u/Important_Range7737

Last Spring, a hummingbird nested in our star jasmine which grows on our front porch. She had two fledglings. She came back again this year and built a nest right next to her old one (which we left up), and had two more fledglings. We were so happy she came back! They were born about five days ago and we were elated with joy when they popped their little heads up. And Mamma bird was used to us, and never fled when we would pass by. It was like she felt our porch was a safe space.

But I noticed yesterday that she wasn’t around, which was odd. But I waited and waited. Finally, tonight, a whole 36 hours of not seeing her, we decided to check the nest only to find it empty.

The only explanation is that a predator found the nest.

Look, I’m a grown ass man. I served in Iraq twice. I have been through a lot in my life. I’ve been wounded, I’ve lost friends, and I’ve most all of my family. My mom died when I was 24. I am covered in tattoos. I go skydiving and motorcycle riding for fun. And most people consider me a pretty stoic and “tough” guy.

Despite it all, I am heartbroken. I have been fighting back tears for the past half hour…albeit unsuccessfully. I know nature will do what nature does, but fuck…this one hit me hard. We have become attached to the mamma bird, and to her little babies over the past two years. So losing this year’s babies is…well….I can’t find any other word than heartbreaking.

That’s all. I just needed to put my grief into words.

edit: Thank you all for your kindness.

I just discovered this sub a few days ago. I don’t use any social media other than Reddit and YouTube (if that even counts) because of how commonplace misinformation and its resulting ignorance have become over my lifetime. And even here on reddit, I primarily only use this app to follow my MLB team and a tiny handful of academia-adjacent subreddits. So, it’s refreshing to find a digital community of likeminded, educated folk all in one little subreddit. It was you who helped me see through some of the hokey I was following on YouTube.

Glad to be here.

I went to my first Padres game at Petco Park tonight and had such a fun time! I was born and raised in Houston and have been a lifelong Astros fan (family tradition—and no, I don’t recognize 2017 as being a legitimate WS win). I live in California now and I have to say that the Padres team and fanbase have earned a very special place in my heart. The more I learn about the team, the more I like them. And seriously, I have been to dozens of games around the country and you guys are the friendliest, most wholesome fans I have ever encountered.

Thank you all for a great time tonight.

Let‘s go Padres!

I’m trying to decide if it’s worth it.

Cons:

- I’d be driving from OC.

- The only tix available are in the upper 310s-320s.

- It’s be easily over $200 after tix and parking. (Me and my hubby)

Pros:

- Pride night 🌈

- It’d be my first time at Petco Park

I want to go but I’m struggling to pull the trigger.

What would you do?

EDIT: Thank you, everyone! I pulled the trigger. We will see you guys tomorrow!