1/12/22 - Madison, Hammonasset - Western Kingbird desceased
I'm sorry to be the bearer of this news but I found the deceased body of
a Western Kingbird at Hammonasset today (3:30 PM). It was on the ground
on the east/right side trail at Willard Island near the junction. I did
not inspect it thoroughly but it did not seem to have any injuries or
blood. I think it succumbed to the elements. What a shame. Such a
handsome bird. Rest in peace.
As requested by Frank Gallo, the body has been collected and and put it
in a freezer to go to the Peabody Museum.
Gina Nichol
Branford, CT
Hi Gina – thanks for your report. This is very sad news indeed.
The Western Kingbird was a beautiful bird that was seen and appreciated by many, many birders. The last time I saw it, I commented that it may be the most photographed bird in Connecticut, possibly ever.
Since I know this will cause some emotional reaction by the whole list, I’m going to put the list on moderation temporarily. I need to control the number of emails that may be generated by this news.
If anyone wants to reply to me directly, I will consider posting your thoughts about this magical bird. Just reply to me and not ‘all’ and I will consider posting for you.
May the Kingbird rest in peace.
Chuck Imbergamo
CT Birds Moderator
Madison
From: Gina Nichol
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 7:36 PM
To: posting list
Subject: [CT Birds] 1/12/22 - Madison, Hammonasset - Western Kingbird desceased
I'm sorry to be the bearer of this news but I found the deceased body of
a Western Kingbird at Hammonasset today (3:30 PM). It was on the ground
on the east/right side trail at Willard Island near the junction. I did
not inspect it thoroughly but it did not seem to have any injuries or
blood. I think it succumbed to the elements. What a shame. Such a
handsome bird. Rest in peace.
As requested by Frank Gallo, the body has been collected and and put it
in a freezer to go to the Peabody Museum.
Gina Nichol
Branford, CT
CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/
CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
CT Birders –
Several of you have written to share your thoughts about the wonderful Kingbird we were so lucky to admire. Below are some of the comments I received, and a wonderful poem too!
"It was so present as if it knew (of course it didn’t) that it had so many admirers. RIP little sunshine bird. Thanks for showing up." --Anonymous
"I'm glad it was found & will go to the Peabody. I saw it a couple of times, and it was one of my 182 species for my "biggish year". It certainly played well to its audience!" --Arthur Shippee, Hamden
"Rest in Peace, WK!! I am blessed I saw you and got some lucky and great photos of your majesty." --Joe Budrow, Madison
Clearly we have more than one poet birder in our community. I received the tribute below from Will Schenck of Greenwich. You may want to grab a tissue before reading - it is very touching! :)
A memorial sonnet upon the passing of the Western Kingbird by Will Schenck
O Kingbird, blown by autumn’s western sighs
Onto the bright Atlantic’s distant shore
No longer do flies catch thy glittering eyes;
Thy lemon breast is touched by winter’s hoar.
How often did thy dashing frolics cheer!
How often did thy winsome colors please!
The isle of cedar-trees, days cold and clear
Were blessèd by thine antics, and thine ease.
In flocks we came to thee to watch with glee
And all soon knew thine image and thy name.
And though for months thou sported by the sea,
Too soon to thee did winter stake her claim.
And though for thee our hearts will ever yearn:
O Kingbird, to the skies may thou return.
Amazing stuff.
Chuck Imbergamo
CT Birds Moderator
Madison
From: Chuck Imbergamo
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 7:45 PM
To: Gina Nichol ; posting list
Subject: [CT Birds] Re: 1/12/22 - Madison, Hammonasset - Western Kingbird desceased
Hi Gina – thanks for your report. This is very sad news indeed.
The Western Kingbird was a beautiful bird that was seen and appreciated by many, many birders. The last time I saw it, I commented that it may be the most photographed bird in Connecticut, possibly ever.
Since I know this will cause some emotional reaction by the whole list, I’m going to put the list on moderation temporarily. I need to control the number of emails that may be generated by this news.
If anyone wants to reply to me directly, I will consider posting your thoughts about this magical bird. Just reply to me and not ‘all’ and I will consider posting for you.
May the Kingbird rest in peace.
Chuck Imbergamo
CT Birds Moderator
Madison
From: Gina Nichol
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2022 7:36 PM
To: posting list
Subject: [CT Birds] 1/12/22 - Madison, Hammonasset - Western Kingbird desceased
I'm sorry to be the bearer of this news but I found the deceased body of
a Western Kingbird at Hammonasset today (3:30 PM). It was on the ground
on the east/right side trail at Willard Island near the junction. I did
not inspect it thoroughly but it did not seem to have any injuries or
blood. I think it succumbed to the elements. What a shame. Such a
handsome bird. Rest in peace.
As requested by Frank Gallo, the body has been collected and and put it
in a freezer to go to the Peabody Museum.
Gina Nichol
Branford, CT
CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/
CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/
CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/
CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/