"Ilsa" the Rufous Hummingbird update

I just received the following update from Norm. It seems really strange, but his words made me both sad and happy. Sad that she's no longer brightening our short winter days, happy that she, presumably, found her way home.

From: Norman Klein
Date: January 31, 2007 10:05:23 AM EST
Subject: Ilsa update

I am sorry to report that Ilsa was last seen at her feeders late afternoon on Monday, January 29.  I have waited until this evening (Jan.31) to post this since I was hoping that she might return.  I am also keeping her feeders going until the end of the week, and I might keep them going longer just in case another stray might linger into the area.  We can't help looking at her feeders and expecting her to be there.  We've had 65 pleasurable days of her company (November 26,2006-January 29,2007) and we can't help but miss her.

I am grateful to all of Ilsa's fans for their encouragement; and am pleased that so many of you came here to see her. (I believe that it was well over 150 of you)  Perhaps if she survived, she will pay us another visit next year.  It is not unheard of.  There are the returning stories of Perdita and Viola, and maybe Ilsa will join their ranks.

Finally, I hope that Ilsa has survived, and is bugging around some lush garden to the joy of another unsuspecting hummerphile.

"Here's looking at you, Kid!!!"

-Norm