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It really has been a journey with these birds. I realize that this is how life works and I do take peace in knowing that the bird's life wasn't completely wasted. It nourished people and the feathers will be incorporated into art and possible even adorn a peace pipe. All is not lost.
PS: please look at what has happened to the vote on your comment. Thanks for hanging in there with me through thick and thin @magnata. I appreciate it. ;)