Sunny update! More photo spam!

[HannahandSunny]

Sorry I’ve been a bit to sad to come on here..
No Sunny. I cry everyday, it’s silly I know. I just need to accept that he’s gone. I fear he’s died. But I guess I’ll never know.
I’ll always miss him.
My parents arrive tomorrow hopefully that will cheer me up and keep my mind off him. And at least I don’t have to worry about him while I go to Queensland for 10 days soon.


It’s going to take me a while to get better.
He was my best friend, and the best thing that’s happened to me.

Thank you everyone for your kind words and support.

 

[LaManuka]

Hannah if I was you I’d be crying every day too. But I’d prefer to think that Sunny has done exactly what he was born to do, which is to find himself a girlfriend and have a family of his own. And this is possible for him because of you and your loving care that you gave him.

I still hope he will pop back and visit you sometime, he’s probably a little pre-occupied but he’ll never forget you and will always love you, just as he will be forever in your heart. You’ll hear Sunny in every corella’s call and see him in every rainbow. Sending warm feathered hugs your way!

 

[HannahandSunny]

Hannah if I was you I’d be crying every day too. But I’d prefer to think that Sunny has done exactly what he was born to do, which is to find himself a girlfriend and have a family of his own. And this is possible for him because of you and your loving care that you gave him.

I still hope he will pop back and visit you sometime, he’s probably a little pre-occupied but he’ll never forget you and will always love you, just as he will be forever in your heart. You’ll hear Sunny in every corella’s call and see him in every rainbow. Sending warm feathered hugs your way!

Thank you so much. There is a big part of me that thinks he has fallen head over heals in love with a female Corella and doesn’t want to leave her side. And I’m more than happy for him to be wild and never see me again, it’s just the suddenness and unknown that is making me think the worst has happened. And of course that’s my anxiety speaking also. But if I really think about it, the past few weeks he stopped sleeping in the barn and he’d spend most days off in the wild, so maybe it’s not as sudden as it seems.

All the Corellas sound like Sunny now, they play tricks on me everyday

 

[Rozalka]

Oh no, how long haven't you seen him? Maybe there are some chances?

 

[saxguy64]

Hannah, it sounds like he's been ready and preparing for life with his flock friends for a while. It's hard to see it until it actually happens, then it's a surprise. You have every right to be sad and miss him. We're all right there with you on that. Just keep in mind that you did the very best for him, and made him truly happy. YOU DID THAT, and that's amazing!

I definitely understand the feeling of him being your best friend. For me, that was Patches, in all his beautiful plucked imperfection, my best friend. The one who could look into your eyes and see you right down to your soul. He died in my arms on the way to the emergency avian vet, a three hour drive from home. It still makes me cry. I learned so much from him. I guess that's what helped me make room in my heart for Tucker and Baxter, my two wonderful, deserving fids.

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[Betrisher]

Hannah, there's absolutely no reason to assume anything bad has happened to Sunny.

My bet is that the pull of the wild flocks has become more powerful and he's anxious to explore his world in the way all young animals do. Really, if he's going to be a wild corella, he needs to be spending all his energies foraging and flying and finding waterholes (especially with the drought the way it is). If you have a stock-watering system or a water source Sunny knows about, he'll come back to drink if not to eat.

Do you have any idea how old Sunny might be? I've always assumed he was a new-season chick when you found him because he was so ready to bond with you. That would mean he's not really old enough to breed this year, but if he were older when you met, then he could be busy with the new Mrs Sunny and helping her design their first home. That would take up all his energy and interest and would be a good reason for him not showing up at yours.

I can't imagine how painful it must be, but I know intellectually that you must be miserable at not seeing his little face every day. The one thing you can take GREAT joy in his that you rescued him from an awful fate and literally gave him his life back. Very few people get that opportunity or, if they did, they would give in to their human emotions and keep the bird enclosed for the remainder of its life. So you gave Sunny his life again every time you allowed him to fly away with the wild corellas.

I hope your Mum and Dad bring you loads of comfort and laughter. You certainly deserve it. Do make sure you wish them a cheery 'G'day' from all of us here. We like their daughter very much! XX

 

[Scott]

Hannah, we are collectively embracing you with feathered hugs, knowing you did a magnificent job saving Sunny and giving him support as he transitioned to adulthood. Most of us could not do what you did - honor his wild heritage and allowing him the supreme choice of lifestyle. Your deepest fear is understandable though he may yet make an appearance. Sunny's gradual independence the past few weeks offers the best case for flock inertia and the opening of his next life chapter.

 

[Inger]

Everyone has already said it so much better than I could. You are amazing. Your selflessness is practically unheard of. I admire you deeply. And my heart is breaking with you. Please stay here in the forums and give us updates about the wild flocks and the horses and your parents and of course when Sunny brings the family to visit. You’re an important part of our little family.


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[AmyMyBlueFront]

Sunny????

I find myself checking this thread several times a day now looking/hoping/praying for an update from our lovely Hannah. Her parents should be there visiting by now and keeping her busy,and I'm positive if that little boii showed up,we would know. This hurts more than I want to admit. :52:

Sighhhh…


Jim

 

[Terry57]

Hannah, I completely missed these updates until now. my heart is breaking for you. You are an inspiration, who put Sunny's needs above your own at every turn. I pray that he stops in to see you soon, in between his adventures. I have faith that he is out there, using all the tools you gave him. What a gift you both have been to each other.
Sending you many warm hugs, and hoping for a wonderful reunion soon.

 

[GaleriaGila]

This thread (and the whole story behind it) is a beautiful, amazing, sad, joyful, frustrating, inspirational so-many things-at-once thing. I join everyone here in holding you and Sunny in my heart.

 

[Anansi]

Sorry I’ve been a bit to sad to come on here..
No Sunny. I cry everyday, it’s silly I know. I just need to accept that he’s gone. I fear he’s died. But I guess I’ll never know.
I’ll always miss him.
My parents arrive tomorrow hopefully that will cheer me up and keep my mind off him. And at least I don’t have to worry about him while I go to Queensland for 10 days soon.


It’s going to take me a while to get better.
He was my best friend, and the best thing that’s happened to me.

Thank you everyone for your kind words and support.

I've just played catch up, and my heart goes out to you, Hannah. I know it must be so hard not knowing one way or the other, but I want to remind you of two things.

First, as Trish said, you gave Sunny such a gift. You not only saved him from certain death, but you then proceeded to take care of him and prepare him for life out in the wild. And like any parent, once you've done all you could for your child, you'll one day have to see them leave the nest. You've given him all the tools he needed, Hannah. Trust in the amazing job you did.

And second, his current absence makes perfect sense. Breeding for long-billed corellas is usually from July to November. They form monogamous relationships and - here's the kicker - both sexes share in building the nest, sitting on the eggs, and taking care of the hatchlings. Incubation lasts around 24 days and chicks remain in the nest for around 50-60 days.

The timeline fits, Hannah. I know you fear his death, but chances are good that his absence has more to do with new life. You gave him the gift of a second chance, and now it's the gift that keeps giving. I know you'll still miss him, but take solace in the likelihood that there are several chicks out there who owe quite a bit to their adopted grandma.

This has been one of the most touching threads I've ever seen, and it makes my heart smile every time I read it. What a beautiful heart you have, and what an amazing personality Sunny has. Thank you for continuing to share this journey with us.

Sending hugs your way, my friend.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

And who knows..maybe after his fatherly duties for the season are completed,he'll show up with his new "family" Now THAT would be awesome!! Sunny owes his life and everything that follows to you Hannah, I'm sure he will never forget you!



Jim

 

[CarolineBradley]

Hannah, I've just read through as much as I could handle, an example of a soft release.

What branch of WIRES/wildlife group are you licensed with in NSW? I've heard the laws are really stringent in NSW, but still not as bad as QLD (I'm the president of Australian Rescue and Rehab Of Wildlife in QLD).

They will have a bird coordinator and these people are ideally set to give advice of the best practice for parrot (especially the white cockatoo types) rehab and release and also fantastic councilors for when your heart is breaking.

If it gives hope, I had a soft release approx 12 years ago, disappeared for 2 years, and has come back every year since bringing along the family as well for a little support feed during dry times.

 

[Scott]

Hannah, I've just read through as much as I could handle, an example of a soft release.

What branch of WIRES/wildlife group are you licensed with in NSW? I've heard the laws are really stringent in NSW, but still not as bad as QLD (I'm the president of Australian Rescue and Rehab Of Wildlife in QLD).

They will have a bird coordinator and these people are ideally set to give advice of the best practice for parrot (especially the white cockatoo types) rehab and release and also fantastic councilors for when your heart is breaking.

If it gives hope, I had a soft release approx 12 years ago, disappeared for 2 years, and has come back every year since bringing along the family as well for a little support feed during dry times.

Your last paragraph brings much hope. Dearly hoping Sunny makes some sort of contact with Hannah, and soon!

 

[HannahandSunny]

Hannah, I've just read through as much as I could handle, an example of a soft release.

What branch of WIRES/wildlife group are you licensed with in NSW? I've heard the laws are really stringent in NSW, but still not as bad as QLD (I'm the president of Australian Rescue and Rehab Of Wildlife in QLD).

They will have a bird coordinator and these people are ideally set to give advice of the best practice for parrot (especially the white cockatoo types) rehab and release and also fantastic councilors for when your heart is breaking.

If it gives hope, I had a soft release approx 12 years ago, disappeared for 2 years, and has come back every year since bringing along the family as well for a little support feed during dry times.

Hello Caroline!
I’m Sorry I’ve only just seen your post, I was finding it hard coming on Sunnys thread too often..

I’m in Victoria, I phoned WIRES a couple of times during Sunny’s rehabilitation. They could only pass me onto the local wildlife career who was very lovely, helpful in some ways but clearly a much ‘harder’ person than I am (haha). I don’t think she quite understood Sunnys situation. But I still phone her now when I find other animals in need.

Your story about the soft release that has started to come back after 2 years of disappearance has really helped me gulp down my tears, That really gives me some hope that Sunnys still out there. Thank you SO much for sharing, I really appreciate it.

 

[HannahandSunny]

Still no sign of Sunny. I still miss him everyday, But I must look ahead. We had a fabulous time together and lots of happy memories

One of my Guinea pigs, Spike suddenly passed away a couple of weeks ago. Another massive hole left in my heart. My 2 favourite boys no longer in my life, both full of personality was Sunny and Spike. Things aren’t the same without them around.
My 3 lovely female piggies are keeping my chin up though. And I’m hopefully adopting a 4th this week.

Time passes, hearts heal and new souls help mend the broken pieces.

I will always cherish this photo of me and my furry and feathered boys

 

[Betrisher]

I feel for you, Hannah! Our big ginger cat, Seamus, disappeared a couple of years ago and we never found out what happened to him. We hope he's living a fine life with another kind family, but - well - we just don't know.

I think all the pointers were that our Sunny was feeling the pull of Mrs Sunny and a clutch of little Sunnies. Your selflessness allowed him to take part in a normal, corellish life, just as he was born to do. He probably has memories of you and your home as he flies the skies. Who knows? Maybe when the breeding season's over, he might pay you a visit? Maybe not. Whatever happens, we all know you gave him his life back and that was HUGE!

My kids and I used to breed fancy mice. They were the most adorable and clever little creatures (the mice, not the kids - although they have their own charms), but mice only live for two or three years and we had to go through that awful loss every few months. We were comforted by telling ourselves that although the little guy's lives were short, they spent them with *us* and we made each other happy for those two years. My son, Matt, was especially distressed by losing his mousie friends, but even he learned a sort of acceptance: it's Life after all.

You've had the pleasure of Sunny and Spike to brighten your life and you certainly brightened theirs. Don't be sorry. Be glad you got to share that time.

Sending hugs! XXXX

 

[Flboy]

I am so sorry, Spike sounds special!

 

[Laurasea]

I'm sorry to hear of your recent sadness. The pic was a beautiful fun moment, with special freinds. I can only hope your life is going to fill up with even more love