Tweets,

First, a wonderful picture of Patrick that Joe posted the link to. I came
from the mountains, and to see Patrick standing on the flank of a great
mountain dressed for the fall ball is striking. Especially the pose, it
captures his essence so well.
It is interesting that the photo is so similar to how I remember Patrick
the best. His eye was always looking for birds, whether with the scope or
bins. I have a wonderful picture of Patrick with his eye to the scope,
brilliant blue skies, and wind-blown grass at his feet. It is my favorite,
and I have sent it along to Ruth.
I was fortunate to spend birding time with Ruth and Patrick, mostly on the
eastside. Rarities were fine, and, like all of us, Patrick searched for them
always. But, until you birded with Patrick you would not realize how excited
he would get over even the commonest of birds. He called out Warbling Vireos
and Western Tanagers with the same enthusiasm he called out a rarity.
I do believe in the after-life, and it is fitting that Patrick will beat me
to Carolina Parakeet, Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Labrador Duck, Passenger
Pigeon, Great Auk, Bachman's Warbler, and Eskimo Curlew. I wish him well.
And, should I see a tall fellow with a scope over his shoulder trudging
through the sands of Midway Beach, Damon Point, or Oyhut Game Range in that
wonderful sea-fog I will look twice. And, if he disappears in a waft of fog,
I will know that I have company and will take solace in that.

Cheers

Doug Schonewald
Moses Lake, WA
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