Our Amish Birder Friend is Moving

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

I just received a letter from Susan Hochstetler, our Amish birder friend, that she will be leaving the San Luis Valley. She has sold her place to a non-birding relative, so we can expect that the vast flocks of Rosy-finches she once fed, will have to disperse to other sources. Many of you know that she would annually get between 300 and 500 rosy-finches at her feeders, to the delight of many. People from as far as Denver would make a special trip to see her wonderful assortment of Rosy-finches. And Susan kept meticulous notes too of all birds seen. She truly loves the birds she has experienced. 

Susan fed the birds even tho the cost was very high. Many of us helped with occasional donations of seed or cash so she could keep the birds fed. I know they brought her great joy in life. And she liked to share that joy with others and was always welcoming to all who stopped by. 

Most recently, she was able to hear the Yellow Rail! She said it was the most exciting bird event of her year! 

She lost her husband Martin a few years ago. She is moving to a different state and lower elevations to be in a better situation and closer to her family.  

She really enjoyed birding in the Valley, albeit it was challenging since she cannot drive and had to use horse and buggy at times. Other times, she and her friends would get a driver and explore places farther away. She made some excellent finds over the years. 

So with melancholy and sadness, we must say farewell to Susan. If you would like to, do stop by and say goodbye as she will be in her home a while longer. If you would like to send her a card, contact me through gmail and I will send you her address. You can also make a comment in this forum, and I will incorporate it into a letter I will send her. 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO