Photography As a Coping Mechanism - Backyard Wildlife - Attention Birders!

On 06/11/25, my family made the difficult and heart-breaking decision to put down our beloved Howie (our 12 year-old bichon frise - see video thumbnail). He had developed a tumor in the sinus area above his left eye that was rapidly growing and untreatable. After sleeping the first night without him at the foot of the bed and awakening on the first morning without him waiting to go to the back yard for his morning routine, I got my cup of coffee and a camera and went to the backyard patio.

As I sat outside remembering all of the happy moments Howie had brought our family, I couldn't help but notice the birds at the feeder were really active and singing a song. At this moment, I realized that a camera can help cope with grief. Filming this short bird video was therapeutic for me as I struggled with daily routines that no longer include Howie, and I hope you enjoy watching it as well. Nothing special here...just birds in the back yard. We miss you Howie.