Butch Butcherbird pops in for a mo'

Thusday afternoon before sunset, our wandering ex-patient, Butch, suddenly flew into the frangipani and landed beside me. You will recall Butch went blind and we had to keep her in a cage for over a week while we treated her eyes each day. Then she and Cass spent a day singing all around their territory, and both vanished. The birds have a much more complex life than we humans often give them credit for. Taking holidays, visiting friends and relatives, kids' sleepovers - they do it all. What exactly Butch has been up to we may never know.

When Butch arrived, 'Freddy', a newcomer to their group who onviously knows us well, and who we think is one of Butch and Cass's babies from some years ago, was already their saying hello to me. When Butch arrived, Freddy looked very pleased. Butch then let out a hugely loud song call, the same one she sang for most of her time in our home whilst being treated, as if to make sure we knew exactly who she was. (This is the call that includes our telephone ring, and which she used when she wanted us to bring her bugs or just come for company.)

But yesterday and so far today, no sign of Butch again! Was it just a quick stopover to say hello, or is she back for good?