what the “experts” would have to say on this matter.)
And as I went about some paper-work during the day, he obviously wanted to know what I was doing, what was going on. And I remember reading about doves taking “active interest” in the goings-on around a house, with a family and such and, well... CONFIRMED! He will actually get to a place where he can “roost”... and watch my every move. And when I look up at him, he's staring directly at me. He's “interested”.
One thing I have to note: calling some-one a “bird brain” has meant to be an insult. Well, just goes to prove how little “people” actually know... particularly about “birds” and, I dare say... mourning doves!
So came the close of our day as the sun disappeared SO EARLY! (Thankfully, the “solstice” is arrives in 5 days and our sun will disappear a bit later as the following days pass... Yonah and I will have a little more time each day to be together!) Immediately after I'd done the washing-up from evening meal, we closed the blinds and curtains. Today was a magnificently warm day. (In fact, I had the doors open for most of it... fresh air in the house!) But our “delight” ends tonight and tomorrow brings back “December”, so I close the blinds and curtains to keep any “chills” out BEFORE they start coming in. And, I put the back board on right away so that I wouldn't have to disturb Yonah with moving his house about later. I'd brought the board over to hook it onto his house and he saw it and wanted to let me know that he wasn't “quite ready for 'seepie-nigh-night'”! He headed for his futon! But, when I'd put the board up, situated his house back in its place and sat at the work table, he realised that I wasn't going to press the “bed-time” issue and came over to his “extended perch” above my left shoulder and there, he was quite comfy, watching me tidy the work table and get ready to “close work” for the day. BUT... about 20 minutes later, he was on his door perch, in the warmth of his radiator, and when I looked up, his head as rested between his shoulders and his eyes were closed. It was time. I got up, we woke, I gave him a cuddle and softly said “It's time my Little Heart and Soul. You get your rest. We have ALL day tomorrow again.” and as I lifted my head away, he went up to his little “friend in the mirror” and gave a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”. It was “seepie-nigh-night” time. So I got his house ready, put the “roof board” on and Yonah took his place on his perch for the night. A few kisses, a cuddle against the face and... my Little Heart and Soul was tucked-in for the night.
Thankfully, last night's winds stopped before I'd gone to bed, and this morning, the world was still again. And tonight, even MORE thankfully, the night is still and quiet. The temperatures are expected to start dropping, a 10-degree drop from the 14° at present. (NOT a “negative” number though! That's a relief!) But come Sunday night... -15°! Not quite the -20s or 30s (yet), but... it's a comfort to me to know that Yonah will be, as he is tonight, in a nice warm place, protected from the elements. He hasn't had to deal with them for 14 months now... and, as long as we both take breath... he never will... and I'll see to that. Fresh food. Fresh water. Clean housing. A nice pool with a fountain. Bird-songs and music to listen to... complete run (flight) of the entire house... and my LOVE and ADORATION. Nothing “too good” and never “good enough” for my Little Guy.
And... since I did my errands today... We'll be together tomorrow! YAY... for US!
Friday 17 December:
It was a day with-out electric! Last night we'd had a wind storm that caused the windows to whistle and the walls of the old 200-plus-year old house to literally “SNAP”! And the forecast foretold of the “worst” to hit at 4.00 this morning. So I went to bed, set an alarm for 4.00 and when I woke, all was well... but an hour later: darkness! Well, that, in and of itself was nothing to panic over but I got up to check on Yonah to make sure his room was still warm. No electric, no heating, and it's December, and we're careening into Winter now. His room was still comfortably warm and I get busy making sure the house didn't manage to take a chill with what-ever was available.
Well, the sun managed to make an appearance and at 8.00, I went in to “check” on Yonah who hadn't made a sound all morning. There he was, waiting, so patiently. As I opened the curtains and removed the night boards, we chatted about last night's winds and noises. I was thankful that the noises didn't bother him. If they HAD done, I would have known because he coo's steadily when “odd noises or sounds” startle him for any reason.
Ah, but when it came time to perform the “changing of the waters”... we had NONE! The water is from a well and when the power is gone, so too, the pump! SO... THAT part of “morning routine” couldn't be done this morning. Although, since Yonah isn't up and about during the night and he sleeps at the other side of his house, the water in his pool is clean in the morning. (I change it twice daily “just to be on the safe side, where cleanliness is concerned and to make sure that there's nothing in the water as it goes through the little pump for his fountain.) Like-wise, no power, no pump, no “fountain”. Ah, but Yonah's new “MP3 Player” was charged and too, the old “speakers” so BIRD-SONGS PLAYED! At least there was SOME semblance of “normalcy” to the morning.
As the sun rose and the remaining winds calmed, Yonah's room brightened and warmed during the day. As a matter of fact, his is always the warmest room in the house during Winter because it gets the most direct sun-light (short as the while might be), so that was quite a relief to me. And once the brightness began pouring in, Yonah became more energetic and was ALL OVER his room during the day.
Matter of fact, I had some work to do in his room (changing the electric outlet/receptacle, for example) and as I moved about in the room, he literally followed me, even to where, as I was working on the wall under the work table, he was either beside me on the floor, watching (HEY! SUPERVISOR!) or on the work table looking down. Oh, but YES, indeed... IN FACT, he's living up to the reputation of doves: they DO take an ACTIVE interest in the goings-on in a house-hold (apparently, especially in THEIR house)! It was comforting and consoling to me, because my primary concern was, as it always is, Yonah's comfort and well-being.
An “aside”: this morning, I'd dozed back to sleep after checking the situation at 4.00 and what actually woke me was a terrible dream in which I was YELLING, IN PANIC, AT A ROOM-FULL OF PEOPLE... “WHERE'S YONAH‽ WHERE IS YONAH‽ *WHERE* IS YONAH‽ *WHERE IS YONAH‽” I don't recall how the dream began, don't know where, exactly, I was, but there had been some kind of emergency or disaster, Yonah was in the house where we all were, but I had to get him out to safety and couldn't find him! I woke, in an absolute horrified panic... and, oddly enough, at first, I noticed how dark the house was, thought, “Oh, that's nice.” because the horrid, intrusive, repulsive “LED” street-light wasn't invading the house for a change and as I began to doze off again I thought “NO STREET LIGHT‽ The power is out! Yonah's radiator is off! The furnace won't run!” and that's when I got up to check him.
Now, during this brilliantly sunny day, I got to other little chores that I could attend with-out the use of electric and in between, primarily because of a restless sleep last night, I was tired so I took three little “snoozes” during the day. AND EACH TIME I WOKE, YONAH WAS RESTING, ON MY HIP, COMFORTABLY! He's like my “Guardian Angel”, my “body guard”, my “watch-man”. And, as he does, when he sees my eyes open, he comes up to the pillow, gives me a peck on the face and goes on about his own affairs. He literally “watches over” me in my sleep! I suppose WE ARE... “THE FLOCK” now. WE “watch-over” one-another.
But the BEST “event” of the day was when the power was restored this evening, just before sun-set.
I'd turned his “FullSpec” light on, to give him a brighter environment, which I do of an evening, and went about preparing my evening meal and catching-up with other little duties that required the power we didn't have during the day. AND AS I WAS PREPARING THE MEAL, I HAPPENED TO GLANCE INTO YONAH'S ROOM TO FIND HIM... IN HIS POOL! HE WAS BATHING! It was almost 17.00, and out-side, the sun had set, the sky was darkening AND YONAH WAS BATHING! (I'm grateful that the water in his pool was still clean... and, because it had been put in there last night, it was warm... room temperature at the very least, so it was a nice warm bath.) When he saw me looking in, he gave a splash and hopped out, came to his door, hopped up on this door perch and gave a little ruffle and stood there appearing SO REFRESHED! It's what I call “Cuteness Over-Load”! And he gave a “Come on over!” wing-snap. So when I got to him, he was SO affectionate, so full of spirit. He was delighted!
He MUST have sensed something “odd”, something “not quite correct” all during the day, and I wonder if the slight changes, like not changing his water this morning and the absence of the fountain splashing wasn't noticed. And when the light went on, even though the waters hadn't been changed and the fountain wasn't on, just the light told him that “things were returning to normal”. Or, did he sense my general anxieties during the day because, ALL through the day, and especially as it got closer to sun-set, I was heavily concerned about how I could keep him warm through the night, if we were to be with-out power, and tonight is expected to be quite cold. I mean, I can wrap in blankets for warmth and protection, but I wasn't sure how to provide him with the same. I was planning on staying up through the night, and, being on his futon, there, in case he wanted to be near me. I was wondering how, and if he'd permit me to keep him in a blanket of some sort, close, for warmth. It was a thought that did weigh me and my “mood” quite heavily through the day. But, when the power was restored I was feeling so much better and... well... Did he sense that? I wouldn't doubt it, at all, for even the briefest moment. He's EXTREMELY perceptive, and has shown that he “knows” when I'm pre-occupied with something. Ah... these little Beings. (And again, to think that there are people who find thrill, fun, delight in out-right murdering them... for “sport”. Humanity can certainly be out-right repulsively sick.)
Well, well, well then. We DID manage to make it through the day and tonight, radiator on, after I'd done the washing-up, the pool and drinking waters got changed, and Yonah's house got “tidied” and he was obviously just DELIGHTED! So energetic, SO affectionate! But sadly, it was already, by then, time to “wind the day down”. So the “NatSpec” light went off, the desk lamp on, the bird-songs stopped (all the other little birdies were off to sleep). I spent more time with Yonah, as he flew about, onto my shoulder, and we sat a while on his futon. I closed his windows against the night, put up his night boards... It took only the slightest “coaxing” and he was in his house, on his perch. He was ready to wrap this day up!
So, kisses good night were exchanged at about 19.30 and lights were put out.
I'm seriously considering a night on his futon tonight, for company... his and mine, after this day. We shall see how it works out when MY time for “seepie-nigh-night” arrives. (After all, I hadn't access to the computer to record the day, and am only just now, at day's close, getting round to it and posting.)
Well? We made it through this little challenge today... Winter is a mere 4 days away now and as December gives way to January and January to February... Sunday night is supposed to plummet to -15° (not telling what the “chill” will be), but after today, Yonah and I are prepared. Today was a good “trial run”. We're going to be just fine! (And certainly better than last year at this time when, as I look back on his room, his “accommodations”, so horrible in comparison to today's, and I recall how HORRIBLY HEAVY my heart and soul were, hoping that he'd recover from his injuries, hoping that he'd be strong enough to return to the flock, just hoping that he'd make it through the Winter months... These days bear NO resemblance to ANY of that... My heart and soul just delight and rejoice in every passing second we've had together, have now... and will have. SO VERY MUCH has become SO VERY different in my Life... and ALL because of this little feathered bundle of a Heaven's Divine Grace!)
Saturday 18 December:
This morning, I woke, on Yonah's futon, because I'd spent the night there, making sure he was safe, sound and secure, after a day, yesterday, where he was obviously not comfortable with the oddities of the day. I noticed that HE noticed that there was something just “not right”, not “normal. Surely, he brightened-up when the power was restored, especially when his “NatSpec” light was turned on. And, although his “bird-songs” played through the day, he just wasn't “Yonah”. And I hadn't been at the work table for most of the day, typing or other-wise working along. And yes, he was quieter, as though he was anticipating something “untoward”. So, I decided that I'd see to it that he knew he wasn't “alone” through the night, and we did have a peaceful night together. (And, to be honest, I did sleep much better, knowing he was right there.)
And this morning, when I opened my eyes, the very first sight was Yonah, on his perch, “nestled”, as he does, his head resting between his wings, safe, and comfortable. His room was delightfully and comfortably warm. He must have known that he wasn't alone last night, and that all was “well” again.
He didn't make a sound until he realised that I was awake. He must have noticed that my eyes were open and that I was looking at him when, suddenly... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”! So I replied with the same and he again, replied with the same coo. We were awake, we were up, we were ready to take on another day... together! It was SUCH a delight, SUCH an UP-LIFTING feeling of Peace and Joy! Just indescribable in its GLORY! And with-in moments, I was up, opening his windows to the grey morning. But, the dim light was most welcome, obviously, because Yonah took to bouncing about in his house as I opened windows and opened the door to his house.
We exchanged more “coo's” and kisses and cuddles before getting on with the rest of the “morning routine” which, I could see, he was enjoying. As I prepared to change the water in his pool, he was off, in flight, to his futon, on the pillows, up on his wall shelves. He was “animated”. And as I made the trips from kitchen to pool and back again, he watched, with care, as I passed.
As I finished and things settled, he flew to his perch where, with a “wing-snap” he let me know that I'd done a good job and now it was time for REAL “Good morning LUVIN”! So we “jousted” a bit, cuddled, kissed and coo'ed for a while before I went to the kitchen to have my morning coffee. (Oh yes, “morning routine” supersedes ALL else! That's just a matter of fact, a matter of life! A matter of how a morning MUST be... unless I wake before he does, in which case, I have my morning coffee as I wait for him to wake and call me.)
About an hour later, I was established at “my place at the work table”, Yonah was “lounging” in the little “moss nest” that he's made for himself in his house from where he can watch to make sure I'm where I ought to be, and the morning was under-way.
All was well and at about 11.00 the snows of today's forecast began. It was a chilly morning “out there” and Yonah moved up to his roof, under the brilliance of his “NatSpec” light and, in the warmth of his room, was able to look out as the trees and grasses disappeared under a blanket of white. I got up to talk with him and he came over to me, gave a wing-snap and we exchanged kisses and pecks. I said “Look at that! The snows are falling! But you don't have to even think about such things. There's no cold here. And you don't have to go looking for breakfast or water. You can rest and relax, and if you want, you can head out to the living-room or where-ever you want to go... There's nothing that can harm you, chill you or cause you any discomfort in here. And I live to make sure that that's the way it will always be for you.” He returned to his little “platform” on his roof and I returned to the work table.
We were together, for the entire day today. My only “breaks” were to step out for today's post, a mid-day coffee. And we took “play breaks” as well! I had a 20-minute snooze... WE had a 20-minute snooze. I'd no sooner gotten up and onto the futon when, from his “moss nest”, Yonah came SOARING over, onto my shoulder and, as he headed for the pillow, he stopped, briefly, to peck at my nose, as if to tell “I'll be right here.”
I dozed-off for several good moments and was awakened by the “pitter-patter” of little feet, walking lightly, from my shoulder to my hip... to my knees... down to my feet. OK. It was time to get up and get back to the day. Between waking this morning to Yonah, his soft “coo's” and being awakened by him toddling on me, this day was so absolutely WONDERFUL! And indeed, because I had things to do at the work table, because I had NOTHING that would take me out of the house, because of the snows falling... we DID have the entire day... together... un-disturbed.
Yonah (I?) got an e-mail today, from Deborah, who re-assured that, should weather get bad, electric go out, we were both welcome at her house. Yesterday, Dan, from next door, made the very same offer saying “Just come over.” I don't believe either of them could ever really know the PEACE that gives me, to know that Yonah has places of safety to go to, in times of need. Yesterday's most difficult moments were when I worried about having no power and the house getting cold. As I'd said, I'm able to wrap in extra blankets to keep warm. And although we've only “played”, briefly, when I've put a blanket over Yonah, I doubt he'd be comfortable with that for too long. And the only way I can think of to make sure that he's protected and kept warm would be to get him under a blanket with me... some-how. Well? Now, it's just a matter of using his “previous house” and either going next-door in the back, or down the road... to a house where there will be warmth, and people who love him too. It's SO deeply appreciated and such a comfort to me. After all... none of this is about “me”... ALL of this is about Yonah... and apparently, there are others who appreciate that as well.
And so, the day rolled along and the snows fell and accumulated. Yonah was quite comfy on his roof, in the light. And when he wasn't, we played and chatted.
This evening, after meal (SO EARLY... it was only but about 17.45 and the night had truly come), we did the “evening routine” and Yonah had a bit of dinner... and we re-settled for the remaining hours together. I returned to the work table after some “jousting” and playing... in Yonah's house, on the futon... he was all over the room for a while there. At about 18.30, the NatSpec light went out and we started to wind-down by the light of the desk lamp. And as I sat, noting today's events for his Journal, he positioned himself on his “extended” perch, over my shoulder and began to doze... So, 19.55, a bit later than the 19.30 hour, it was time for “tuck-in”. Yonah made a quick trip over to his orange tree, beside his house, as if to say “Oh no. Not yet.” but it didn't take anything but reaching over to him and he was on my arm, and when I brought him to his door... he hopped in, went over to his little reflection in the corner and gave a “Good night coo”. It was time.
Kisses to me and a cuddle, and the light went out.
Our day together had some to a close and it was time for sleep.
What a glorious day... the snows falling so softly, the radio and bird-songs... time together with the VERY BEST COMPANION ANYBODY COULD EVEN IMAGINE! And tonight, the house is warm, Yonah's room is warm, hopefully all will stay that way. The snows are due to stop in a few hours so I won't worry about power lines coming down. And tomorrow? Ah... tomorrow, there's nothing on the agenda except putting a few more photos onto Yonah's site and a bit of other “things”... ALL, in the house... together! (One of which is “baking”... so I can work in the kitchen and if Yonah has any desire to, he can come to the kitchen to watch... and we can keep one-another company there too.) It might be a bit surprising to some, that I have this much to do in the house, but it's Winter and there's no “yard work”, and I don't live near any “places of interest” and no “shopping centres” so I have no need nor use of any of that sort of thing. And truly, there's ALWAYS some sort of “catching-up” or other duties to attend... II tend to “stagger”... intentionally.
For now... my Little Guy gets to rest, sleep, safely, warm... and tonight, I will too, knowing that he's well, safe, warm and sound.
Sunday 19 December:
7.37... nice hour to be “called” this morning. And I was at the ready!
The sun hadn't really even started to rise over the Eastern hills, but, apparently, either somebody's “internal clock” struck or there was just enough light coming in through the curtains to say “Day's up! Time to get rolling here!” No matter, and what-ever, Yonah wanted his room open and my heart and soul were FULL!
Sure enough... when I walked into his room, he was on his “night perch” but VERY MUCH awake, and he looked directly at me as if saying “Well? Where have you been?” (If anybody insists that doves don't have “facial expressions”, they've either not spent much time with one or they just haven't paid attention. Yonah most certainly DOES have “nuanced expressions”, for lack of a better terminology. He can look quite “inquisitive”, as well as “happy” about something, and, indeed, to be sure, there's a stance he takes and a way of holding his head when he either wants to play or he's angry about something. He DOES have his ways of making his “feelings” shown, and I'll swear to it, no matter what might be said or claimed to the contrary.)
It was nice, this morning, to open the curtains and blinds to a clear sky and knowing that the sun would, in due course, come to bring its warmth to Yonah's room. And he seemed to be quite pleased that the “normal morning routine” was back, after the “changes” from the absence of electric (and the quiet... and no fountain splashing) and maybe even the fact that I wasn't in the room all night. What-ever it was, Yonah was pleased and was off and about his own “morning routine” of checking “the birds in the mirrors”, bidding them a “Good morning” and then, supervising my work as I changed the water in his pool and tidied his house.
As I say, it was a wonderfully clear day today and the only thing that “dragged” me away from Yonah this morning was the 30 minutes or so that I needed when I went to shovel yesterday's snow off the back walk (which I NEEDED to do in order to serve “brunch” - at that time - to the birds out back).
A note on the “birds in the yard”.... I'm becoming quite concerned that there haven't been but a few blue jays of late and about 4 or 5 juncos. No mourning doves, no cardinals... There's been PLENTY of food there for them, but the only ones coming round of late are the squirrels. And when I was out shovelling today, I noticed that there aren't many birds about at all... even in the trees. It's been “empty”, and the worst came with the previous wind storm of about a week ago (not this most recent). My HOPE is that the Little Ones had to find stronger, more protective shelter else-where and that no harm has come to them.
Down the road, a neighbour has had a MAGNIFICENT WHITE PIGEON frequenting her house since the beginning of the colder weather. In fact, I was going there in the mornings to make sure there was food for her in their absence. Right after the first wind-storm, the pigeon (now named “Pearl”) disappeared. It's not that there isn't enough good, strong shelter on the property. There are 3 barns, at least, with access, and stands of pine (although it's white pine and not good, sturdy fir), where “Pearl” could have taken shelter. So, of course, we're quite concerned (and yes, worried as well) about Pearl.
But this absence of even blue jays has me most concerned.
(I try to amuse me thinking: this is the period of the “Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count” so I wonder if the birds haven't gone into hiding... just to play “hard to count”. OK. So I DO know better... although... Do I? But it's a lighter thought than many others that cross my mind... Wind, birds, owls, hawks... &c.)
MEAN-WHILE... Yonah is here, in his room, in his house and today, he was ALL OVER his room! And he's REALLY showing a liking for being on... THE FLOOR! It really IS endearing to see him, toddling about the room, and when I look down (which I do FREQUENTLY now because he even seems to like being under the chair, which concerns me because I can't see him, so, before moving my feet, I have to check for him), he's, as I say, under the chair or standing behind the chair or... quite often, right beside the chair. Other-wise, he's taken to walking about, “exploring” all the little places he can find, under the shelf where his house is, or under the futon. He's even showing an “interest” in going out of his door... but, strangely, he prefers walking to it and not flying. He DID make it to the kitchen, once, quite some time ago, but, for some reason, he's not fond of actually leaving his room, unless he's on my shoulder.
And to that point, I had a LOT of baking to get done today so I spent the greater part of the after-noon in the kitchen and Yonah spent that time in his “moss nest”. Every once in a while, he'd “call out” and when I called back or came in to see him, he appeared “re-assured” that he wasn't alone in the house. I tried to bring him out to the kitchen. There are places for him to “roost” and he's not really any stranger to the room... nor to the kitchen table (as is obvious by the photos of the evening he “joined me for dinner”). I'm thinking it might have something to do with the fact that, even with the lights on, the kitchen isn't as bright as his room. His room in on the South side of the house... the kitchen, on the North, and especially these Winter days, although it isn't actually “dark”, it surely isn't as bright as his room. I wonder... but I don't suppose I'll ever really “know”.
But I had music playing as I worked, so there was sound in rooms other than his own. And in his own, his bird-songs played and too, the radio (very low volume though). I thought maybe that would “attract” him some-how, and entice him to come out to join me as I worked, but no. He has so little actual interest in any other room. And I find that quite interesting. Maybe, one of these days, maybe when the sun shifts again, maybe when the rest of the house is a bit warmer... We shall see. I'm still VERY MUCH in the “learning process”, and I doubt I'll EVER come to “know enough”. But it is as I say frequently, a never-ending education, and one that delights EVERY moment of EVERY day.
OH, AND... we had TWO short “lie-downs” together today. Because it was such a busy day, there were only two and each was only but about 15 minutes, but, it HAS become a “regular routine” now: the very moment I go to the futon, Yonah comes over, from where-ever he might be at the time, and as soon as I lay down, he comes up to the pillow to get comfortable there, at the top of my head. And when HE finds that it's time to get up again, he toddles across my head, to my shoulder, down the full length of my body and to my feet where he'll peck at my ankle or toe until I make some sort of movement or give him a “coo”. He's SUCH a character, I just can't say enough about it. And it's fascinating that he simply takes it for granted than he's able to simply “walk” the full length of my body, stopping where he wants, for as long as he wants, with NO concern at all. (One of the MAJOR reasons why we only “nap” this way and I don't DARE to even ponder the notion of spending a night on his futon with him free to fly about or, even if he'd stay in one place, if not on the back of the futon, well... I daren't even think of the consequences.) But it's endearing, it's precious and these moments will always be forever-cherished.
So, the baking and “kitchen duty” ran into “meal” time and I just rolled from one to the other and made quick business of my evening meal so that I could get back to Yonah's room and, I WILL say, he appeared to be SO HAPPY when I came in... He was on his futon, and I sat down beside him and he came over and hopped onto my lap and gave a “wing-snap”. It was “Us Together” time. Of note here: it isn't just the “presence in the room” that matters to him. He makes it VERY clear that he wants “contact”. He WANTS to be touched. So we “jousted” and I gave him the light “scratching” on the back, to which he responded as he does: he “accepts” just so much, then toddles away AND THEN COMES BACK FOR MORE! It's a little game of “tag” or “catch me if you can”. Oh yes, it's quite clearly a fact: He DOES enjoy the touch. But then, I'm sure that, being a “flock-oriented” Little One, mourning doves probably DO need the “touch” of another, and, sadly, the best Yonah has for that is... me... for all I'm worth. Anyway, we had quite a few moments of “playing” that way and he enjoyed it so.
Well... tonight... it leaves us with a shortening day tomorrow, Monday, and then Tuesday... our “longest night” and then... THEN... our day's will lengthen, nights will shorten again! I'm looking forward to that. But tonight is supposed to be quite cold... -15° with a “chill” of -19°! (Not quite the lowest of the lows we'll most-likely be getting come the end of January and through February, but still... quite cold.) My heart breaks for the Little One out-side in this weather (and I'm worse with worry when it's colder). When we, Yonah and I, had our little “evening chat” this evening, it was mentioned and as I spoke, I recalled LAST December. Yonah had been in this house for only 2 months, really, and his “house” was much smaller, and sat on the old work table, at the window. I was still learning what I could do for him, and his room was still more of a “spare” than “occupied”. He wasn't in “poor housing conditions”. He did have his large, what they call a “flight cage” (but for finches). Still, although I did my best to try to give it all a sense of the out-doors... it was NOTHING like it is today! And... I was still under the impression that he would be leaving, come the warmer weather so we really didn't have much in the way of conversation, contact... true “companionship”. And his wing was some-what, though not completely healed so he really wasn't able to take any sort of flight at all.
Ah... to look at things today... it seems impossible that he'd started as he did. And he DOES seem to enjoy his surroundings and he IS doing SO much better now... and especially after that last moulting! (My heart STILL breaks to think that he ought to be back out with his flock, but, truly, now more-so than ever, it would, most-likely mean his death. I watch him fly in the house and can see that short distance is OK but there's still and awkwardness to his flights. He'd NEVER be able to escape an attack! And, although I'm SURE he'd re-learn to forage, well... Would he tolerate not having food and water immediately available now? Again, I'll never know for certain.) But no matter what I wonder about him being “out” again, it isn't now and never will be “necessary” to “try” because, well, we've become a “flock” and my heart is SO FULL of LOVE and ADORATION, that, no matter the length of time... I'm here for him for the duration. AND... if... (GODS FORBID) it should ever come to it, I KNOW there's an equally LOVING and CARING HEART not so very far away who will, with all gladness, take him in to carer for him at least ALMOST as obsessively as I do. Hey! It's a FAR CRY from our earlier days... when I had NO clue as to what I needed to do for him and, honestly, I had NO-ONE to turn to for even the simplest advice. It's been quite a year... indeed.
Well... it's 19.54... I was just getting ready for “tuck-in” but noticed Yonah having a bit of a snack so... First of all, seeing him eating is one of the utmost GREATEST JOYS OF MY BEING! I know he's feeling well, has an appetite and will eat. And I remember a veterinarian asking about a little cat that had shown-up one HORRIDLY BITTER Winter day, and had developed a GRUESOME abscess that required some severe medical attention: “Is he eating”? Oh, he was, and I was making sure he had nothing but the best food I could get for him. When I said “Yes. Very well.” her reply was “GOOD! As long as he's eating we have a good chance.” I'd come to learn later that, when the Little Ones feel that there's nothing left to live for, they'll stop eating. So... EVERY time I see Yonah eating, I'm comforted. And too, when he eats before going to sleep, I rest better knowing his little crop is full, he'll digest during the night... he's got nourishment to take him through the night.
Ah, but... as soon as he'd done eating... came “the call”... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”. It was “time”. He was tired and it was time to put his roof board on (since I'd already put the back board on when I closed-up his curtains and blinds earlier), the desk light out and settle-in for the night. Yes, he DOES call for that as well. A call in the morning to open the room... and a call in the evening when he's tired. (HOW he came to know that I'd respond to these calls is... well... I'll say “BRILLIANCE”... Surely others will say “Coincidence” or some kind of “instinct” or another. But, the fact remains: Yonah is, essentially, still a “wild Little One” who has NO cause or reason to “know” to call for waking and sleeping. And yet... he's done this all along. So? So... I let the reader decide.
So our day comes to a close. The house is warm. Yonah's radiator is close enough so that the warmth rises to him through the night. He has no worries about being warm, no worries about having food and fresh water. He has NO need to be concerned with or about ANYTHING coming to harm him as he sleeps. And my Heart is at peace... knowing all of these things are attended, and my LITTLE HEART AND SOUL is safe and sound.
Tomorrow? Well... tomorrow will take care of itself... and we'll take care on one-another. I'll see to it that his house and home are safe and clean, there's plenty of food and water. He'll have conversation, the music of his bird-songs and radio, it's supposed to be sunny again so he'll have brilliant sun-light and the warmth that it brings to his house... and... we'll both have our COMPANIONSHIP AND LOVE! Another day...
Monday 20 December:
This morning came around late, it being the “second longest night of the year, and it was a “sleep-in” sort of morning... so it would seem. But, when I went in to check on Yonah at about 8.00, OH! but he WAS awake! AND he was in a mood for “contact”! The LOVING, the affections, the general “LOVE ME” was SO HEART-WARMING (in this morning's -18° out-side). The point of it all though... he was up, awake, and WELL! And THAT is ALL that mattered to me. And he “played” with me as I went about changing the water in his pool and tidying his house, hopping onto my arm and hand, pecking away, and “making with the wing-snaps”. I'll never know why some days he's very affectionate and other days, not so much. But I tend to wonder what sort of night he'd had when, first thing in the morning, he seems to almost “demand” affection. It puts me in a mind to look for another dove for him. If only I could know that he wouldn't resent “sharing” his house or, worse yet, simply reject a “mate”, a “companion”. As I've said, the thought of bringing in another dove, who would be ignored, avoided, and simply, perhaps, just “abused” because, well, Yonah's had his own domain for over a year now... I just couldn't bear the situation. So I continue to “consider” taking the chance. And again I say, the other dove will HAVE to be “adoption” from some-one who, perhaps, has taken care of another one, much as I've done with Yonah, and for what-ever reason, is now unable to continue. I just do NOT want to support a “business” of “buying and selling” these Little Ones. The notion just repulses me, sickens me. So I'll just have to keep looking and one day... perhaps... if it's meant to be.
Anyway, the “morning routine” was interesting and, I have to say, fun, this morning.
And this morning was only JUST “indicative” of how the rest of the day was to go... and WOW... WHAT a day we had together!
 I was at the work table for most of the day, sorting through photos and videos that needed to be put onto his web-site and as I worked, he was ALL OVER his room! Today was another “flight day” and he was getting his exercise, to be sure! It SO does my heart and soul the GREATEST GOOD to see him active, and flying about. It's a bit painful for me though, to see that he honestly can't do speed and distance. He has no interest in going any farther than shelves, house, the floor, futon, work table. The door to his room is open, and, as I've said previously, he'll walk to the door, has walked out to the kitchen once, but won't take wing any farther. The ONLY times he's ever actually made the flight from living-room to his room were when I'd brought him out on my shoulder. (Still, imagine... he KNOWS how to get back to his room and his house, even though he's seldom have to do so on his own. Let's talk about “BRILLIANT”... I could write a major TOME-FULL!) But seeing him in flight, hearing that whistle of his wings, knowing that he's getting his exercise, keeping the circulation going... it does me good.
And when he wasn't air-borne, or “ensconced” in one of his several “favourite places”... he was on my shoulder, my head... and on the work-table, looking at and watching every movement of my fingers, as if trying to figure out just what was going on there. He's SO, SO VERY CURIOUS about SO MUCH these days! It's absolutely AMAZING to see him, acknowledging my place in the room, and my activities... never mind, ANY activity in the house. But for me, the very best of it all is that he's so energetic and active! AND... that he sees me as a “friend”, at the very least. He has no fear or trepidation about coming right over, landing where-ever it suits him best, and just getting comfy there until, well, he decides there's something, some-where else in the room that requires his attention.
Oh... today's “NEW” item... He's been picking at the moss in his house, bringing bits and strands up to his “loft platform”, or just tossing them about... even into his pool! My heart is breaking thinking he's trying to build a nest... for a mate! I'm truly at the point now where, I'm about to contact some local “rescues” to see if they'd allow me to adopt a nice little “lady dove” for him. (I'm going to get through this new “Rescue, Rehab, Release” course as quickly as I can, not, of course, at the expense of not learning, but to get the “Certification”. And I have to find a “local” course as well... Surely they'll help in my searches for a little Some-dovey for Yonah. Not, of course, that I don't have “documentation” of our 14 months together. But I'm sure some sort of “recognition form” can't hurt my efforts.) But it's more of the fascination that is “Yonah”... and, I like to see him about, active. That part gives me some peace of mind and spirit, seeing him so busy... and not “mourning” his solitude (which he really doesn't have, but, after all, I'm not the “perfect” company... no matter how I try... even to the point of trying to learn his “coo patterns”.)
And on the matter of a “mate”, I still have Yonah's old “house” which was perfectly suited for him at the time and, now that he's out and about all day, would still be just fine, so, if the “little lady” and he don't quite “jibe”, as it were, for ALL the while, she can certainly have her own little place... and I can MORE than easily configure the room for both of them so they can be together when they want to be and... have their “space” when they want. And “expense”? SURELY it won't be any more. Yes, there are other matters of nutrition and such for a female, but... ALL the basic necessities are here! All we need now is... the little Mrs. Taube. SOON... I hope... I certainly HOPE.
This evening... we had quite an “interesting little incident” too. In the evening, I close one of Yonah's windows, drawing blinds and curtains against the night chill, but I leave one window open for him, so as not to “close the room”. It seems he sees his reflection in the glass and I've noticed him notice it before. BUT... THIS EVENING, as I was having meal in the kitchen, I heard the unmistakable fluttering of “panic” (yes, I'm attuned to the differences in his wing-sounds now). Looking up, I saw him BEHIND his house, between it and the window! By the time I got to his room, he was no-where to be seen! I looked at the window, behind and in the curtains... under his house, all over the floor... it seemed as if he'd vanished! There was no “exit” from the room other than his door, but he hadn't come out that way. I was absolutely perplexed! But... looking by the windows, there he was... he'd managed to make his way to a “remote” corner of the work table, on the little shelf that has his desk lamp and radio on it, behind his orange tree! he wasn't injured, but when he looked up at me, it seemed he was thinking “Well! Would you just look at this! HOW did I manage to get HERE?” So, as I put my hand down to let him know that I was here, all was well, he hopped up onto my hand, climbed up my arm and when he had the chance, flew up and out and off to the futon from where he rested, just as comfortably as he could, and just looked at me. It put me so much in mind of cats, and how they'll stumble or take some sort of mis-step and after a slight disaster, simply get an expression of “Happened just as I planned.” no matter the consequences. One thing I've learnt from this: from now on, when there's no light out-side his windows... the curtains get closed. He has his new “Full Spectrum” light now anyway, so the room won't be in darkness. But I have to make certain that there's no “reflection in the glass to entice”. Meanwhile, I'm SO relieved that he's perfectly fine. But WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! (All a part of having a curious little dove in the house. What a character! What a “Teacher”!)
And so... the clock approached 19.30 and... from his door perch, Yonah made it perfectly clear that he was tired, as he fluffed a bit, rested his head on his shoulders and closed his eyes. So I got his roof board up (his back board was already up from when I'd closed the curtains) and as I did so, he flew up to his “night perch”. I'm learning to see his wants, needs, intentions, and he's learning how to make me aware of them. Ah... 19.30... the day was done, our day together came to a close. So little time of a day... and tomorrow... the shortest day, longest night. BUT... come Wednesday... it all reverses again! Longer days together! I'll have to re-learn the later day hours and watch closely for when Yonah's ready for “seepie-nigh-night”. Still, I'm gladdened... we'll be having more time together again!
But.. for tonight, all is well, and my little Heart and Soul is safely tucked-in, he'll have a warm place to sleep well, with no need to “keep watch” for anything that might mean him harm because... I'm here to make sure that he has a full, peaceful, happy, healthy life... no matter what. I'm not “perfect” at this. But I'm tryinhg with my all to be as close as possible to it.
Tuesday 21 December: “Winter” has arrived.
A bit of a “late” start to this morning, but, after all, the sun rose later, and sadly, SO sadly, it sets earlier tonight as I sit to recount the day.
It was 8.00 when I went in to “check” on Yonah this morning, and as I sat at his futon, I saw the silhouette, all snuggled on his perch. He looked so peaceful and calm until his head turned to me, rose a bit and he stretched his wings. The sun was only just barely making it's way through the pines out-side his windows where the air was cool... not “bitter”, not really 'cold”, but, in his house, he had no cause to be concerned about all that, “out there”. His room was warm and... it was, obviously, time to open the curtains, raise the blinds and grab what day-light we had coming!
I hadn't said a word as I came into the room, but he was, quite obviously, awake already. I always wonder if I ought to simply open his room to the day when he doesn't call, or if he'd prefer a while longer. But... the day came in and he was up and hopping about, following me round his house as I went about “morning routine”.
And as I poured the fresh water into his pool, he supervised with strict attention. When I'd done, he hopped over, took a look and hopped back up onto his perch, shuffled over to his little “corner loft” where he “greeted” the dove in the mirror. (“Conference”? I often wonder. “So? What do you think of the work?”)
Well... shortly after, I had a LOT of chores to complete round the rest of the house today, but I put-off anything that required leaving. (I admit it: I have terrible anxieties even thinking about leaving Yonah alone during the day, whether 10 minutes or an hour. I don't worry about him. I'm not concerned that he'll injure himself or anything in the house. I just don't like not being with him. At least in the house, some-where.) I was on my way and off to working. For most of the day, Yonah was on his own, with his bird-songs playing and the radio, low, as back-ground music and talk. The sun rose and came pouring in through his windows, so his room was warmed by radiant heat and lit with a white, Winter sun-shine.
He's taken a liking to being on the floor, of late, in his room. It strikes me as “odd” but then again, “normal”. Mourning doves do tend to like being on the ground in their natural habitat, in meadows, yards, on dirt roads and such. But seeing Yonah on the beige carpeting, on “HIS” floor, just strikes me as being quite cute.
WHAT TOUCHES MY SOUL IS THAT, EVERY TIME I WALKED INTO HIS ROOM, HE CAME OVER TO ME, TODDLING ALONG, AS DOVES DO, AND HE'D WALK BESIDE ME AS I CROSSED THE ROOM! EVERY TIME! HE'S SO LIKE A PUPPY IN THIS RESPECT! AND IT'S THE WARMEST, MOST DEEPLY TOUCHING EVENT, TO ME! AND WHEN I'D SIT ON HIS FUTON (because I made certain to give him time, no matter what I was doing other-wise...) AND JUST TALK, TELLING HIM WHAT I'D BEEN DOING AND WHAT MORE I NEEDED TO DO, HE CAME FLYING UP, EITHER TO MY SHOULDER, OR MY LAP, AND TOO, TO THE BACK OF THE FUTON, RIGHT BESIDE MY HEAD, WHERE HE'D LOOK DIRECTLY AT ME AS I SPOKE. *** COMPANIONSHIP *** !!! “WE” ARE THE “FLOCK” AND THE FLOCK NEEDS TO BE TOGETHER, TO COMMUNICATE, TO MAKE CONTACT! (I just wish I could get that message through to absolutely EVERY person on this planet, whether they're in the company of a dove or not. It's SO important. And it shows, incontrovertibly, that doves are cognizant and sentient... no matter what the whack-jobs might spew to the contrary.) So we'd sit, for about 10 to 15 minutes, and we'd exchange kisses and pecks, and there were our cuddles and snuggles... Yes, “time” is ALWAYS Yonah's... no matter what. And he SHOWS his appreciation in SO MANY WAYS! And it all just serves to strengthen and deepen my absolute devotion to him...
He's picked-up a new “fascination”. On my back-pack there's a small flag of the province of Québec (Canada) which I've had for several years. The back-pack is on the floor at the corner of his futon and he spent quite a bit of a while today, picking and pulling at it! I can't imagine why. It's blue and white, just common “poly” fabric or what-ever they make those flags of. But WOW! Was he EVER “at it” today!
And I did try to see if he'd come to stay with me in the kitchen as I worked there today. He came out of his room, on my shoulder (HIS choice, and with-out any sort of coaxing) and he seemed to be fine there, as I talked to him and washed some dishes in the basin. But, it seemed, when he realised that HE wasn't getting ALL of the attention, he was off... back to his room! I still hope that, one day, he'll feel as comfortable in the rest of the house as he obviously feels in his room. The fact is, he has the brightest room, all year round. Late after-noon, in Summer, the living-room gets the full sun-light, as his room dims, but he just doesn't seem to like it any-where else in the house. (I'm looking for another place to call our “home” and HIS room and SUN are THE most important aspects of ANY potential, and right after that, QUIET, CALM, PEACE.)
He did the same thing this evening when, after I'd done my evening meal, I came into his room for a little play, and to close his blinds and curtains (which I'm making sure is done BEFORE it gets completely dark out-side... after last night's “event”). He came flying over, in his house, to me, and jumped up and on my shoulder where we got to “snuggle”... “cheek-to-cheek”, as it were. So I started to get on with the evening water changes and managed to make it to the kitchen for the first “run” of water when, as the container was filling, Yonah decided to get back to the house and wait for me to get there and get my “chores” there, completed.
To be sure... I was, again, supervised and as I poured the fresh water into his pool, he stood there, looking (making certain there was enough and that it was clean enough and that I didn't drop any any-where other than IN the pool).
Well then? The sun shone brilliantly today... for the few hours that it did. And now, we've made it through our “shortest day of the year”... tonight, the longest night. Tonight's “low” is expected to be only -5° which isn't all too cold, especially considering the time of year, but tomorrow night... -12°. But... the radiator is running, and there's plenty of heat in the rest of the house to make sure that NONE of this “chill” makes it any-where NEAR my Little Guy. And tomorrow... tomorrow? Our days start getting longer again... MORE TIME TOGETHER! I am SO looking forward to that! SO VERY MUCH!
19.30 Night boards up, musics off... and Yonah? On his door perch. We had the sweetest “cuddle” this evening. I truly believe he enjoys it when I cup him in my hands and stroke his back with my beard. He just goes “calm” as I do, and whisper how much I TRULY LOVE, WORSHIP and ADORE him. And OH! But how I DO wish we could spend the night together, on his futon. But one thing for certain: THIS time, THIS year, is SO VERY different from this month LAST year. (And I'm grateful that I kept a bit of a “Journal” of those days to look-back on... not that they're not still perfectly clear in my mind... and in my heart.) Last year I was still trying to be “attentive” to all his needs and yet, trying to maintain a “distance”, believing that he'd be back out come the first warm spell. I didn't want any sort of “bonding”, I didn't want him developing ANY trust in ANY human at all! My own desires were to LOVE him with my ALL, to hold him and to let him know that he was safe, and that I'd NEVER do ANYTHING to cause him ANY harm. But, I knew then, that to do so, would only lead to... well... We see today what could have been “then”. I'm still SO heart-broken that he isn't back with the flock, flying where-ever his little heart and the rest of the flock would lead. Still SO heart-broken knowing that, had I simply set him out, he'd stand so little chance of surviving even through the Summer months, unable to keep up with the rest, unable to escape from harm. But he's safe here and now, and he has good food, water, a place to bathe. He has his two white pines, his sandy “beach”, and his “moss nesting”. He has space to move and fly about as much as he wants and is able to do. He has his “bird-songs” that play all through the day. He has “companionship”... poor as I might be for it. And he doesn't really appear to be all too lonely... for another dove... though I'm determined to give it a try and find him another. (Hopefully, another mourning dove, but if not possible, I'll settle for a ring-neck, as they look similar in colouration and size. Whether or not she'll “suffice” is to be seen. But... with Yonah, it's been a year of “trial and error”. The only way I'll know, for certain, is to try. And as I've said already, “Mrs.” will have her own house for as long as need be. And if it be that it has to be permanently that way, so it will. Other-wise, Yonah's house is quite large enough for the both of them, and I'm SURE he'll teach her the way around the room, and the house... and that she'll be just as LOVED as he's been... and always will be.
But for tonight, the house is still, his room is wonderfully warm... and all is well. And tomorrow? The sun will rise a minute earlier, set a minute later... and we'll have ALL the time in between to ... what-ever we'll do. We've made it through the “Solstice”... we'll make it through the Winter! We made it through the heavy, dark Winter last... THIS Winter, we'll have each-other's company... and companionship... and he'll ALWAYS have my LOVE!
Wednesday 22 December:
We had a “NEW EVENT” today...
But this morning, there was no “call” again, so at 8.00, I was in the kitchen and started to simply say, aloud “I wonder where my Little Guy is this morning. Could be still be sleeping? So tired? No call? I wonder...” and... as I spoke... from behind his door... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”! Oh, he was awake alright! So that's when the day “officially” began! I went in to find him on his perch, apparently waiting for me. And as I opened curtains and blinds... it was almost as if I was being reprimanded for being “tardy”! He had quite a bit to say this morning! Truth be told, when he has so much to say, it does my heart good because I know then, that he's feeling well-enough to “chat”. And as he bounced back and forth from perch-to-perch, THAT just made the JOY of another day affirmed. And so, off we went rolling with “morning routine”... and all the while I went about changing the water in his pool, he went about “supervising”.
And this morning was one of those “You haven't been around for SO LONG! Let's snuggle!” mornings. How my heart is so FULL! And of course, when Yonah wants “Lovin'” there's NOTHING else in the world that requires ANY sort of attention! So we DID snuggle, and he just stood on his door perch and SOAKED IT ALL IN! WHAT a GLORIOUS way to begin a day!
I HAD to step out to make a run into town this morning, so, shortly after “morning routine”, I got me together to get errands done this morning. (Took a little longer this morning because the truck had to be cleared of snow and a bit of ice from our last snow-fall... but, I made quick work of it and was off on the road.)
Today's “EVENT” occurred when I got back... about 45 minutes later...
 AS I WALKED BACK INTO THE HOUSE, I CALLED FOR YONAH, AS I DO WHEN I'VE BEEN OUT FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. MOSTLY TO LET HIM KNOW THAT I'M IN THE HOUSE AND HE'S NOT ALONE. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT HE DOESN'T LIKE BEING ALONE AND WHEN I CALL, HE USUALLY RESPONDS... USUALLY, SOME-HOW... BUT THIS MORNING, THERE WAS NO “REPLY”. THAT'S HAPPENED BEFORE DO I WASN'T IN A “PANIC”. I WENT INTO HIS ROOM TO LOOK ABOUT, EXPECTING TO FIND HIM IN ANY ONE OF HIS PLACES... AT HOME, ON HIS “MOSS NEST”, A SHELF, THE FUTON... HE WAS NO-WHERE TO BE SEEN OR FOUND! I LOOKED IN THE USUAL PLACES, I LOOKED ON THE FLOOR... I LOOKED UNDER THE SHELVING UNDER HIS HOUSE... I LOOKED IN THE KITCHEN. I LOOKED IN THE LIVING-ROOM. I CALLED. NOTHING. NOT EVEN THE STIR OF WINGS! WELL! WHAT? WHERE? (AND THE SADDEST PART OF IT WAS THE QUESTIONS THAT CAME TO MIND: DID SOMEBODY COME INTO THE HOUSE, OPEN THE DOOR AND HE BOLTED OR... DID SOMEBODY COME INTO THE HOUSE AND ACTUALLY PUT HIM OUT? HONESTLY, THAT SUCH A THOUGHT SHOULD EVEN CROSS THE MIND IS MORE THAN ENOUGH OF A REASON TO GET OUT OF HERE! I TRULY HAVE THAT DEEP A MIS-TRUST IN THESE PEOPLE AROUND HERE!) AH... BUT THEN... I WENT INTO THE BED-ROOM, THE ONLY OTHER PLACE IN THE HOUSE WHERE HE MIGHT BE, AND THERE... ON THE FLOOR, IN THE CORNER BY THE LAUNDRY BASKET... *** MY LITTLE HEART AND SOUL *** ! I'VE NO IDEA HOW HE GOT IN THERE, BUT, APPARENTLY, HE NOTICED THAT I WASN'T IN THE HOUSE AND WENT LOOKING! THAT HE'D EVEN THOUGHT TO GO LOOKING WAS, WELL... AND THAT HE'D THOUGHT OF THE BED-ROOM JUST TOOK ME! HE TRULY IS SUCH A “SENTIENT”, “COGNIZANT” LITTLE BEING! “AWE”... PLAIN AND SIMPLE. JUST “AWE”, IN THE TRUEST SENSE OF THE WORD! So I got onto the floor to be closer to him and he did seem a bit “annoyed” with me for a while. No cuddles, snuggles... he all but ignored me, and seemed to be walking away from me! So I went into the kitchen to get the groceries un-packed and he went on to “explore”... up on the bed! He's never before even stayed on my shoulder when we were in the bed-room and I sat on the bed. But he seemed curious, and toddled about over the bed-clothes (I hadn't made the bed this morning so he had some little “hills and gullies” to navigate. A veritable landscape of little “challenges”.) When I'd done with the groceries, I went in and, as I laid across the bed, kneeling on the floor, he jumped up onto my back and we strolled into his room where I had to put the receipts of today's errands and such onto the work table, and he headed directly into his house. The day's “exploration” was done! I was where I should be and all was well with the world again. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! NEVER LET IT BE SAID THAT THERE'S A DAY WHERE HE DOESN'T AMAZE, AND DOESN'T TEACH ME SOMETHING NEW!
I DO remember one day, a while ago, when I'd been out of the house for several hours and, of course, he had complete run of the place. I'd returned, SO looking forward to seeing him and when I got in, there was NO sign of him ANY-WHERE in his room! At that time (as this time), I was sick with wonder and worry about him. And THEN, it was worse because I had no idea HOW well or far he was able to fly... and he was still having “incidents”... “collisions” with windows. I was on the very verge of out-right, all-in PANIC when, as I got to the living-room, there he was, standing on the futon, blending-in so beautifully with the pattern of the upholstery, and looking at me as if to say “Where have YOU been, then? I've been right here, just waiting.” I actually broke into tears of relief when I saw him and then, I HAD to laugh, thinking that he'd gone about the house on his own, and that he was so nonchalant about being in the living-room, by himself, where he'd gotten to... by himself, on his own! AND, MOST importantly, he was perfectly un-injured! I was also quite happy to see that he was becoming comfortable in the place to where he felt he could go into other rooms, other spaces.
So, this morning's little “event” teaches me to be even MORE attentive to his possible locations and to truly make certain that there's NEVER ANY sort of ANY-THING in the place where he might injure him-self. (I do that anyway, but now more detail needs attention, to be sure.)
 And so, Yonah was back “in house” and settled. I went to the kitchen to attend to things there until I was able to “move me into his room” this after-noon. And that's where Yonah and I saw the rest of this day together.
One disappointment to me was the lack of sun-shine today. OK, so it's only the first day of the trend back to longer days, and, in reality, today is Wednesday and, “sun-time-wise”, it's no different from Monday, really, but it would have been nice if the extra minute of “day” would have been “sunny”. But we had the “FullSpec” light on, it wasn't completely “dark” out-side so we did have our own “brightness” and we both took advantage of that. (Oh... but in spite of the “longer” days to come... the “colder” and “coldest” are to come now. We'll be spending quite a lot of time together... by the warmth of his radiator, in his room. I look forward to that!)
Yonah is, these days, so indescribably affectionate, and seems to be actively and intentionally seeking “contact”, more than ever before. And I've been actively looking (sadly, on-line) into places that might have “rescued” mourning doves that could use a caring mate and a good, loving home. What I'm finding, in my readings, is that doves and pigeons can and will become deeply attached, “married” even, to their “people”, and the introduction of another might cause resentment, as they might see the “new-comer” as “competition for affections”. Ah, it is a possibility that I've been considering. But I'd SO very much like Yonah to have some-one he can communicate with, another dove... preferably another mourning dove, and certainly another mourning dove who is “familiar with the great out-doors”. At least they'd have a “commonality” in that respect. There are places (listed on the “Bibliography” page, to be sure) that stress against “buying”, and that's something that I'm quite vehement about: NOT BUYING, NOT SUPPORTING THE SALE OF LIFE, NOT PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING SUCH HORRIFIC BEHAVIOUR! But, if I find I have no choice other-wise... at least I can take comfort in knowing that I've brought at least one Little Life to a place where she'll be LOVED, CHERISHED, and cared-for and about with WHOLE HEART AND SOUL. Oh, it seems like a return to the earliest days when Yonah first came along. I felt so utterly alone, “lonely”, no-one to turn to for trust-worthy advice, being mis-informed and misled where available help and support is concerned. Then, what I needed most was even the basic information on the habits, nutrition, some “medical”. Thankfully, today, I've learnt quite a lot of that. But today, it's trying to find “trust-worthy” people who can help with getting a friend, companion, perhaps a “mate” for Yonah. Well, determination got Yonah and I to where we are today, and we're doing quite well, all matters considered. This too, will be settled... I'm just being impatient, I suppose. But... “DETERMINED”! And that counts most, I'll suppose.
And so, tonight, 19.30... we'd gone through the “evening routine”. I'd closed the windows to the night at about 17.00 already, this evening (to avoid the “attraction to the reflection”... as well as to block the chill). Yonah's reaction to the window blinds was interesting. They're “faux wood”, looking like “oak” slats. I'd drawn the blind and closed it but left the curtains open and he spent quite some time at the “back” (window-side) of his house, looking at them, tilting his head, getting different perspectives on them. Surely, they might have appeared to be similar to the “back board” we put up before “tuck-in”. (I wonder though, since he sees SO MUCH MORE in a colour spectrum, what the “plastic wood” looks like to him, compared to the real wood of the board.) But he DID notice and “take notice” of the difference. He REALLY DOESN'T MISS A THING, especially when there are “changes” to his surroundings. “Cognizant”... beyond ALL doubt.
And tonight, again, even though I know he's safe and he'll be warm through the night, one way or another, it was difficult for me to say “Good night” and exchange our cuddles, snuggles and kisses. Again, he didn't seem too ready or willing to be “tucked-in” but, his “musics” were off, his room was quiet and when I put out the light, I stayed a little while, to chat a bit... until he got “settled” at his night spot on his perch.
Though a bit shorter, it will be a long night anyway... I miss the hours Yonah and I spend together. But hey, we both need our rest... and, at the very least, he can get his... calmly, safely, secure and warm. And we'll have tomorrow, together, again.
 Thursday 23 December:
Goodness! Winter must be here because, although the days grow longer, “sleeping-in” seems to be the preferred “greeting of the day”. 8.00 and even though Yonah was awake when I walked into his room this morning, there was no “call”. Can't say that I blame him. Yes, the sun rose in a clear sky, but this morning's -10° was certainly enough to inspire a “tuck-in”.
But this morning, the “affectionate Yonah” is even more-so. EVERY time I left his room and returned, he came to his door perch, gave a wing-snap (his “beckoning”) and, as I held him, gently, in my hands, wrapped round him, as he stood on his perch, and brushed my face against him, stroking his back and wings with my thumbs, he just stood there, AND PRESSED HIS HEAD AGAINST MY FACE! Yes, of course, it does my heart and soul so much good, brings an assurance that I AM providing him with “good”, and that he DOES appreciate it all, but... it just deepens and strengthens my resolve... to find him a companion! A new “challenge” for me. And I'm already “planning” on how to integrate the “previous house” into the room, in the event that two houses will be necessary. Hey! I SURELY don't mind. (I read, before closing the day yesterday, that it might be necessary to have two separate houses for two separate doves. But then, I recall my younger days and talk of “Oh sure, I'd like to get married. But we'd have to live in separate houses.” So... as people, so too, doves.) Well, as I say, a new “challenge”, and neither will be at a loss for LOVE!
Meanwhile, out-side the sun rises in a clear, CRISP sky and Yonah? He's ALL OVER THE ROOM as I sit typing this! And he's REALLY taken to being on the floor, “exploring” all the more! Now THAT's just the GREATEST to see. He TRULY IS NO LONGER CONFINED TO HIS HOUSE! He's TAKING THE REST OF THE HOUSE... little-by-little... on his own terms. More exercise, different surroundings. Sadly not the WIDE OPEN WORLD, but, little-by-little. (Now I have to make sure that there's nothing in the rest of the house that could harm him in any way. But NOTHING is “too good” nor ever “good enough” for MY LITTLE HEART AND SOUL... MY LITTLE GUY!)
WELL! TODAY WE GOT ANOTHER LESSON IN THE SINCERITY AND “DEDICATION” OF “AVIAN CARE-GIVERS”, AND ONE THAT'S BEEN ENOUGH TO TEAR AT THE VERY CORE OF A SOUL. I MADE THE GRAVE ERROR OF BELIEVING A FEW VIDEOS AND SOME, WHAT I CAN ONLY THINK OF AS “PROPAGANDA” ,THAT'S POSTED TO A PARTICULAR WEB-SITE FOR A PARTICULAR “INSTITUTE” CLAIMING A SINCERE LOVE AND CARING FOR AND ABOUT DOVES AND OTHER “FEATHERED BEINGS”. SO, IN MY NEVER-CEASING ENDEAVOURS TO GIVE THE VERY BEST POSSIBLE TO YONAH, I RANG THEM UP TO INQUIRE ABOUT FINDING A LEGITIMATE LITTLE LADY-FRIEND FOR HIM. “OH MY GOD”, TO USE A WELL-WORN CLICHÉ, DID I EVER GET “A LOAD” IN THE FACE ON THE CALL-BACK! THE ONLY POINT THE YOUNGSTER ON THE OTHER END OF THE WIRE FOCUSED ON WAS “YOU DON'T HAVE A PERMIT” (OF SOME PARTICULAR SORT OR ANOTHER). ABSOLUTELY NO REGARD FOR ANY OF THE HISTORY, NOR OF THE CURRENT SITUATION, AND ESPECIALLY FOR MY SENTIMENTS AND THE MUTUAL ATTACHMENT BETWEEN MYSELF AND YONAH! NONE WHAT-SO-EVER! IT WAS ALL ABOUT “PAPERS”! I ASKED IF HE'D BE ABLE TO GIVE ME SOME “DIRECTION, INSTRUCTION, INFORMATION” REGARDING OBTAINING SUCH “PERMIT” AND IN AN APATHETIC TONE HE SIMPLY REPLIED “THERE'S NOTHING I CAN TELL YOU.” HOW I'D TRULY LIKE TO POST THE NAME OF THE PERSON AND THE “STATE INSTITUTE” HERE, BUT I DON'T DARE! SO, 14 MONTHS ALONG AND IT'S OBVIOUS THAT THE VERY SAME APATHY I'VE EXPERIENCED FROM THE VERY BEGINNING SIMPLY CONTINUES. I POLITELY INFORMED “Mr.” THAT, INDEED, I'M SICKENED BY THE ATTITUDE, THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS “CARING” IS NOTHING OTHER THAN A “JOB”... A “PAY-CHEQUE” (SO IF YOU'RE READING THIS, YOU KNOW WHO I AM), THAT I FIND IT SICKENING (THAT “LIFE” IS SO WORTHLESS TO THE SORT THEY ARE), BADE HIM A “MERRY CHRISTMAS” AND RANG-OFF.
I WAS HEART-SICK AFTER THAT HORROR AND WHAT MADE THE MATTER ALL THE WORSE IS THAT I COULD TELL THAT YONAH SOME-HOW KNEW THAT I WAS UP-SET BECAUSE WHEN I WENT TO SIT BESIDE HIM, HE CAME OVER TO ME AND “SNUGGLED” AGAINST ME! HE COULD “SENSE” MY ANXIETY! SO I WAS ALL THE WORSE FOR THE FACT THAT HE HAD TO EXPERIENCE THIS AS WELL!
Well, to be sure, THAT “resource” has been removed from the “Bibliography” page! GODS FORBID OTHERS should suffer through that horror as well. I SURE DO NOT RECOMMEND NOR EVEN REMOTELY SUGGEST that ANY-ONE with a kind-and-true heart be subjected to that!
OK... so... THAT off my mind, posted to the internet, and now that it's some hours after... Yonah and I have managed to get on with our life, and, sadly, the day has drawn to a close... again... TOO SOON!
But we DID have the entire day together, with only the quickest 45 minutes when I went into town to get more food for the flocks in yard. A nice, fresh bag of the food they seem to enjoy the most (listed, already, on the “Nourishment” page, of course). But I made short work of it all and was right back to enjoy a SUN-FILLED day with Yonah who, thankfully, enjoyed the warmth and light, lounging in his “moss nest” for a good part of the day!
Today's “little adventure”: I was at the work table and wanted to get up, but before I did, as I always do now, I looked round me, in the room. Not seeing him in any of his “usual hang-outs” above, I carefully backed the chair away from the table and... THERE HE WAS... HE'D BEEN SNUGGLED-IN AT MY FEET! He's been doing a LOT of that lately, being on the floor, beside me, behind me, any-where close to me. (And the bureaucrats who simply sit at remote desks, pushing papers and tapping key-boards would come and take him away! May there be a “special Hell” for that ilk.) So I got onto the floor and laid there, to “chat” with him about being on the cold floor instead of up in his warm house, in the sun-shine and he gave a little “wing-snap” and came over to peck at my nose. So we spent a few moments there, until he decided to climb up, onto my shoulder, across my back and head back into the room. And when I got up and sat back at the work table, he flew up onto the little “platform” I have set-up right beside me, where he can sit and see every-thing going on on the table, and my little “supervisor” watched as I continued with what I was doing... and, of course, chatting with him all the while.
One other item, out of the “time-line” that I want to mention is that, this morning, AS I was pouring the fresh water into his pool, AS last night's water was draining into the bucket on the floor... Yonah jumped into the pool! OH! My first thought was how cold that fresh water must have been, but, it didn't seem to phase him at all. He just stood there and when I asked “What ARE you doing there? There's more water to come and that's GOT to be on the cold side.” he looked at me, hopped out and came to the door of his house, hopped up onto the door perch and... well... “wing-snap”! WHAT A LOVE! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE AND PERFECT LOVE! (I continued with the water-chore and when I'd done... he'd already found other places to get to so the water was there for him, but he'd lost interest. Oh, I dare say... like a little child, SO busy with the world.)
Anyway, and so... tonight's “tuck-in” was a bit “late”... abut 19.50. I've found another “forum” on-line with more help and support for the general, daily “requirements” for Yonah, along with many thought-provoking ideas for more than I can do for him. These impromptu, open forums are our best resource (listed, of course, in the Bibliography, since they're *helpful* and those who participate in them are truly caring, loving individuals). I am SO grateful to those who post, looking for help and to those who openly and lovingly post help and support. Especially tonight when again, I'm feeling a touch “lost” and “alone”. But I was sitting at the work table, with the light of the desk lamp, the “bird-songs” had been stopped for a while already (all the little birdies had gone to their own “night perches”, as it were) and when I looked up, Yonah was “dozing” on his door perch. It was time!
Night boards were “installed” and as I did, he headed up to his own little night-roost. He WAS tired! Poor Little Guy. And so, boards up, radiator set so that the warmth will rise to keep him warm through the night (we're to expect a low of about -15° and I'm actually “testing” to see where the best placement of the radiator will be for the COLDER nights that are coming in the next two months), kisses and snuggles... the light went out. Tonight, as with ALL nights, my Heart-and-Soul is safe and warm. There's food, in case he gets the “munchies”. There's fresh water for drinking. His house is neat and tidy and clean. (And we'll be doing some thorough “House-Keeping” during the coming week... CLEAN HOUSE FOR THE NEW YEAR... as if a “year” means anything to him...)
Tomorrow is “Christmas Eve”... and here, in this house, there is the MOST MAGNIFICENT EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE DAY (AND THE NEXT) TRULY IS MEANT TO REPRESENT: UNCONDITIONAL, UN-DYING, ETERNAL LOVE! Though there be no “twinkling lights”, no decorated tree... no boxes wrapped in colourful paper... there is a “gift” FAR, FAR MORE PRECIOUS, A LIGHT FAR, FAR MORE BRILLIANT... ALL, filling the space in the walls of this old house... Here... is Yonah, the touch of the Divine, the Eternal, a Blessing incomparable to ANYTHING else in this “Creation”. THAT, is OUR “holiday” and that's ALL need be said on the matter.
And I just want to close today's entry with a little bit of advice to those who might consider the utterly, absolute isanity:
May ALL the gods of ALL history have mercy on your soul(s), should you even so much as entertain a fleeting second of thought of harming Yonah Taube, taking him from the HOME he has come to know, the HOME he's familiar with, his pool, his pines, his moss nest and sandy beach. Just be aware that should you wrench him from his HOME, you'll wrench a human soul with him... and let the “Lifes” you destroy, should you even try, haunt you and every successive generation after you. But make no mistake, you'll do so at your own peril... and to that I say, solemnly, “So help me, God.”
Friday 24 December:
It was about 8.03 this morning, when I ventured in to “check on” Yonah. I was running late with the morning but, there'd been no “call” and, well, it was a dreary start to the day, cold and grey, I knew his room was cozy-warm and that if he really wanted to be up and about any earlier, he would, CERTAINLY, call for me. OK, of course, when the time passes 7.30 my heart does go rather “solid”, that's the only way I can describe the sensation... “hard and heavy”. I take NO moment of time with Yonah for granted... EVER. And THIS morning, after all the horrors of yesterday, well... it was a “difficult” morning to begin with because I just can't shake all of the general nonsense (to be as polite as I possibly can be) with this “permit” bunk.
I just have to vent a bit here, on this Journal, about this matter:
Mourning doves are THE MOST HUNTED... OUT-RIGHT MURDERED, for NO sane or rational reason or cause at all. And the government, the desk-dolts who do, find that to be perfect acceptable! Oh DO go right ahead and blast the poor little ones away, by the dozen, if you wish. Ah... BUT... if you find one that's injured, and it's in your heart and soul to minister to him/her, to make his/her pain less, to make sure s/he recovers and is able to live a full life, in comfort, best-possible health... OH NO! NOT HAVING THAT! They're at the ready to shove an open hand at you, expecting some sort of money (that they don't deserve, haven't earned, just want), and THEN, they're ready to grab the poor little one from your home and heart, take him/her away to some sort of “educated dolt” who has “paid” for some sort of bit of paper that claims some sort of “superiority”, and from there, the fate is up to even more dolts who have little-to-no concern, compassion, care for this little LIFE that you've invested every bit of your being in. Off to some sort of “communal confine”? Tossing the poor being out in the wilderness to fend or die? Or... since they're forever moaning about “being short of funds”... MURDERING the little LIFE... under some guise or another. And me? I try to do ALL that I can to help Yonah, to make a LIFE for him in which he'll be comfortable, healthy and happy and... “Oh, you don't have a permit. You're breaking the law. There's nothing I/we can do.”
Now, dear Reader, don't misunderstand me. I'm as aware (if not MORE-so) that there are those who, if left to their own, would delight in just trapping mourning doves, simply to take them into their houses, cage them, and get their jolly-delights watching the life drain out of them. And when, at last, Death comes to relieve them of their sufferings, these same dregs will simply go and fetch another... to torture him/her too. Yes, I AM aware of that fact. But, let's face a fact here, where Yonah is concerned, particularly:
All one need do for assurance that he is being well-LOVED, and EXTREMELY CHERISHED is take a moment (OK... “the time”) to even glean his web-site, LOOK at the photos, the videos, READ this 14-month Journal of his (“our”) journey together. But NO! That's not the point because it contradicts something, and, well, to be kind and considerate, to offer advice, help, support... there's no “monetary” gain... not to mention, the insecurity of relinquishing some psychotic “superiority”.
Yes, I'm sickened, to the core... and what a most delightful mood to have awakened in... this “Christmas Eve” morning.
 Enough on that... I move along...
So! Yonah was up, awake, stretching his wings, when I got in to his futon, and as soon as I saw the silhouette of those wings in motion, THE DAY WAS FULL! And we got to the usual “routine” of opening the curtains and blinds to the dim, Winter morning light out-side where it was quite chilly... but, of course, that's of no matter or concern to Yonah because HIS house was most comfy-warm. And again, this morning, as he does of late, he “followed” me about as I went about the business of opening windows, changing water and cleaning house. In fact, this morning, he was up on his roof almost immediately (greatest vantage point, I imagine) and as I passed, at nose-level, the edge of his house, he came to me to give me his usual “pecks” on the fore-head and nose. Could there be a “better” start to a day? Not for me! My little Heart-and-Soul was up and about and, apparently, in a good mood... and I was in his good graces. Nothing else could matter at all.
So we got the “necessities” out of the way, I retired to the kitchen to finish my morning coffee and to start with my daily chores, allowing Yonah to listen to his “bird-songs”, have his breakfast and get himself “together” for his day.
Now, that said... for reasons I still don't know, I saw something in his room that was out of place, and honestly, I don't recall just what, exactly, it was, but, as I went to “put things right”, one “thing” led to another and the next thing we BOTH knew, I was in “full cleaning mode”! His shelves got emptied and cleaned, the corners of his room got addressed, I moved things, I removed things... it just went on and on and on and... AND... as I worked, Yonah was right WITH me... well... more “ON” me! He was ALL over the room again, today, and when-ever there was an available moment, when-ever I was in a position that was “suitable”, he was on my head, my shoulders and, at one point, as I worked on the floor... he hopped onto my back and proceeded to “stroll” from neck to waist, up and down, as if “looking for or at something”! AND, as I moved items on his wall selves, he was RIGHT THERE, AT MY HAND, checking to see what I was taking and where I was putting it back. Now, that said, I'm again reminded of the accounts of doves taking “active interest” and, well, I HAVE to point it out here: IT'S TRUE! Yonah has an OBVIOUSLY ACTIVE INTEREST IN EVERY-THING THAT'S DONE IN HIS ROOM! And, it appeared to be that, if I'd put something in a place that he didn't approve, he made it known by coming over to my hand and giving a “one-wing snap”! (I've come to learn that the “two-wing snap” is that he wants attention, to play, to “joust”... but the “one-wing” is disapproval. He'll give me one or two of those when he's done playing. Oh... the “language” I'm learning from him! And I have to laugh when I realise that I AM coming to understand him. More out of JOY than amusement. It's taken me 14 months to come this far... and I'm positive that the education is FAR, FAR, FAR from complete! I still have yet to make definite sense out of the “coo'ing patterns”, though I HAVE come to learn SOME AND that there's an obvious difference in the loudness and softness of them as well. So yes, I'm a “most-willing” student.)
Now too... I HAVE to laugh, at least a bit; this evening, I went back in this Journal, to 24 December last year, to calm my heart and see where Yonah and I were today, a year ago... He'd been here only 2 months at the time, and I was still determined that he was going to recover from his injuries, and as soon as the bitterness of Winter had passed, he would be back out with his flock. I was still heart-sick, seeing that his left wing was still obviously not healed properly, that it was “annoying” him, that he really couldn't use it to its fullest. I was worried, I was hopeful, I was, well, feeling so utterly useless, even lower than simply “inferior”, and I was STILL searching, almost all day, every day, on-line, through ALL sorts of “web-sites”, searching every question that came to mind and getting lost in the myriads of “information”... some educational, some simply entertaining, some just simply silly... but I had questions and there was, to my knowledge (because of misinformation and apathy) no-one to turn to. BUT, what amused me this evening is when I read, for today, last year:
”I used the day to do some truly thorough cleaning and re-arranging of her* room, a really thorough cleaning of her* room...
There's another cold night ahead... but here we are, together, roof over-head, walls all round, solid floor... warmth, dry, and... together. “Christmas Eve”... all is calm... and with Yonah here, all couldn't possibly be any brighter. “
* I was still, at the time, under the impression that Yonah was a “her”... HE wasn't of an age yet, where he had the obvious, handsome, “blue-grey” on the top of his head, I hadn't seen the “iridescent collar”, the yellow, red, green colouration, and he hadn't yet developed the “blush” on his breast. (I'm still comforted when I read that determine the sex of a dove can be quite difficult, that a great many have made mistakes, that the only actual way to determine is by drawing and testing blood... But Yonah and I have been together as he's matured and... well... it's more than obvious today... in SO MANY WAYS... He's quite the Little “GUY”!)
And, last year, today, the temperature was 6°, there were “flood warnings”. The snows in the mountains were melting, the rains had been falling. It had been quite warm. And this year, today... the “high” was -5°, there's just a bit of snow on the ground and the rains? We had a lovely sunny-but-chilled day, and the forecast for tonight and tomorrow is for “freezing rain”. Quite a difference... and to think... NOT “warmer” (as for “global warming”).
But what is MOST important is: Yonah is doing SO WELL! And we are SO CLOSE! And in place of the “heaviness of spirit” that stifled the very air in this house last year, as I sat here, worried that Yonah was in pain, worried that he was suffering, THIS YEAR, I KNOW HE'S JUST WONDERFUL! THAT HE'S AS HAPPY AS HE COULD POSSIBLY BE IN HIS OWN HOUSE, WITH TREES, POOL, PERCHES, WARMTH, LOVE! He has the best food I could possibly find, so he's perfect well-nourished. AND... HE HAS FULL RUN OF THE ENTIRE HOUSE, THAT LITTLE ROOM IS HIS, BUT HE CAN GO WHERE-EVER HE WANTS TO GO, WHEN HE WANTS TO. AND... HE DOES! There's no “heaviness”, no “darkness”, no “worry”. There's “US”, “WE”, and I'm continuing to learn more, each and every day, about him, his needs, his moods, his capabilities, his abilities, his BRILLIANCE! WOW! It's been an “AWE-FULL” year!
And so, came the night... and tonight, when the world out-side Yonah's windows went dark, I made certain to close his blinds. His “NatSpec” light illuminated his room, and I delighted in seeing him fill his crop, as he does, before “tuck-in”. I marvelled to see him, the first time, eating. And these days, I'm still just FULL of peace of mind and soul, and FULL of delight to see him eating... and he eats so WELL!
I “moved back to his work table” to finish the day's little chores, and he rested on his door perch, over the warmth of his radiator. His waters are fresh, his house is clean. (We'll be doing the “thorough” cleaning in the week to come... Fresh house for the “new year”.) And, at about 19.30, I looked up to see him “dozing”. It was time for “seepie-nigh-night”. So I got up and cupped him in my hands, brought my face down to his back and he snuggled his head to my chin. We had a whispered chat about the day, and when I lifted my head, he flew up to his night perch. He was tired... So “tuck-in” followed with “kisses” and “cuddles”.
“Christmas Eve”. Out-side, this year, the politics have apparently killed “the spirit of the holiday”. Where, last year, there were wreaths on the utility poles, twinkling lights on most of the houses along the main, tonight, the major “lighting” is from the horrendously intrusive new “LED” street lights, casting harsh blue-white light along the road, across the little lawns and porches, drowning-out not only the few “holiday lights” on the one house that bothered to decorate, but any traces of “comfort and joy” that might have been out there. The wreaths weren't installed this year either.
Ah, but, where it's most important, where it truly matters at all, IN THIS HOUSE, Yonah and I are sheltered, warm, protected from not only the politics of “that other world” but the coolness of the night. In this house, we have ALL the actual LOVE, where HE is CHERISHED MORE than ANYTHING or ANY-ONE in Creation. WE are at PEACE! WE have all the “comfort and joy” possible. He's safe, sound, well-nourished, protected, LOVED, CHERISHED, ADORED! And he makes it more than abundantly clear that ALL is reciprocated. And tomorrow? Well, should be both be given a “tomorrow”, we'll have the day together, undisturbed. I won't be “running errands” or the likes. I have a bit of “cooking” that needs to be done for next week-end, and I'm thinking of a way to set Yonah's “previous house” up in or close to the kitchen... maybe, with such a place, he'll feel comfortable being in the kitchen with me... so we can be together. “Report to follow”.
For now, he's snoozing, the house is calm... all is calm... all is bright... with LOVE! Christmas Eve... in it's truest.
Saturday 25 December:
On this day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... ONE MAGNIFICENT, PERFECT, BEAUTIFUL, AWE-INSPIRING, AWE-FULL, PURELY DIVINE TURTLE DOVE!
DID I EVER GET A “CHRISTMAS GIFT” TODAY! AT 14.33 I WAS SITTING AT TABLE IN THE KITCHEN, WRAPPING-UP A “GLEANING” OF HOLIDAY CORRESPONDENCE ON THE “SOCIAL MEDIA”. I'D MOVED MY FEET TO PUSH THE CHAIR FROM THE TABLE, TO PUT THE KETTLE ON FOR AN AFTER-NOON TEA WHEN... *** FLUTTER-FLUTTER-FLUTTER *** !!! YONAH !!! HE'D COME WALKING OUT OF HIS ROOM, INTO THE KITCHEN !!! AND THERE HE WAS, RIGHT BESIDE ME, ON THE FLOOR !!! HE'S DONE A “FLY-THROUGH, TWICE BEFORE, OVER THE MONTHS WE'VE BEEN TOGETHER, FLYING INTO THE KITCHEN, STAYING JUST LONG ENOUGH TO CONFIRM THAT I'M THERE, AND THEN, IMMEDIATELY RETURNING TO HIS ROOM, NOT EVEN LANDING FOR A MOMENT. BUT TODAY... HE ACTUALLY WALKED RIGHT ALONG, OUT OF HIS ROOM AND INTO THE KITCHEN AND STAYED THERE, IN SILENCE, RIGHT BESIDE ME !!! BUT AS I GOT UP FROM TABLE, HE HEADED RIGHT BACK TO HIS ROOM, AS IF TRYING TO HIDE THAT HE'D BEEN IN THE KITCHEN !!! AND WHEN I GET INTO THE ROOM, HE WAS ON HIS FUTON AND WE GOT SO MANY KISSES AND CUDDLES ! AND, WELL, I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THE * JOY * IN MY HEART ! YONAH IS COMING TO WHERE THIS HOUSE IS HIS DOMAIN, AS IT ACTUALLY HAS BEEN, ALL ALONG. BUT NOW, HE'S BEGINNING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXTRA SPACE ! I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER ABOUT IT ! AND WHEN OUR CUDDLES WERE, ACCORDING TO HIM, “ENOUGH”, HE HEADED TO HIS HOUSE FOR A BITE TO EAT, AND I MOVED TO THE WORK TABLE TO GET TO HIS JOURNAL AND THE PHOTOS THAT ARE STILL WAITING TO BE POSTED. WHEN HE'D FINISHED HIS “LUNCH”, HE CAME TO THE DOOR PERCH AND SETTLED TO DIGEST. WE HAD A LITTLE CHAT UNTIL HIS LITTLE EYES STARTED TO CLOSE AND I RETURNED TO THE “JOURNALLING”... WHICH IS WHAT I'M DOING NOW. MEAN-WHILE... WHAT A CHRISTMAS !!! IT'S BEEN A PURE JOY ANYWAY... YONAH IS HERE, THERE'S BEEN RAIN AND FROZEN RAIN FALLING THROUGH THE DAY, BUT, WE'VE BEEN TOGETHER... AND THAT, TRULY, IS *ALL* THAT MATTERS.
Now, this morning, I got out of bed shortly after 7.00 and was still having morning coffee when I looked at the clock to see 8.33! There hadn't been a sound from Yonah's room yet and, I went through the usual “panic and anxieties” that strike when the clock passes 7.30... in silence. BUT... when I got into his room, he was, OH YES he was, up, awake, and as I got to his futon to sit and bid him “Good morning”, he immediately stretched his wings and turned his head to me. OK! The world, the morning, the day... Creation was settled and secured. So I opened his door, leaned in and he came forward... “Good morning pecks and kisses.” We were here, together, well and fine, and this Christmas morning, cold, grey, wet, frozen was in full roll!
As I got his curtains and blinds open, and went about our “morning routine”, he watched, he supervised, and then, when he felt I was performing as I ought, he headed out... over to his wall shelves, from where he continued to watch me.
A day or so ago, I'd gotten a fresh bag of “Song-bird Mix” for the flocks out-side, and I wanted to get it “separated” for them, this morning. So, whilst Yonah listened to his song-birds and was flying ALL round his room, I went to the kitchen to get busy.
Just to note, I “separate” the “Audubon Park” mix into the smaller seeds, for the doves and smaller birds in the yard, and the larger seeds, sun-flower with shells, canola, and peanuts for the jays and cardinals. Each little group has their own “platform” from which to eat too. And, because it was his “first food” here, I put aside a large jar-full of the smaller seeds to mix with his other food. He enjoys it, and with the other mixes, it's healthy for him. The rest of the contents are then put into plastic juice jugs... two for the smaller seeds and two for the larger. (The jugs are better than the bag anyway, because they're “mouse-proof” and they seal better, to keep the contents fresher, longer. Not to mention, it makes pouring portions MUCH easier, as well.)
Anyway... I put out the large bowls: one for the first “sifting”, where the smaller seeds are collected as I sift, the second bowl is for the larger seeds and some of the smaller as well. There's a third bowl where I sift the smaller seeds a second time, to remove as much of the larger seeds and the sun-flower seeds because they're in shells and Yonah wouldn't be able to eat them. HIS seeds get sifted thrice, to get as much of the smaller seeds as possible with-out the ones too large for him to eat. And there's cracked corn in there too, and much of that is just too big for him to swallow so that's separated as well. THIS morning though, I did something “extra”: in the “larger” seeds, there's corn and canola and flax and such, so today, I made an extra “sifting” to get as much and many of that as I possibly could... for Yonah. And when I'd gotten a small bowl-full, I put them all through the grinder that I use for his oats, peanuts and sun-flower seed hearts. It made quite a nice quantity which I put aside for him. All the rest went into respective jugs for the flocks in the yard.
Well today, Mr. Taube has quite the “holiday feast”. (I wouldn't give him this mix too often, because of the higher protein and fat content which he doesn't really need, since he's not flying about any great distances and he doesn't have to fend against the cold and damp.) Today, I mixed 15ml (1 tablespoon) each, of his “regular mix”, the ground seeds from this morning, ground sun-flower seeds, ground peanuts. It made quite enough for today's “meals” and then some. I'd no sooner put the food into his house, on his little “platform” where he likes to go to eat, and... HE WAS RIGHT INTO IT! AND... THROUGH THE DAY, HE ATE EVER-SO WELL! SO... HE TRULY ENJOYED IT! (And I, of course, enjoy knowing that he's eating well.) There isn't much that I can give him, and there really isn't much that he needs (and with his house and such, I made CERTAIN that there's precious little that he could ever “need”), but, at least today, he got quite a lovely meal.
 NOW THEN... CAME ANOTHER BIT OF A SURPRISE, AFTER THE “KITCHEN VISIT”... AS I WAS SITTING AT THE WORK TABLE, JOTTING TODAY'S JOURNAL, BIRD-SONGS AND RADIO ON... THE HOUSE, QUITE STILL... I HEARD... “SPLASHING” !!! YONAH WAS IN HIS POOL! IT'S 1° OUT-SIDE, (15.30 in the after-noon!), GREY, THERE'S A LIGHT FROZEN DRIZZLE FALLING AND... *SPLASH*! YONAH'S IN THE POOL ! AND WHAT A TIME HE HAD IN IT TOO ! (Of course, the temperature in his room is 21°... the lowest I'll allow it to get for him.) WHAT A DELIGHT ! (For BOTH of us, I'm sure!) A KITCHEN VISIT ! SEEING HIM EAT SO HEARTILY ! A SPLASH IN THE POOL ! AND THEN... A NICE FEATHER-FLUFFING AS HE PERCHED ON HIS DOOR PERCH, IN THE RISING WARMTH FROM HIS RADIATOR BELOW. NOW... I DEFY ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY TO GIVE A BETTER “CHRISTMAS” THAN THIS !!!
It REALLY has been a TRULY MAGNIFICENT day!
So the day rolled along and for the rest of it, Yonah and I were together, in his room. And I'm going to note here:
I took two rather short “snoozes” during the day and BOTH times, as with “ALL” times, I no sooner got to the futon and Yonah came FLYING over! AND... for the ENTIRE duration of my laying there, he settled on my hip and “waited” until the little alarm sounded. He now knows that, when that sounds, I'll be getting up... or “should be”... because when I turn it off, he strolls down the length of my leg, hops off my foot, onto the futon and waits for me to sit up. And when I do... that's when he “takes off” for where-ever else in the room he wants to be. (Often, it's right up to the pillow, at the top of my head.)
I'm including this information now for two reasons, really:
First and foremost, to impress upon the reader(s), the closeness that Yonah has developed with me (and, I've no difficulty stating, it's truly quite mutual). He's a MOST AMAZING little bundle of feathered soul, cognizance, sentience! And EVERY person who has contact with a mourning dove who has ANY sort of “attachment” NEEDS to be aware of this AND to respect it! No matter who s/he might be. The “love” of a mourning dove is NEVER to be taken “lightly”, simply as a “granted matter of fact”, and NEVER, EVER to be ignored or made light of. They're as susceptible to being “hurt” as any human... in fact, I dare say, they're MORE susceptible than MOST humans.
And, as a second matter, in view of the recent events that have referenced “permits” and “paper-work”, I'd like to include here, that the ignorance of those flippantly use the term “unreleasable” truly ought not to be so boldly proud of their ignorance. As I'm to understand, the “normal protocol” in a situation such as Yonah's is that “they” come to remove the Little One, with no regard for the housing, nutrition, care and LOVE. They then put the Little One with some OTHER person who has a “title” of “Rehabilitator”. If they can't find one who can “take” the Little One... just as if they can and the “Rehaber” doesn't want to dedicate the time and involvement needed, the Little One will either be “released” into the wilderness where s/he will, ultimately die because of not being able to forage for food and/or water, perhaps of a “broken heart” (because mourning doves have been known to display signs of “mourning” the loss of a mate/loved-on), and/or the inability to recognise predators... especially the “sporty hunters” who delight in murdering them. The alternative? Simply “euthanise”. Again... it makes no difference that the Little One is being given EVERY comfort and need. “It's the law.” There's no “trial”. No “hearing”. Just the harsh cruelty.
Yes, I am, admittedly sensitive to this issue, particularly in light of the fact that these very same “self-proclaimed caring” people have NO trouble accepting the mass murder of mourning doves. (They're the most-hunted... but that doesn't matter... to some.) But some-one who gives love... LOVE, care, nutrition, shelter? Oh...
Meanwhile... the sun went down this evening and I made SURE Yonah's windows were “reflection-free”! And I had some “tasks” to address at his work table and so... we were together into the evening.
At about 19.25, with the “FullSpec” light and the “fountain” off... fresh water already in the pool and his little “drinking dish” and his house tidy... he had his little “before-roost snack”. This day, this Christmas day was drawing to a close. WE MADE IT! Another Christmas! But THIS one was truly a FAR CRY TO IMPROVEMENT over LAST Christmas! And tonight, instead of the “heaviness” of wondering about his pain, whether or not he'd be alive the following day, whether or not he'd survive the Winter... Tonight, well...
“Tuck-in” was at 19.28... as I finished typing the daily events, I turned to see my “little Saviour”, and so he truly is because, had he not come into my life... another story for another time in another post to another Journal... up on his “night perch”, all “snuggled”, head resting between his shoulders. He was tired! He'd had quite the day. So, we got right to the business of night boards and kisses and cuddles. Oh, he surely was tired tonight!
Today was the epitome of “Christmas” in this old house. So much LOVE, so much JOY, smiles, camaraderie, companionship. There was so much “LIFE” and it was lived to its fullest. There was peace. And now, we begin our next journey into a “new year”... together. How long into that year we'll make it is to be seen, but for now... we'll have every moment as it's given us... and that's all that matters.
Sunday 26 December:
7.31 this morning! I was sitting in the kitchen, having been up and about for about 90 minutes when... through the door... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo”! MY LITTLE GUY WAS UP AND AWAKE AND READY TO TAKE ON THE DAY! And, at his other-wise “usual” hour! I was SO pleasantly surprised! Of course, I wondered if he was awake because he hadn't slept well last night, but, when I went into his room, there he was, indeed, awake, up and it seemed he'd been “waiting” for me to come in and open his door and get us both, on with the day. And I opened his door, leaned in and got the sweetest cuddles and pecks “Good morning!” Precious little-to-nothing could be better for a heart and soul than to be so readily greeted at the beginning of a day. And as I say, AS I leaned in, he came over to snuggle next to my face. Looks to me like we both kind of miss each-other over night.
And again, I say, it would be a delight to sleep in the room, on the futon, with him, free to come and go as he might want. It's a JOY to be able to snooze during the day, and waking from a nap, opening my eyes and there he is. And it's SUCH a comfort to me to know that he actually enjoys being close, enjoys my company. But, well, I'd NEVER put him in a situation where ANY harm could come to him and in the darkness of his room, no, not a good idea at all.
Well so and then, our day rolled along, another some-what dreary Wint'ry day. Over-cast, drizzly at times, a few flurries of snow and generally just “typical Northern Winter”. But we were together, and I went about the chores of the house-hold... MOST of which were conducted under the strictest “supervision”. And OH, was I ever “called to play and cuddle” during the day! Yonah has been in SUCH an affectionate mood of late! It really IS heart-warming to hear those wing-snaps and see him standing there, staring at me, as if waiting for me to come over to him.
Today, I brought his “foods” into his room where they all went into their “specially marked” containers, jars. Ground sun-flower seeds, ground peanuts, the larger seeds from the “wild song-bird” mix... all nicely contained in well-sealed jars that fit into the fridge where they'll be kept fresh. (Especially the sun-flower seeds and peanuts, since they have oils in them that might go rancid at room temperatures.) There's one complete rack in on the fridge door that's set aside, just for Yonah! They're not “every-day” additions to his food because the regular mix that he has is perfectly nutritional as it is, with bits of fruits and vegetables as well as the seeds, and the extras are higher in fats and oils and protein which don't make a good constant diet. So, he had some of them for Christmas and, come New Year's eve and day, he'll have more. “Special meals for the holidays”. And of course, from time-to-time, especially through Winter when the house might take a chill, I'll add some too, just so that he has the “extra” to fend against the cooler temperatures. For now, there's PLENTY! As I tell him: “As long as I have breath, you'll never be cold, never be hungry, never need housing and never have to be afraid of predators.” That's my most-solemn vow... and I keep it!
OH... And he's gotten a “new like” of late: He REALLY ENJOYS when I “cup” him in my hands, stroke his back with my thumbs and he gets to “snuggle close” to my face! He even “preens” my nose and cheek!
Enough on that... I move along...
Add to this, the “nap” situation... TWICE today, I had the briefest of a lie-down, and BOTH times, my head hadn't even but just reached the pillow and as if he'd been waiting for me to go to the futon, Yonah was RIGHT THERE, ON MY SHOULDER! AND HE STAYED THERE UNTIL I WAS READY TO GET UP!
I can't stress enough that I TRULY NEVER expected this sort of “bond” between us! I NEVER expected him to EVER become so “at home”, so comfortable, especially with ME! I NEVER expected such affection... and, above ALL else, I NEVER EVEN ENTERTAINED A THOUGHT THAT HE WOULD COME TO TRUST ME... CERTAINLY NEVER TO THE EXTENT THAT HE DOES! Had he been “people-raised”, I might have hoped to be able to develop SOME degree of closeness, SOME degree of “Trust”. BUT... WHAT CONTINUES TO AMAZE ME IS: YONAH HAS NEVER HAD ANY CAUSE OR REASON TO TRUST A PERSON! HIS BORN-INSTINCT IS TO *NEVER* TRUST A HUMAN. (Let's face it, even we humans have perfectly legitimate cause not to trust other humans as well.) But over these past 14 months, well, I REFUSE to just accept it as “He knows where he has it good.” There's something MUCH deeper, MUCH more profound... in addition to the “documentation” that can be found “out there” that states, clearly, that mourning doves will mate for life and WILL show signs of sorrow... of “mourning” the loss of a mate, that, alone, is “sentience”; add that Yonah has come to “KNOW” that I'm NOT a threat, NOT a predator, and that he's come to TRUST me! This little “wild” being... It's as I say all along: “AWE”... I am in constant “AWE”. It's just indescribably mind-numbing, when I try to understand it, even at its surface. What makes it all the more intriguing is: THIS CAN'T HAPPEN WITH MOURNING DOVES IN THE YARD! Oh sure, there are people who can step out their door and “call” and birds will come to them, and their feeders. But, to have even ONE of them rest on the shoulder as we walk about, to have even ONE of them COME so quickly when they see us in the yard, and to actually sit with us or, if we lay in a hammock or on a chaise in the yard... to come rest on us? If it's ever happened, I'd be most interested in hearing ALL about it. But, to my knowledge... nope... not happening. AND I NEVER REALLY MADE ANY EFFORT TOWARD THIS! THIS IS ALL YONAH'S CHOOSING! AND THAT TOO, MAKES IT ALL THE MORE AMAZING TO ME. ALL I'D EVER REALLY DONE WAS TO PROVIDE FOOD, WATER, SHELTER AND, AT THE BEGINNING WHEN I REALISED THAT HE'S, WHAT “THEY” REFER TO AS “UNRELEASABLE” (as if he's incarcerated here) I SIMPLY ADDED A LITTLE “CONVERSATION” SO THAT HE WOULDN'T FEAR MY VOICE... ALL THE REST... IT'S ALL HIS CHOOSING! As I say... “indescribable”!
So this is how our day moved along today, with many breaks for play... cuddling... chatting. I took my usual “break” to have my evening meal in the kitchen and after about 15 minutes, OH... the “calling”! “Meal” was complete, including the washing-up, in under 45 minutes tonight. When Yonah wants my company... I'm MORE than happy to provide it. Besides, the pleasure is mutual. So I moved back into his room to finish the work that I'd started during the day. Part of that “work” was to get ALL of the photos I've taken of him over the past 14 months and put them on a special “drive” where they'll be safe... and I HAVE to say that, for those who take the time to browse Yonah's “Portfolio” pages on his site... THAT'S NOTHING compared to ALL the photos and videos taken! But I'm keeping even the ones that “didn't make the cut” to the site. These are the platinum-titanium-set diamonds of my entire life-time. I'm not parting with even a “camera click” of any of them! Anyway...
Tonight, again, his “FullSpec” light went off at about 18.45... the light in the room dimmed to the desk lamp alone... and at about 19.28 I happened to look up to see him at his door perch... eyes closed. He was enjoying the warmth of his radiator and he was ready for sleep! So, I moved me and mine out of the room and placed the “night boards”. His blinds and curtains were closed at 16.30 already (that “reflection” incident AND to keep the night chill out of the room and away from him). I'd no sooner gotten the boards in place when he was at his “night spot” on his perch... Oh yes... he was ready for sleep.
Much “snuggles, cuddles, pecks and kisses” tonight. It's been a MOST affectionate day... (I wonder: “Christmas” together? Does he remember last year? He was still in rough shape, we were both just trying to adjust to one-another. This year was completely different. It's been said that crows and ravens remember... I shouldn't doubt that mourning doves... and MANY MANY other Little Ones as well... remember... perfectly well!) By 19.35, lights were out and my little Heart-and-Soul was safely, warmly tucked-in for a good night's sleep. And, unashamedly, a little bit of my heart “pained”... No matter what, I just don't like not being with him. Even when I have to attend to the house and such, it's just a comfort knowing he's “there”, and hearing him call when he does, is such a delight to the soul. But, as it is with all, he too, needs and deserves a good night's sleep. So? So... But, I look forward to tomorrow... his call, his beautiful little face, OH... THAT LITTLE FACE! and the snuggles, cuddles, our time together, our snoozes together... our “chats”.
And now, I look forward to seeing him at the dawning of a new year... a “new year”... “US”... and a “new year”... soon.
Monday 27 December:
Ah... 8.13 this morning. Another “sleep-in” day. But there's no “blame”. It was quite chilled, and grey and a touch on the “damp” side too, so it made for perfect “roosting-about”. But when that call came, no need saying, I was beyond “elated”! My Little Guy was awake and we had a day ahead, together!
Yonah was REALLY ready to get at the morning too! I'd no sooner opened his door and began to open his blinds and curtains when... WOOSH! He was air-borne, and off to his futon! And he watched me go on with the “morning routine” as I rushed back and forth to the kitchen, bringing in the fresh water for his pool and drinking. He's an inspiration, as he just stands quietly, on the pillow, just watching me. I often wonder what he's thinking as he sees me passing in and out of the room. (One thing of interest, to me anyway, is that he's come to recognise the little containers I use to fetch water. I pull the little tray that holds them, from the shelf under his house and it appears that he knows that I'll be reaching in and out of his space as I pour, and now, when he sees those containers, he heads for “other places”. Brilliant Little Guy that he is.)
When I'd done, he headed back in and went for his “breakfast” in peace and calm. Looks like he's getting his own “morning routine” now.
When I'd returned to the kitchen to finish my morning coffee and such, he “called” again, with his “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo...hoo-hoo”. It's that “longer” coo'ing that I've come to learn means he has something to “tell”. So I replied the same and... well... as I busied in the kitchen, we had what can only be rightfully called, a “conversation”. The coo'ing patterns changed now and then, but the exchange was almost non-stop. (I have to admit, I haven't the slightest idea what was being said, but the house was FULL of conversation this morning!) And when I'd done and come to settle for the day, at the work table, he came right to his door perch... WING-SNAP! AND WE CUDDLED! HE TRULY ENJOYS THE CLOSENESS, THE CONTACT!
Last night, before I closed my day, just before peeking into his room to whisper, as I do EVERY night “Good night my Heart-and-Soul. Sleep warm. Sleep well. Call me when you wake up. I LOVE YOU.” (Now that I'm aware of the fact that doves “half-sleep”, I wonder if Yonah still does that, or has he come to know that he needn't, because there's nothing here to threaten him in the night. But if he does only “half-sleep”, I suppose he hears me whispering and, I've NO doubt that he's come to recognise “the sound” of “I LOVE YOU”... because I say it to him VERY often, and the sound of my whisper ... just before the house goes dark, and he can sleep through the night.)
As the morning passed, since I'd been up and about and working before “the call” (I try to get MUCH of the house-chores done before Yonah wakes so that I'm at the ready when he is, and I can spend as much time as possible with him through the day), I went to his futon, as I do, for a quick “lie-down”... 30 minutes this morning, and, as has become the “normal procedure”, Yonah came over, immediately, landing on the back of the futon at first, then a hop to my shoulder, across and onto the pillow where, as he does, 2 minutes before the “alarm” sounded, he woke me... by hopping onto my head and giving me a few gentle pecks! His timing is amazing! He seems to “know” what time I've set for an alarm and 1-2 minutes before, he comes to wake me! “Coincidental” I'm almost sure. I don't show him the alarm... and, since it's on the “phone”, I'm certain it wouldn't make any difference to him. But the timing IS something that DOES amaze me.
Because I'm seriously now, considering adopting a “ring-neck dove” as a companion for him (though, I'm also learning that that could present problems, should he see the “new dove” as “competition” for my affections and attention, so there's a LOT of DEEPLY SERIOUS thought and consideration called-for now), I went on-line to see what sort of “coo'ing” ring-necks do. WELL! It was quite intriguing... we went through about 5 different dove recordings and at first, Yonah had NO interest in them. But then we hit ONE and he came from his house to the little shelf on the work table where he could see the screen on the lap-top. The recording was on a video and from his “perch”, he stared at the screen and cocked his head to one side. SO, he had SOME interest in the “other” dove. Good to know. And he didn't appear to be annoyed. So we'll see where this idea of mine gets to.
I'm considering “ring-necks” for several reasons here. First and foremost, I dread the thought of “buying” one, supporting a “business” I despise-at-heart. I'm HOPING to find one who's looking for “adoption” and close enough so that there's no “shipping” involved. (One “site” I happened to see last night boasts “The good news is that the postal service considers doves as 'poultry' so they'll send over-night express.” Well, the “bad” news is that I've worked with the postal service and I happen to know, all-too-well, that “poultry” is the same as “fragile”... the due respect comes only from those who have any respect to give, other-wise... the mis-handling can be brutal. Besides, the poor dove will be in a box, taken to the post office, passed along to trucks, into a central processing plant, back to trucks, perhaps onto planes and then more trucks until arrival. The very thought sickens me. But...with the blatant apathy or generally miserable attitudes I've encountered as I've gone to “authorities”, seeking some information, support, insight, assistance, if I'm to go through with bringing a new little life into the house... “business” may be the only way. I'm saddened, sickened and disgusted, but if it means Yonah having a nice little “mate”... we'll do what-ever it takes, what-ever I must.
Also, ring-necks seem to be quite similar in size to Yonah, and there are colourations that are close to his. I mean, a pigeon is so much larger that he, and their coo is so different from his. I don't want the “new” dove to be perceived as ANY sort of “threat” to him! “Diamond” doves are smaller than Yonah. So, pigeons are too large, Diamonds are too small. Ring-neck it will be... IF it will be. (Stand by for further developments?)
Oh well... another day passed... BUT WITH SO MUCH LOVE AND AFFECTION TODAY! It REALLY IS JUST BREATH-TAKING, HOW AFFECTIONATE, “COMPANIONATE” THIS LITTLE GUY CAN BE! The napping together, the wing-snaps for play and “cuddling”, the calling when I stepped away for coffee in the kitchen... HE'S AMAZING-BEYOND-AMAZING! I truly, deeply, sincerely, honestly can't even imagine my own existence with-out him! “Awe”... it's the only word that comes to mind... in the truest sense of the very word.
Musics (bird-songs and radio... which played low during the day, to add some “variety” to the sounds in the room so it wouldn't become “tedious” to Yonah who is very sensitive to sounds of ALL sorts), went off at 19.00. His “FullSpec” light was off by about 18.45 tonight. But by 19.15 he made it abundantly clear: he was tired! It was time to “close shoppe” for the day. He'd been on his door perch for about 10 minutes and I thought I'd try a “lie-down” to see if he'd come along. Nope. He was tired. So I got up to “chat” with him for a moment and he went directly to his “night perch”. The message was clear. So the night boards went on and by the time that was done, he was very much settled-in and settled-down. So we got a smooch and a brief snuggle and that was that. He wanted to go to sleep. Hey, everybody has the evening when they just want to get some sleep so... door closed (as I do at night, to keep him safe), lights out.
A quick look at the weather forecast for the next fortnight... 0° and 2° for the daily highs, and single-digit “minuses” for the lows... until Monday-week... -11° for the day's “high” (with no mention, as yet, of the “chill” which will bring it down colder, to be sure), and Monday night? -13°. A one-night “snap”, and that's not the coldest it will become. Come the end of January and through February, surely, there will be -20s and -30s, so this is a good chance to learn to adjust Yonah's radiator and plan on the best way to keep HIS room at it's warmest-possible. (My heart aches on cold nights, when I think of the other mourning doves, “out there”. How I wish I could make something warm available to them. But then, no matter what I think of, no matter the sorts of “shelters” I've seen in various “DIY” videos and such, there's the matter of “predators” in the night who will want their place there as well and I don't want to make it “easy pickings” for them, by having some sort of “shelter” FULL of doves and other little ones. Yes, predators have to eat too, but I don't have to set the table and serve. And surely, Yonah can handle a house-hold chill which will never be as cold as the out-doors, but... he's not out-doors and there's no reason, excuse or logic behind him needing to. So? So... Hey, last year we both made it perfectly well, and I didn't keep his room as warm then, thinking that he'd have to deal with the cooler nights when he went back out to the flock. So this year? Well... we'll do what we can.
Meanwhile, tonight, he's safe and sound and warm and cozy... we'll be just fine. And when January-February comes rolling in? We'll be prepared for it... together.
Tuesday 28 December:
“Morning Call”... 7.51! And this morning's “greeting” was a stretching of the wings, and a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo... hoo-hoo”. And no sooner had the “morning routine” finished, with fresh waters and a fountain splashing in the pool when... OFF WE FLEW! Up to the top of the wall shelves! Such energy, such ambition, first thing in the morning! But, to see and know that my little Heart-and-Soul is well and fine is ALL that I could hope, ask and pray for. And though, out-side it's a “warm” -1°, and the sky appears to be “promisingly clear”, I'll call it that, in Yonah's room... a charming 21°. Made it through another night, and all is well and perfectly fine. Now... to see what the rest of this day will bring us.
Well? Here we skip along, as the day draws to an end, and it was yet, another day of much to do around the house, in preparation for the coming of a new year. Much cleaning, “up” and “out”, putting all things in order, and dealing with a grey, damp and chilly Winter day.
From the moment Yonah got “settled-in” this morning, flying about, looking for a “comfortable spot” where he could keep an eye on me as I worked along, to the “close”, when I finally got “settled-in” at his work table, where he's become accustomed to me being for most of the day, it was constant moving, always something else to be done.
And, all can rest assured, Yonah did his best to “roost” at the best vantage points he could find... in his room. From the roof of his house, to the shelves on the walls, he was ALL about his “domain”... and each time I happened to grab a glance to his room, there he was, watching. I wonder, often, if it's the movement, as he sees me going from room-to-room and, very much, round and round, that catches his attention. Does he wonder what it is that I'm doing? He truly DOES show some sort of “interest” in ANYTHING I seem to be doing at any given moment. And he DOES, obviously, move to places where he can best see me. (Even now, he's on the door of his house, over my shoulder, as I sit at the work table, typing here.)
We didn't have our “usual snooze-time” together today, I'm sorry to say, BUT... all during the day, when he might have felt “alone”, I heard the distinct “call” of “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo”! I've come to learn (thanks to my great professor) that THAT “pattern” means, amongst other things, “HEY! HELLO! IT'S ME, HERE!” (Yes, it does mean other things, depending on a particular situation or circumstance... for example, since Yonah's in a bit of “mating mode” and has taken a “liking” for a particular pillow on the futon... which is another reason why I'd like to get him a “companion”, I've noticed him giving the same “Salutation” just before the fluttering of feathers... as it were. So, essentially, it stands as “Hey there!” and “Hello.” After all, he IS a “gentlebird”. “Introductions” and “greetings” first.)
ANY-way... as I say, the “call” came frequently through the day, and every time he called, I went to his room to find him, where-ever it was that he called from... his house, the futon, a shelf, the work table (he was ALL over the place today), standing there, in his “stern” position, and as I walked in, IMMEDIATELY, I was “greeted” with the “wing-snap”. And THAT, I've CERTAINLY come to learn, means “I'm being ignored here! It's time for some PLAY-TIME!” He truly DOES enjoy a nice “cuddle”, cupped in my hands, gently, a back-rub with my thumbs, and some little “kisses” on the head! He's AMAZINGLY AFFECTIONATE! And HOW he DOES enjoy the moments of attention, contact, and LOVE! But I have to quickly include: when he's had “enough” and the “Love-time” is at an end, he's as quick to let that be known as well. He looks about, his head raised as he focuses on a new destination and, the moment I open my hands... he's air-borne! Off to another place in the room and busy with what-ever it is that he seems to remember he needed to attend to. (And I'm granted my “leave” to return to what-ever it was that I was doing before being beckoned.) He's a laugh-riot! Really! Such a grand personality! The accounts I've read on-line as I've done my research on doves (mourning and others) are so accurate. Reading them (even here) do the actuality no justice. The joy, the amusement, the entertainment, the elation of the actual experience really is just “indescribably” wonderful!
And Yonah's found a new “favourite” place of late: on the floor! He started to take to the floor about a week or so ago, and it was a bit of a “startle” to me because not only can he find the strangest little places to “get into” (all of which, to be sure, are quite safe because I've put his room together so that there's NOTHING that could cause him ANY harm, AND, his floor is carpeted and it's Hoovered EVERY DAY! At least once. So there's nothing in the carpeting that could harm him, like getting his toes caught or “finding something interesting to eat”), but his colouring is such that, aside from a pure-white back-ground, he CAN all but disappear into his surroundings! If he isn't in the middle of the room, several have been the times when I've stood there, absolutely bewildered, scanning every corner, every bit of furniture, not daring to move for fear of treading on him! And he's not the type to respond when called, either by name or by “coo”. Instead, he stands where he is and simply looks, as if he's thinking “What's wrong with you? I'm right HERE!” (I've already mentioned how he also finds it “comfy”, if I can call it that, to be under the work table as I work... by my feet, or behind the chair where I sit... thankfully, it's not on wheels. So now, when-ever I want to change the position of my feet or legs, I have to take a “scan” under the table, under the chair and behind and beside me. Sometimes, he reminds me of a precocious kitten, to be honest.) What intrigues me though is, the floor is noticeably cooler than the rest of the room, and certainly cooler than Yonah's house, which is raised a meter up (39 inches), at full-window level, and he has the small, electric radiator below and in front so the warmth rises to him, yet, he decidedly prefers to spend his time wandering about in the coolness! And he's not “fluffed”, so, the temperature “down there” is quite agreeable. Still, I do my best to keep his room above 20° (68°F) and, for the most part, it's usually 21° (70°F). But, he chooses the floor and since he's in no danger there, and he knows he doesn't HAVE to be there, well, the entire house is his now, he's entitled to be where-ever he feels comfortable. (I still do my best to maintain a “warm” place for him, and to be honest about it, when he wants warmth, he DOES enjoy a “roost-and-sooze” on his door perch, right above the radiator where the warmth rises best. He KNOWS what he wants, and now, he KNOWS where to go to get it.)
We DID have quite a lot of “Play-breaks” during” the day, so he wasn't alone and never really had any cause to think he was. (After all... one “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo” and I was right there.) And the breaks did me more good, spiritually... and kept me at my chores so that I can be done with them as quickly as possible.
But, as the days do, this one just went by SO QUICKLY! I took my evening meal break for about 45 minutes, got the washing-up done and, JUST as I was approaching Yonah's room to get to the “evening routine”... THERE HE STOOD... AT HIS DOOR-WAY! He was on HIS way to the kitchen... WALKING! apparently, I'd been gone too long! (And forgive me for saying, but there ARE those who would find it perfectly with-in their “rights” to take him away, to be “placed”, as they call it, in some “rehab facility” or... well... “euthanise” him, rather than have him stay where he's obviously SO CHERISHED and LOVED and CARED FOR and CARED ABOUT.) ANY-way...
Well, OK... by then, the sun was gone in the world out-side. It was time for “evening routine”... the waters in the pool and his drinking dish (which he seldom uses, as he favours the “pool water”... thankfully that's changed completely twice daily and again, if he decides to “take a dip”) were changed to fresh, and we did a bit of “light house-keeping”. I moved into Yonah's room to the work table and he... he took to his futon for a while and then, as I typed, to his door perch.
By 19.30... he was obviously ready for a night's sleep. He gets so comfy on that smaller perch, but I've come to know that he prefers the larger one for the night, so, I got up, moved my “things” out of his room and as I put-up his “night boards”, to block the invasive street-light and to give insulation against the chill from the windows, Yonah took to his nightly spot in his house. We had our “pecks and kisses” and our snuggles. He “bade good night” to the little doves in the mirrors, as he does before retiring. Lights out. We closed another day...
Tomorrow? Well, there's still a little more work to be done round the house, and on Thursday, we'll be doing the “monthly” house-keeping where the pool will be removed to be scrubbed, the pump will be flushed with vinegar and water. The rocks in the pool and the rest of the house will be scrubbed and boiled. A thorough washing from top to bottom, end to end. And the sands in his “beach” will be replaced with fresh, sterile sands. He has fresh moss too! I managed to get that with our last “thaw” and it's been “drying” for the past several weeks, in the living-room. I've rinsed it thoroughly, to make certain that there's nothing harmful “hiding and residing” in it and I let it dry to make doubly sure that nothing is “surviving” in there. He SO ENJOYS lounging in it, especially after a dip in the pool, and he's made a little “nest-like” divot in a little corner where he spends a day, sometimes, in the sun's warmth as it comes through the windows. So, there's fresh moss for the new year... and until the next thaw. Ah... I can hardly believe: we saw 2021 in together... I NEVER imagined we'd see 2022 in together... and I couldn't be happier these days. Yes, it would have been such a delight to see him take to the skies with a flock this Summer. I'd imagined it so many times during last Winter. And I waited, impatiently, as Spring arrived. It was sad, to be honest, when I realised that he wouldn't be “flying” well, but, just as he's BLESSED me SO, with his love and presence, I've been equally blessed with the ability to provide him with the best food and shelter... and, hopefully, pretty good companionship. One thing for certain: he's NEVER short of truest LOVE. That's “my Little Guy”... literally my Heart-and-Soul.
Wednesday 29 December:
As I sat at the kitchen table, I noticed that Mr. Taube still hadn't called yet, so, at 8.10 this chilly morning, I strolled in to “check” and there he was, wide awake, just waiting. I have to wonder when HE sets the “limit” on when I come along to attend to opening his windows to the day. I wonder IF he actually knows that I'll “show up”, sooner or later and if he doesn't just wait for me. What-ever it is, I'm rather amazed at the variations in times when he does call. It isn't completely dark in his room in the morning, so he knows that the day has begun. But, truth is, it's warm, comfy, cozy in his room in the morning so, there really is no “rush” for him. It's mostly my own “concern” for and about him that gets me in there at any particular time.
And this morning, after all the “morning routine” was completed (of course), I'd stepped along to get to the chores of the house-hold that I'd already started and when I returned to the kitchen (at 8.44)... THERE HE WAS, strolling out of his room and into the kitchen! He's REALLY becoming quite “bold” these days. AND, it's rather interesting that he chooses to “walk” out, rather than fly. But, if he's more comfortable toddling along, I'm in no position to object, nor to have any opinion on the matter. Yonah does what Yonah wants to do and that's all there is to it. I'm just quite happy and at peace seeing that he's comfortable with walking about. I'm sure that if he had any reservations about his safety, he'd either not come out of his room at all or would fly, since that gives him the better “escape”, should he feel the need for it. And again I have to say: With all the reading of accounts of doves participating in daily house-hold routines... I NEVER even imagined Yonah do so. So again... as with ever day, I remain... in “AWE”!
Oh, but the day rolled on! And I continued with my “annual mania” around the house, and, just as yesterday, ti was repeatedly brought to my attention that I was NOT where I was “supposed to be”... namely, at the work table, in the room. So I figured ways in which I could sit on Yonah's futon and “get things together” from there, as much as possible. AND... ALL THE WHILE I SAT ON THE FUTON, YONAH STAYED ON THE FUTON... WATCHING JUST ABOUT EVERY MOVEMENT I MADE! Either on the back of the futon, looking over my shoulder or on the pillows at the end, again, watching. Honestly, it DID appear that he was “intrigued” by what I was doing, and when I'd speak to him, telling him even the most mundane particulars of the papers I was sorting through, the notes I was jotting to myself, he stared at me, as if “listening, attentively”.
I can't help but mention here, the “teachings” of a life-time, that claim that the Little Ones aren't capable of actual “thought”, that they can't formulate actual, cognizant thought patters and processes. And, in particular, when I think of the expression “bird brain” as being intended as an insult, it's obvious that those who believe such nonsense have either never spent any “quality” time in the company of a bird (and, in this case, a mourning dove), or they've just managed to presume and assume. Perhaps it's just that “certain people” are afraid to admit that even the smallest amongst us actually are “sentient” and capable of quite a LOT of tangible, concrete, cognition. OK. If they were to admit it, it would make for “difficulties”, considering these Little Ones are sometimes considered “food”, and the awareness of killing a “thinking being” might tend to pull at some “morality”. And I can accept that, fully. Then again, let's just say: mourning doves are prey to others, such as hawks, owls, wild canines and felines, all of whom need to eat in order to survive. The truth of the matter of existence is that, in order for some to live, some others must die. Fine. That's how this so-called “perfect world” is, and, obviously, how it was created. BUT, none-the-less, as I've stated else-where in this Journal and on this site, and in conversations with many others: there is a bold difference between “killing” and “murdering”. Even in the translation of the “Bible”, the word “murder” is used in the context of a “commandment”. It reads, literally, that “Thou shalt not murder”. Murder, being just senseless, an act of pure violence... “hunting for sport”, taking a life simply to satisfy some greed of delight. Shooting mourning doves, simply for the sake of shooting them. No, there really is no proper justification for such an act. And, as I learn, from Yonah, each and every moment of each and every day, HE, as well as OTHERS are FULLY cognizant of the act of murder... JUST as much as he's FULLY cognizant of the LOVE he receives from me. He “knows” that I care for and about him, and, in his own gratitude, he reciprocates that LOVE in SO VERY MANY WAYS...
One such “way” is how, when I lay down on his futon, for a snooze, he comes, immediately, to “rest” on the pillow, at my head, or on my hip, and he stays with me until I wake. Another? When I walk into his room, he comes forward in his house, even from the comfort of his little “moss nest”, to greet me. And he hops up to his door perch where he knows I'll cup him in my hands gently, and lean forward to talk softly to him and I rub his back with my thumbs, and give little kisses on the top of his head. He KNOWS this is what will happen, he ENJOYS the contact, and he comes forward to where he KNOWS I can best reach him. (This, in contrast to him trying to “escape”, moving farther back away from me, or taking panicked flight, in an attempt to get away from me.)
Oh, I could go on forever on the topic, but let these few words suffice.
And so, “breaks” were taken, frequently, during the day, just to re-assure one-another of our affections for and toward each-other and each one was an absolute delight, and when our “rendez-vous” was sufficient, Yonah was back to flying about his room, up to his roof, or any-where else he chose to be.
And thankfully, the day wasn't as cold as some of our recent days. (A quick reprieve before Sunday night's -16° with chills of -20°, I suppose.) And Yonah did get a few hours of brilliant sun-shine during the day, in which he basked and delighted. So that not only made HIM comfy... it made ME quite happy as well.
But... night comes too quickly, no matter the season, and tonight, again, as I sat at the work table, recording thoughts on the day's events (limited as they might be these hectic days of a year's end), Yonah took to his door perch where he watched as I typed and his little eyes began to close. The clock approached 19.30... “Seepie-nigh-night” time... an expression which Yonah has come to actually understand, in his way. When I turned to look at him, he opened his eyes (he can actually sense being looked at... so there's another... I won't get into it again), and when I brought the lap-top out of his room, he called to me. When I went back in, I said “Is it 'seepie-nigh-night' time?” and he leaned his head forward... for cuddles. And when he'd had sufficient affections, he headed up to his little corner loft where, nightly, he looks into the mirror there and coo's a “Good night” to the dove in the reflection. “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo”. And then, to the front, on his perch, beside the other mirror, where he spends his night. I put his night boards up. He watched. And when they were in place, I moved his house back to it's proper position, placed the radiator where the warmth would rise to keep him warm through the night. I leaned in... we exchanged little pecks and kisses... Yonah was ready for a night's sleep.
Now, before signing-off for tonight, I have to point out that Yonah didn't “adjust to my routine” at night, where sleep is concerned. Nor, really, has he adjusted to “my clock” or routine. The truth of the matter is: HE has taught me HIS “routine”, where eating and sleeping and playing and snoozing and, almost all of his little “exercises” are concerned. It HAS to be noted, in all seriousness, that it was never, and remains so, my intention to “domesticate” or “train” Yonah in any manner or fashion. It IS my intention to LEARN FROM HIM! Surely, we both have had to make “adjustments” to one-another's times, wants, wishes and such. But, for the greatest part of all of this, I was and remain a most-interested and willing student of “Professor Taube”. He has taught me SO VERY much about him, mourning doves in general, and given me immeasurable and indescribable insight into the lives of the other Little Ones in the wild. it was HE who taught me that he prefers the 19.30 bed-time hour in this season. And when Summer comes, and the sun sets later, I know that, with-in the hour after sun-set, he's ready to end the day. I've come to learn, these days, that, when, in the absence of sun-light, he enjoys the light of his “FullSpec” light. I've come to learn that it's best to turn that off about 90 minutes before he'll be ready for sleep, and leave a small desk lamp, with an old-fashioned incandescent bulb lighted. 30 minutes before “tuck-in”, the bird-songs and radio are turned off... and we sit together in silence, to wind-down. “Time” is ALL about HIS “clock”, not mine. And through this learning, he's also taught me how to take the world at its own terms, to run with that which I can, and to leave that which will cause me to stumble, else-where... just move on and away.
There's a photo of him from the 30th December 2020 that I've come to like very much. It's his “icon” on the internet, his photo on his “calling cards” and stationery. Tomorrow, I'll take another photo of him for comparison over the year. One thing that comes to mind: Last year, in December, he'd been in this house for two months and his tail feathers were “capped” in white. I had NO idea... in spite of all the feathers that he'd been shedding, that he'd been MOULTING! I had NO idea how painful a time it was for him! And, because then, I was limiting my contact with him, not wanting him to develop any sort of “trust” of me, other than to know that I meant him no harm, so I'd left him alone, well, on his own, for the most part. Ah... the poor Little Guy! In a strangest of environment and surroundings, in the company of a “predator”! Starting in some horrific wire-mesh “box”. AND SUFFERING THROUGH THE HELL OF MOULTING! My heart still pains so, just to think of it all. But THIS year, he's gone through the moulting and come out BEAUTIFUL! HEALTHY FEATHERS! STRONG AND WONDERFUL! He's got a very LARGE house, with sand, moss, trees, a pool and fountain. He has a room to fly about, and a house out-side that room where he can fly or walk at will. He has companionship, his bird-songs to listen to, warmth, wonderfully healthy food... Oh... there's SUCH a difference! So, tomorrow, yes, indeed, we'll have to do an “annual Winter photo” to put up on his “Portfolio”... ending one year... and charging into another.
But for tonight, he's tucked-in safely, soundly, warmly... and me? I'll be here for him when he's ready to take on the new day. That's my Little Guy... my Heart-and-Soul... That's... Yonah... Yonah Taube.
Thursday 30 December:
It was another morning of “silence” until 8.00 when I went in to check on Yonah. And, to my delight, he was awake already, so I didn't wake him. And again, as I sat on his futon to bid him a soft “Good morning.” he stretched his wings and “shuffled” toward his door. He now knows that when I come in of a morning, the door gets opened and he's FREE to “take off”! And, indeed, this morning, I'd no sooner opened the door and he “hopped” across his house to the other perch, and as I opened the curtains and blinds, he was right over to his “little friend” in the “loft mirror”... “Greetings” of “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” there followed by another hop and shuffle to the other “little friend” in the “front mirror”. There... a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo” and... AND... HE WAS OFF AND ON HIS WAY! OUT and across the room to the opposite end of the futon. Oh yes, Yonah was awake and the day was his!
I attended the usual “morning routine” of water changes and house-tidying, and all the while, Yonah watched as I went from his room to the kitchen carrying the fresh water for his pool and drinking dish. When that was done, I went to settle the kitchen and Yonah returned “home” for breakfast.
Our day had begun.
I had quite a bit to get settled at his work table today, so, although I was, for the most part, pre-occupied, Yonah found his own “entertainment” in his house, on the futon, on his wall shelves... on the floor. And when he wasn't any of those places, he was “perched”, on his roof or on the extended perch over my shoulder. Every time I'd look up, there he was, staring at me, watching, often with his head tilted, as if he'd been wondering “Now just WHAT is that going on there?” He's obviously aware of goings-on in his room, and he's obviously curious about what-ever it is that I do.
We did manage (of course) to take “play breaks” during the day, most of which were by “call”... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo”, and when I turned to go to him, he fluffed and ruffled his feathers. We had “cuddles” which he's really enjoying of late. And I had one “lie-down” this morning... and Yonah came, as usual, immediately, to the pillow and “nestled” against the top of my head. This morning's snooze wasn't with an alarm, so it lasted a bit longer than the usual 30 minutes, but, after about 40 minutes came the little “pecks” on the head. Apparently, I'm being “timed” now with my snoozes! Yonah didn't want to “play”, because when I reached up, he took off and went back to his roof-top. But, there we have it: time for snoozing was up... it was time to get back to work! (My “Supervisor”... I tell you.)
Thankfully, today was a bit warmer and brilliantly sunny for most of it, so Yonah's room was bright and warm and he took advantage of the luxury... lounging in his little “moss nest”. (I grabbed a photo of that today because the image that I use for his “icon”, “avatar”, calling card, stationery, &c. was taken on 20 December last year... with his white-capped tail feathers that were due to his moulting at the time. His little “house” then, was so sparse and small, compared to his house this year. So much has changed, improved, in the past year.
And tomorrow, bless him, Yonah will put up with me taking his house apart... it's “thorough-cleaning” day! The pool will be removed and scrubbed. The pump for his fountain will be flushed and cleaned. All the sand will be replaced. And there's “new moss” to be added! The “softer” moss that he enjoys so much. And there's much more of it now too! And I have white pine needles... a container of them! They'd been “blanched”, three times, in boiling water, drained and dried in between each blanching. I take NO chances of there being ANY sort of “parasite” in anything that goes into his house! Mourning doves are known to like using the pine needles for nesting and so, I want to give Yonah what he would have access to, were he out-side and in the wild. What he does with these is to be seen. (I've no doubt that, if he doesn't want them, he'll simply toss them out, onto the floor. He's done that with other little things I've put in his house... even some of the moss! No problems letting me know what does and what doesn't “fit” in with his taste and his décor!)
Well then... the best part of the day was that we were together through it ALL today. We were each-other's company, even though I worked quite a bit. We were together, and Yonah makes it obvious that he enjoys it even if I'm just “present” in the room with him. He's energetic but calmer. Once again... it's the COMPANIONSHIP ! (Now, again, I have to think about the “ring-neck dove”. I wish I could be more certain that he'd enjoy that sort of companionship or, would he resent it, perceiving the “new-comer” as competition for my attentions and affections. Again, I don't want a little dove to suffer... either Yonah, with un-necessary resentment nor another one, bearing the brunt of a “nasty attitude” from Yonah. There's a LOT of thinking and considering to be done... But, there's time too... this isn't just a matter of going to some “shoponlineservice.what-ever”. So? So... I ponder...)
This evening though, was “quite nteresting”... The linens on Yonah's futon are due for a washing, and I didn't want to remove them whilst he was awake, because during the day, he likes to “lounge” on the futon and the pillows and, well... as little feathered delights will... “poop”. (One thing I MUST say, for any-one actually reading along: bird poop is the neatest, easiest to pick-up. Very small. Little “rounds”. And they dry rather quickly. There's a mention of the contents of it and how birds urinate on the “Care” pages, but, suffice to say, they're not “wet” to begin with. “Soft”? Yes. But not “wet”. So, give it a couple of minutes and it's a simple matter of picking it up and discarding. Birds HAVE to be the neatest companions. No “box”. No “walking”. No “scopping”.) That said, yes, he does tend to “poop at will” and so, I keep up with it, making certain that the linens on his futon are kept clean.
Anyway, we got the “evening routine” done a the usual time and at 19.30, Yonah was “dozing” at his door perch. So, I got his night boards installed, we had cuddles and kisses and he headed up to his “loft mirror companion” for a quick “It's time to get some sleep now.” coo'ings. I bade Yonah a good and restful sleep and closed his door. All was well... until...
When I began removing the covering sheet from the futon, WOW, WAS HE EVER ATTENTIVE! CAME RIGHT OVER TO THE FRONT OF HIS HOUSE AND WATCHED MY EVERY MOVE! IT WAS AS IF I WAS DISTURBING HIS ENTIRE HOUSE! He appeared only a slight “anxious”, but surely, he didn't understand what was going on. But he DID appear to know that something was being removed! I kept assuring him that I was only removing the linens to launder them and that they'd be right back in the morning when he woke. Still, he TRULY WAS AWARE THAT SOMETHING WAS CHANGING IN THE ROOM! Well! Another lesson I've learnt: I have to take particular care when “moving things” about in his room. He was SO curious when I'd done the cleaning of his wall shelves, perching on my shoulders to watch, hopping up and down my arm as I removed and replaced each item. Oh yes, indeed, to be absolutely sure... say what one will... mourning doves ARE aware of their surroundings and DO become a little “anxious” when things are changed! So, from now on, if I EVER decide to “change” things in Yonah's room, it will have to be done gradually. (Now I'm wondering about moving away from this house and into another. Hopefully I'll be able to duplicate his room else-where, or at least very close to it. It's taken him a year to acclimate to his room as it is now, even with the three different “houses”, and the shelving and such. Moving will be a matter of sincere interest... to Yonah and to me.) OK though, after I'd removed the linens, I went back to Yonah, opened his door, stuck my head in and we snuggled and kissed as I explained the situation to him... softly. He seemed to be consoled and settled on his night perch. I put the light out, spoke with him a few more moments and all appears to be well for the night.
I've said before, I say again: there is NEVER really a “dull moment” with Yonah. Life is, no matter what else may be going on in the world, AMAZING... because of him.
And so, linens washed and put up to dry over-night (with deep hopes that they're dry enough to replace in the morning), we close the eve of the eve of the “new year”.
Tomorrow? Well... HOUSE-KEEPING! (Hopefully the addition of the fresh mosses and sand will be accepted fo the comfort intended. I was considering a little “re-arranging” of perches and such in Yonah's house, but after tonight's “lesson”... best to leave well-enough alone.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow's experience... We shall see how it all goes... indeed... we shall see. But for the “new year”, my little Heart-and-Soul will have a fresh, clean, orderly, neat little house and home as we face 2022... as if that means anything to Yonah... MY LOVE!
 Friday 31 December:
DID WE EVER HAVE A DAY TODAY! ONE THING FOR CERTAIN, WE DIDN'T SEE THIS 2021 OUT JUST SITTING ABOUT! NEITHER YONAH NOR I ! WE DIDN'T JUST “ROLL”... WE “CAREENED”, IN A FLUTTER OF WINGS AND A RUFFLE OF FEATHERS !
It all began at 8.15 this morning when, since I hadn't heard the “morning call”, I gave one, from the kitchen... A little “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” ... AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY came the reply: “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo!” As I headed for Yonah's door, with a STRONG smile on my face and a LOUD song in heart and soul, I gave a “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo” AND... as I opened Yonah's door... “woo-HOO-hoo-hoo-hoo” came back at me! WELL! Not only “conversation” in the morning... THIS WAS A “DIALOGUE”! We haven't had one of those in, what seems, the LONGEST while! What a way to begin the last day of a year! Hey! Even though, out-side was grey, ever-so damp (with 3° this morning and reaching 5° during the grey day), the atmosphere and ambience IN the house was PURE DELIGHT! And as soon as the curtains and blinds were open, and the morning “light” came in, Yonah was ALL over his house... first to the “loft mirror” for a “morning greeting” to the little dove in the mirror there, and THEN, to the little dove in the front mirror! Honestly! WHAT A START TO THE DAY!
But this morning, we didn't have the “normal morning routine” because...
TODAY WAS ABSOLUTELY THOROUGH HOUSE-KEEPING! OH YES! INDEED! AND IT GOT UNDER WAY AT ABOUT 9.00... (and wasn't complete until almost 14.00... THAT'S how “thorough” it was).
The pool came out for a proper scrubbing, the rocks were boiled (particularly those that are in the pool), ALL of the sands were replaced with fresh, sterile sands. The trays were removed and washed and dried. Fresh kitchen roll laid in the largest tray (for cleanliness and a bit of “insulation” these colder days, so the other four trays that hold the sand and such aren't laying on the main tray). The fountain pump got flushed with a solution of 75% white vinegar/25% fresh tap water, for an hour, and THEN it got flushed with fresh, clear water, for another hour. When everything got put back together, fresh, new mosses were laid and white pine needles too. The kitchen roll on the “corner loft” and the “roof-top platform” was changed... And everything was cleaned! Hey! I do the same for the rest of the house, and, besides, it was due for Yonah's place so...
BUT THE MOST AMAZING ASPECT OF IT ALL, AS I WORKED ALONG: YONAH WAS SO ACTIVE... JUST ABOUT EVERY MOMENT AND EVER MOVEMENT !!! HE ACTUALLY WATCHED AS I REMOVED EVERYTHING FROM HIS HOUSE, AND HE “INSPECTED” AND ITEMS WERE TAKEN AWAY. HE WAS ON MY ARM, SHOULDERS, HEAD, HE WAS ON THE TOP OF HIS HOUSE, LOOKING DOWN, HE WATCHED, HE LOOKED, HE FLEW ABOUT... AND HE FLEW *ALL* ABOUT THE ROOM ALL THE WHILE! As I removed something, he went to where it was, a tree, a tray, a rock, what-ever it was, he HAD to look to see what was in the space that was left, wanted to note what was taken, and it seemed he was looking to see how clean or dirty the new open space was! AN ACTUAL, ACTIVE INTEREST IN WHAT WAS GOING ON IN HIS HOUSE! I was constantly on the move, removing items, bringing them to the kitchen, washing, boiling, rinsing. I washed the trays in the kitchen basin, making sure they were clean and completely rinsed. AND, as I brought them back and returned them to their “proper place”, with EACH returned piece, Yonah was in to inspect! I left the room to fetch some-thing else and when I returned to the room, he came FLYING TO ME... LANDING ON MY SHOULDER as if getting to a place where he would see where I was putting things in his house. IT WAS, FOR ME, AN ALL-TIME AMAZING EXPERIENCE TODAY! He's always shown an interest in the house-keeping as I “preform my duties” BUT TODAY WAS EXCEPTIONAL! HE FOLLOWED ME! HE ALMOST “PARTICIPATED”! AND... WHEN EVERYTHING WAS COMPLETE, AND HIS HOUSE WAS SETTLED AGAIN, FRESH POOL WITH NEW, FRESH MOSSES, AND HIS FOUNTAIN WENT BACK ON... YONAH WENT IN, HOPPED ABOUT FROM END-TO-END-FRONT-TO-BACK, SCRATCHED IN THE NEW SAND, AS IF “INSPECTING” IT, HOPPED ABOUT THE NEW MOSS, AS IF “TRYING IT FOR COMFORT” AND “APPROVAL”! I Hoovered too, of course, making sure that his carpeting was completely “void” of ANY and ALL possible dust, dirt and the bits of seeds that he tends to toss out, as he sorts through them for the ones he likes. And when I'd done? I headed to the kitchen to clean the chaos that I'd caused there AND... YONAH CAME WITH ME! IN FACT... HE RODE ON MY SHOULDER AS I WENT BACK AND FORTH WITH THE FRESH WATER FOR HIS POOL! In the past, he's “started” to ride along, on my shoulder, but never actually made it through the seven trips I make with water. TODAY? Not only did he ride along through it ALL, he pecked at my ear and cheek from time-to-time! With-out exaggeration, I HAVE to say... HE KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING, KNEW THAT I WAS WORKING TO CLEAN HIS HOUSE! AND HE WAS ACTUALLY SHOWING APPRECIATION! IN FACT... WHEN ALL THE WORK WAS DONE, INCLUDING THE HOOVERING, HE CAME TO ME, TO MY SHOULDER, PECKED AT MY EAR, MADE HIS WAY AROUND THE BACK OF MY NECK TO THE OTHER SHOULDER WHERE HE GAVE ME MORE PECKS ON EAR AND CHEEK! “APPRECIATION”! (And an approving “Good job.”) “AWE”... HONESTLY... PURE, LITERAL “AWE”! The entire day was as if he KNOWS that I'm cleaning HIS house, to make it better, more comfortable, safe for him! He “knows”... and his gratitude is just... INDESCRIBABLE! (9 languages banging around in my old head and NONE of them can describe or explain my absolute, over-powering, over-whelming “AWE”! THIS has been just an UNBELIEVABLY INDESCRIBABLY MAGNIFICENT DAY!
 AND... he had “company” today... “callers”. Deborah and her Olivia came by to see him. Deborah wanted Olivia to see him and I was more than delighted to have them in the house. AND... TODAY, as they stood in his door-way, Yonah was on his pillows, on his futon and today, it didn't seem to phase him at all that there were other “people” in the vicinity! He's REALLY taken to this situation of being in this house... and “people” don't appear to present any immediate threat. (Although, I DO have to wonder if MY presence didn't have something to do with his... I won't call it “comfort” because he didn't appear “comfortable”, but he wasn't “anxious”... it just seemed that he some-how knows that when I'm near, and I was, I even got to “scratch his back”, as it were, truly, no harm will come to him. I DO tell him that, often. Again... he UNDERSTANDS. And to me, there's NO greater HONOUR... in ALL of Creation!)
Even this evening, as I prepared my evening meal, I took breaks to be with Yonah, and EVERY time I came into his room, he came FLYING TO ME! He's SO affectionate today! WANTS to be WITH me. WANTS the contact. WANTS the snuggles, cuddles, kisses! Needless to say, meal went by quickly so that I could get back to spending the last bit of this day with THE VERY BEST OF ALL HEAVENLY BLESSINGS, THE ONE AND ONLY REASON WHY I GIVE A CARE ABOUT A DAY, AND ABOUT THE MINUTES IN EACH ONE. Yonah is, in all the most sincerest, honest truth ever known in Creation's history, the SOLE reason I have ANY incentive to go through a day, sleep through a night, wake to another day. With him, there's “us”. With-out him, there's neither of “us”.
So tonight, tucking him in is sadly painful. How I DO wish that there could be a way for us to spend the night together... aside from me being on his futon. It would be a delight to heart and soul if we could snuggle on the futon together... like one might with a cat or dog. But, the dangers, the risks of him being injured or injuring himself, should he try to fly about the room in the darkness, are all too great. He's already been through such “god-awful”, god-forsaken Hell! being attacked. Being taken by a human into a house. He had to “reside” in that little mesh “box”, then in a nice “cage”... a “cage”. No matter how “nice”... I didn't dare to let him fly freely in the beginning. He had a couple “collisions” with the windows and walls. when he first came into the house. So no, I won't risk ANY further injuries to him... no matter what the situation. (Still, it would be nice to snuggle together. I can't help but say it.) Anyway, one thing I did do this evening was to follow our usual “evening routine” of changing the waters in the pool and drinking dish. Surely, they were still fresh from today's activities. I didn't finish setting everything to “normal” until almost 14.00 so at 18.00 all was still quite “fresh”. But I want to keep our “routines” regular. He “knows” water will be changed in the morning and before he settles-down for the night. He knows when to have his “before bed snack”. So, I'm keeping the routine, no matter what.
I have photos from today and, I believe, yesterday as well, that have to be added to this journal and to the photo pages for “2021”... and tomorrow, since there will be NOTHING that “HAS” to be addressed, Yonah and I will have the ENTIRE day together... me at the work table... taking snoozes... what-ever happens, what-ever we want to do when-ever we want to do it. So I'll sit with him, in the place he's come to know me at most of the time, and we'll take breaks and such. But we have ALL DAY together!
“Seepie-nigh-night” was, well, indeed, for me, sad to the point of “painful”, tonight. Yonah wanted kisses, he wanted snuggles. I will swear on ALL, that he “KNOWS”, in his own way, how attached to him I really am, and, even if it's just some degree of “gratitude”, which I'm POSITIVE he's capable of possessing, it just seems that he wants me to know that he DOES understand and that he DOES appreciate my LOVE for him.
Oddly though, tonight, he stayed with me, on my shoulder, as we sat on the futon chatting, AND whilst I put his night boards up. He's never stayed on my shoulder during that little ordeal. And all the while, he pecked at my ear, affectionately.
When Deborah was here today, we talked, briefly, about the “protocol” dictated by those who have absolutely NO sentiments, NO emotional involvement with these Little Ones, and when I started to tell her of the “dictatorial procedures” the very first thing she mentioned was “They'll put him down! He can't live with-out you. He doesn't WANT to live with-out you! He'd DIE! If from nothing else, a broken heart! You've done and are doing the most wonderful things for him. You're giving him a LIFE! You just keep doing what your heart tells you because obviously, you know more than you realise and it's all working perfectly well. Silence.”
Well? Yes, I do suppose she's right. And she knows more than ANYBODY else does. AND, she KNOWS my attachment to Yonah. So... “Silence”... other than this Journal. And if Hell truly has taken this world as tightly as I suspect, well then, to be sure... as I say... So long as there's Yonah, there's “us”... with-out him... there is neither.
This has been a MOST FASCINATING YEAR, THIS “2021”! I completely disregard the “politics” of humanity and the rest of the world because, to me, they're worthless... utterly and completely worthless. What truly matters at all is that Yonah has made it through, and we've gone through SO MUCH, and SO MANY changes... and grown SO CLOSE to one-another. He's given me “Hope”, he's educated me in SO many ways... he's literally given me “Life”. And what-ever time we have together in the coming 2022, I'll do absolutely EVERY THING HUMANLY POSSIBLE to continue to keep him safe and in the very best-possible health, and he'll ALWAYS be LOVED, SO VERY CHERISHED, he'll ALWAYS be, in the literal sense...
my HEART-AND-SOUL !!!
And tomorrow? We open a “new chapter” in our little story... together. Where we go is to be seen, but I look forward to each and every second of what-ever time we have... together.
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