When beloved foster bird Speckle passed away last fall, Nicole and Chris rushed her body to the Veterinary Medical Hospital at U.C. Davis for postmortem testing. Because concerning symptoms had appeared in their flock, they shouldered their sadness and wasted no time.
Speckle was a beautiful girl rescued hungry and stray in a small community in Central California. After a kind person brought her to safety, Speckle made one of the happiest pairings known to Palomacy, marrying Uma, a gentle, rescued racer. Pigeons are emotional birds, and it was easy to see the reassurance these two felt being together and treasured.
Speckle died from a virus that can be deadly to pigeons but rarely affects humans. Her loss was heartbreaking for Uma, Nicole, and Chris. Nic and Chris are known by all as heavy lifters in the Palomacy rescue community. They have a big flock (about half adoptees and half fosters) and they never shy away from even the most challenging rescue and care work, including nursing affected birds through a viral outbreak.
As Palomacy director Elizabeth Young put it:
Nicole and Chris are incredibly generous, talented, irreplaceable pigeon heroes. They are supportive in every way— of people, from newbie good Samaritans to veteran volunteers, and of birds, no matter where or what their needs are. Both are deeply sensitive and rock-hard strong. I could never say enough good things about all they bring to Palomacy, bird rescue, and the world.
I was truly touched when the pair asked if I could make a small memorial for Speckle. They had to deliver her body so quickly that there was no time to get the feathers for memory that the Medical Center for Birds provides for patients who lose their feathered ones.
After some time thinking about it, I chose a reference photo and made a drawing. (It’s hard to describe, but spending this time with a bird leaves me feeling as though I get to know them on a level that’s both spiritual and cellular, even if I’ve never met them in person.) I then transferred her image onto a couple of backgrounds for them to choose from.
Now Speckle has her honored place in the special arrangement of memorials Nicole and Chris keep for all of their animal companions who have passed.
New Work
Because image transfer can be a fickle process, I made many copies of Speckle. So many that I was inspired to bring her into other pieces.
I added layers to this 14 x 14 board for months. For many weeks, I wondered what the focal point would be. It’s subtle, but it’s Speckle! The image transferred letter is from Elizabeth Barrett Browning to Robert Browning in 1846. It begins, “Beloved, my thoughts go to you this morning.” This piece is available for purchase with 50% of proceeds going to Palomacy. Get in touch for details.
I’m also absorbed in making these . . . bird blocks? I want something more interesting to call them, but looking at them, what else can I say? These, too, are image transfers, well-sealed on collaged backgrounds, and really nice to hold in the hand.
Each solid wood block is unique, ranging from 3.5″ to 4″ square and 2″ deep. They’re just $45 each, 50% to Palomacy. I only have these few right now, but I’m just starting. I could do any of the Post-It Flock or In Your Hands kids in this form, so feel free to make a request.
Giveaway Update
Because I decided to combine my blog and newsletter, I need to rethink my giveaway plan. I still want to hold regular giveaways, but I’ll draw winners from blog subscribers who ask to be included.
As a reminder, I’ll give away this 16 x 16 print of the Post-It Flock at the end of January. To enter, please do one of the following:
- If you’re getting this post in your email inbox, hit reply and ask me to include you.
- If you’re reading this post online, subscribe, then reply to your confirmation email to enter.
There’s no need to enter again if you contacted me after I sent my fall newsletter. I’ve got you.
My mailing list is small and the number of people who read to the end of a post is even smaller, so if you enter, your chances of winning are good!
