Grackling Tragedy

A grackle made her nest a few weeks ago in the largest banana tree in my backyard.  

The three household hounds took to destroying the baby banana trees, ticking off the landlord.  

A man showed up one morning and attached ropes between the big banana tree and the wall, and placed boards around the base.

The grackle nest fell out.

The dogs went to inspect the fallen nest.

I went to inspect what the dogs were inspecting, and found three baby birds; one deceased, two still kicking.

Ack.

I'm in no position to care for little gracklings right now, much as I want to.

I called my dad, who advised me to pick up the nest, put the surviving babies back in it, and put the nest back in the tree.  

I can't reach the crook of the banana tree...

So I put it in the branches of another tree next to the banana tree.

I don't really expect them to survive... but there's not much I can do. 

  

Home stretch

May.  The month I leave Guatemala and head back to Oregon.

I'm scared, depressed, and anxious.  Of course I want to see my friends and family, but Guatemala has been home for nearly a year.  I know it's going to hurt to break off all the little green tendrils I've grown out and started wrapping around this place.

I know how to live here.  My responsibilities are short-term.  I've never lived on my own in the US.  I have to make long-term decisions.  Crap.

 

There's a pomegranate tree in my backyard here.  I don't think the fruit will be ripe before I leave.  

Wasn't it Persephone who ate a pomegranate and couldn't leave?