26 December 2025
Good Morning Everyone,
I want to thank you again for all your wonderful letters of support. Dementia has touched so many lives. Anyone living with a partner or parent knows that, like those sad events in Bird World, we do not anticipate the tragedies that will befall us.
As I last wrote, my husband’s Lewy Body Dementia had, for an unknown reason, taken a sudden turn for the worse. Today I sadly had to have him removed from the home and taken to a hospital for an evaluation – he had become increasingly violent. While he is there, I have to find him a place to live. This is not easy as it is still the holidays and public spaces are full. Thankfully, my entire neighbourhood, our joint friends, and our daughter Jaine are helping me. I am so grateful for their love and help.
I had hoped, as you know, that Ann and I would be able to curtail any issues and he could remain at home til the end of either his life or mine. It has been the most devastating day of my life, and I say that having had to bury my youngest son after he died from a car accident.
Because of these difficulties, I also do not know when I will be able to report back on our birds. I am hoping that Gabby and Beau will have a wee one to cheer me up soon! Pip watch for our NE Florida couple begins tomorrow.
SE26 is doing well. Rain began there and it appears SE27 will not hatch. I can see only one eaglet for Captiva so far and at Dade County the bonking had slowed for a bit. Fingers crossed for them. The parents are good providers although the presence of Coot on a nest – or any waterfowl – gives me unease due to Avian Flu.
SE26. Strong little eaglet.
Girri is also doing well. Screaming at the adults for prey. How fortunate we are to see this strong fledgling out of Diamond’s scrape.
Please keep us in your warm thoughts, and if you are prone to pray, then please say a prayer for us. It is a very difficult time. Thank you.
Oh Mary Ann!😭 My heart goes out to you. I do hope you find a place close by so that Toby and you can walk there and visit. Keeping you, Don, and your family, and extended family, in my prayers 🙏
Oh Mary Ann I’m so sorry to hear this. God Bless you and your family and I will keep you all in my prayers 🙏
May he get better with help there and we understand that you will not be able to do as much right now on keeping up with the birds. Please update on you’ll when you can.
Linda 🙏
Dear Mary Ann, you have been in my thoughts and prayers and now even moreso. I can hardly imagine what you’re going through, and hope you’re able to find a place for your husband that is nearby. Just know how much you’re loved and cared about! 🙏