Living alone, I rarely think about such things. This week, the thought came home. The saga started on Tuesday, when my throat felt as if someone were stuffing scouring pads down it. On Wednesday, my throat felt better, but I lost my voice. Thursday, the voice returned, bringing with it some light stuffiness.
Larger birds can outlive their owners.
Our darling small hookbills, however, rarely live longer than twenty years. With me just approaching a quarter of a century, I know that theoretically I don't have much to worry about. The first thought would be to turn to other family members. That husband who looks askance at your bird collection may not relish the thought of keeping those birds once you're gone. Not only might he not enjoy Polly the Screamer's pretty singing, but also the birds would be a reminder of whom he had lost.