#immature male red-winged blackbird

[paulasue53]

#bright red cardinals #female cardinal #house finch taking off #female house finch #mystery bird #immature male red-winged blackbird #winter berries

[sunshinesight]

I was outside photographing the daffodils and happened to notice some random bird in a tree off in the distance. Ah, zoom lenses and macro.

It had a sweet song and was grackle-sized or smaller. Not a grackle though - song, and no yellow eyes. Not a starling - because black beak. Not crow sized. I thought it might be an immature male red winged blackbird, but no. Pretty sure it’s a brown headed cowbird.

#bird #brown headed cow bird #cow bird #bird identification #backyard birds #my big backyard #birding #outside #go outside #nature #photo #photography

[ainawgsd]

The yellow-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus), also known as la Mariquita de Puerto Rico or capitán, is a diurnal blackbird endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico and belongs to the genus Agelaius of the family Icteridae. The species is closely related to, and possibly derived from, the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius pheoniceus). It has black plumage with a prominent yellow shoulder on its wing. Adult males and females are of similar appearance. The species is predominantly insectivorous.

The yellow-shouldered blackbird, as its name implies, is a glossy black bird with a small yellow humeral patch around its "shoulders" outlined by a white margin. Immature individuals possess a duller coloration and a brown abdomen. Although plumage coloration is indistinguishable between the sexes, sexual dimorphism is present in this species with males being larger than females. Adult individuals measure from 7.9–9.1 inches; on average, males weigh 41 g and females weigh 35 g.

The species was once commonly found in the coastal forests of the archipelago of Puerto Rico but during the early 20th century these forests were destroyed to allow for the development of sugarcane plantations. After the decline of the sugar industry after the 1930s the coastal areas were developed for housing. As a result, the species is now limited to three areas: the islands of Mona and Monito; the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station area in eastern Puerto Rico; and the southern Puerto Rican dry forests and mangroves.

The destruction of habitat and brood parasitism by the shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) led to a drastic population decline from the mid-1970s to early 1980s. In 1976, the population of the nominate form was estimated at 2000 individuals but in 1982 the population estimate dropped to 300 individuals. Conservation efforts have increased the population to 1250 pairs.

Yellow-shouldered blackbirds are omnivorous, but are considered to be arboreal insectivores since the majority of their diet consists of insects. During the nesting season their diet is composed of 90% arthropod material. Aside from natural material, the species also consumes processed food such as cattle ration, human food (cooked rice and sugar), dog food and monkey chow.

The species is believed to be monogamous with a single attempt at nesting per year and with nesting being performed in loose colonies. Nests of both the nominate form and the Mona subspecies contain from one to four eggs with an average of three. Eggs are blue-green with brown spots and are incubated for 13 days by the female. As with other Agelaius species, it usually builds open, cup-shaped nests in trees, but nest locations and shapes may vary depending on location and availability of building materials. The Roosevelt Roads' population builds nests on hollows in dead mangroves, while the Mona subspecies builds nests in ledges or crevices near the coastal cliffs.

Building of the nest is performed solely by females while feeding of the young is performed by both sexes. Nestlings leave the nest 13 to 16 days after hatching. Males defend small territories, usually around 3 metres, during the nesting period. Before the nesting period males defend slightly larger territories to repel other males. The species engages in mobbing, a behavior in which a pack of birds, from one or more species, attack a known predator (usually to defend eggs or hatchlings).

Yellow-shouldered blackbirds engage in anting, a rare behavior only observed in the Puerto Rican tanager among West Indian birds. Individuals were observed applying Pheidole species ants to their body and feathers for a short period of time (8 minutes).

The yellow-shouldered blackbird was listed as an endangered species on November 19, 1976 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Nest predation has been an important contributor to the decline of the yellow-shouldered blackbird. Known terrestrial predators include rats, mongooses and feral cats, all introduced species to Puerto Rico. Rats constituted the main nest predator eating both eggs and hacthlings. A 1983 report concluded that rat predation accounted for 48% of nest failures that year. Since the middle 1980s artificial PVC nesting structures have been created in mudflats surrounding mangrove forests to reduce rat predation. These structures replaced old wooden nesting boxes and were readily accepted by the species. Presently, few (one or two) natural nests are observed each year in the area. The loss of feeding and breeding habitat and brood parasitism by the shiny cowbird are among other threats that limit and endanger the yellow-shouldered blackbird populations. Natural predators also represent a threat, although minor, to the populations.

#yellow-shouldered blackbird #agelaius xanthomus #a Mariquita de Puerto Rico #capitán #endangered species #blackbird #black birds #squawktober

[kannibalkrunch]

Talk to the wing! This looks like an immature male Red-Winged Blackbird too busy eating. #charlessauriolconservationarea #2021 #birdfreaks #birds #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #birdhumour (at Charles Sauriol Conservation Reserve) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPZFLukBGut/?utm_medium=tumblr

#charlessauriolconservationarea #2021 #birdfreaks #birds #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #birdhumour

[sussex-nature-lover]

Sunday 15th August 2021

Butterflies and Other Chatter

Most people seem to be reporting the garden feeders going quiet as birds finish their breeding season and the adults go into moult. Our feeders are still extremely busy with Blue and Great Tits, but also Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Blackbirds, House Sparrows and Starlings are here in big numbers. We’re missing our Chaffinch and haven’t seen many Dunnock of late, but Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Jackdaw and Robin are around, just spotted less frequenty. I’m sure I’m missing out loads more.

Did I say though that when we went up through the Hop Garden last week that it was strangely quiet of birdsong? not at all like it usually is. I mean I know the Swallows prefer the other side of the lane, near the water supplies and some migrants may be already making their way back, but the fields and hedges are usually full of noisy natives too. I have a few pics of that walk for my next entry here. It was a lovely day though and we saw lots of butterflies, which I’ll concentrate on today.

Red Admiral  (Vanessa atalanta)

Do you know, I’m not sure I’ve ever captured a male Red Admiral, their upper stripe is true red, whereas the female has orange, which seems to be the case in all my photos.

UK Butterflies site says

This butterfly is primarily a migrant to our shores, although sightings of individuals and immature stages in the first few months of the year, especially in the south of England, mean that this butterfly is now considered resident. This resident population is considered to only be a small fraction of the population seen in the British Isles, which gets topped up every year with migrants arriving in May and June that originate in central Europe

Whenever we go that way we seem to see mostly Small/Large Whites or Red Admiral butterflies, which figures as they’re one of the most common types. The Red Admirals seem to follow us and I’m never quite sure if I’m photographing the same one! Most of them look rather dusty or rain battered too, but they’re a smashing splash of colour.

The Meadow Browns are smaller and much more discretely coloured - very delicate. We’ve seen quite a number of them, although they’re usually stationary with wings folded in, no matter how long I wait, which is frustrating sometimes. I just read that’s how they always rest (wings folded in) That reminds me of being told Elephants rest by standing still and raising one leg, I wonder if that’s an origin of the saying to take the weight off (your feet)? Seems likely.

Meadow Brown ( Maniola jurtina)

The Meadow Brown is one of our commonest and most widespread butterflies, and a familiar sight throughout the summer months. This species can be found in all parts of the British Isles, with the exception of the most mountainous regions and Shetland. This is a highly variable species with four named subspecies found in the British Isles, although the differences between them are often subtle.

Another orange and brown butterfly is the Comma, which has the very distinctive raggedy pattern to its wing edges.

Comma  (Polygonia c-album)

The Comma is a fascinating butterfly. The scalloped edges and cryptic colouring of the wings conceal hibernating adults amongst dead leaves, while the larvae, flecked with brown and white markings, bear close resemblance to bird droppings.

The species has a flexible life cycle, which allows it to capitalize on favourable weather conditions. However, the most remarkable feature of the Comma has been its severe decline in the twentieth century and subsequent comeback. It is now widespread in southern Britain and its range is expanding northwards.

Small White  (Pieris rapae)

It has brilliant white wings, with small black tips to the forewings and one or two wing spots. The undersides are a creamy white.

The Large White is similar but larger, and has a larger spot in the tip of the forewing that extends down the wing's edge.

I’ve got a few more Butterfly pics in my folder.

Holly Blue  (Celastrina argiolus)

Wings are bright blue. Females have black wing edges. Undersides pale blue with small black spots which distinguish them from Common Blue.

The Holly Blue is easily identified in early spring, as it emerges well before other blue butterflies. It tends to fly high around bushes and trees, whereas other grassland blues usually stay near ground level. It is much the commonest blue found in parks and gardens where it congregates around Holly (in spring) and Ivy (in late summer).

The Holly Blue is widespread but undergoes large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. It has expanded northwards in recent years and has colonised parts of midland and northern England.

I think that photo was in our own garden.

Small Copper (Ycaena phlaeas) photographed at Standen

This little butterfly is commonly found in small numbers in a wide variety of sunny open habitats such as woodland rides, hills, commons and grassy coastal cliff tops.

Small numbers may also be attracted into gardens to nectar on a variety of flowering plants.

The males are restless, highly territorial and easily disturbed.

Both males and females are often seen basking on bare ground and nectaring on a wide variety of flowers such as knotgrass, fleabane, dandelion, buddleias and heathers.

During good summers in the British Isles there may be as many as three generations between April and October, with the last generation overwintering as a caterpillar.

Something I once found at home, which is apparently quite common, but I’ve only ever seen two, is this...

Aren’t they lovely.

White Ermine Moth (Spilosoma lubricipedia)

you can read about it at the wildlife insight page if you click the bold text above.

Now, above and below is a real quandary, for me at least. I’m far away from being any kind of bird or nature expert, I just live in the countryside and enjoy looking and learning. This butterfly on my camera roll has completely confounded me. It’s from an old camera back in 2019 and I’m struggling to identify it. I can’t remember taking it or where it may have been, on a local walk by the look of it, but I’ve honestly begun to wonder if I snapped it on the TV or my laptop screen, not that I can think why I’d have done that, but I can’t work it out at all, even searching for orange butterflies and moths worldwide.

I’ve narrowed down for comparison below, but not found any type of Butterfly with those regular dots on the upper wing like this one. Might it be some kind of Frittillary? No idea, all I know is it has the pearl edging of the Tortoishell and the dark with white patches and some of the round, dark markings of the Painted Lady, I just can’t find a definitive match - not so far anyway.

Internet sourced pics:  Painted Lady above and Small Tortoiseshell below

If anyone can solve my mystery, let me know.

pdf identification of British Butterflies on This Link

OTHER GARDEN NEWS:

The third nest of House Sparrows has fledged, so the side nest box has gone very quiet, however, the open fronted nest box in the porch has subtle changes in appearance most days

We heard an awful lot of baby chirping this afternoon, my phone app said House Sparrows, but it was just generic chirping of nestlings I think. We watched for ages but saw no-one. It was hard to tell if the noises came from the box or the shrubbery just around the corner below. Watch this space - TBC.

WHAT MADE ME LAUGH TODAY? an excerpt in the weekly newletter from an author in France

When we first came to France, there were no gates to our garden, anyone could walk in – and they frequently did! One day Mark, my other half, was cutting the grass peacefully on our ride-on mower when a man driving past our house on a ride-on mower took a detour into our garden and started racing my totaly bemused husband. Up and down they went uttering not a word to each other. Le Mans it wasn’t, but they were both in it to win it. They raced with the speed of a pair of determined but geriatric snails, then the mysterious mower pulled away, raised a hand and disappeared back out of the gate.

Here are more of my photos on my other Tumblr page

#nature butterflies wildlife photography

[curiousitykilledthe-crow]

A bunch of other birds -- several Red Winged Blackbirds (males, females, and what I think are immature/yearling males), another White Crowned Sparrow, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Cardinals, a Downy Woodpecker, and a House or Purple Finch (I can never tell them apart) with a House Sparrow.

We also had Starlings, a Brown Creeper (though I couldn’t get pictures), White-breasted Nuthatches, Chickadees, a Bluejay, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, and Mourning Doves that day. It was a very busy birdy day!

[b-radley66]

A prompt if you want it: Shaak Ti interacts with the Blackbirds at some point after they've been assembled. Would love seeing your take on how she views the squad and how she views their lieutenant. XD (Only if you want, though. Might spur me on writing this training mission.)

Blackbirds: Mother of the Hunt

Shaak Ti steps off of the gunship, a second before it takes off again. She takes a deep breath, breathing in the dust. For an instant, she stands on another dusty world, watching clones under her command assault a droid control ship. Of course, she watched them after she had leaped to the top of the grounded vessel and is cheerfully hurling parts of droids off of the top.

She hears a dry Corellian drawl in her mind, in the unbroken training bond. Aren’t you a little serene and wise to be thinking about being cheerful? the voice snarks.

Watch it, infant. I wouldn’t be too snarky. Have you gotten the neon pink out of your beard yet?

There is silence in the bond. It was green, he says with as much dignity as an early-twenties human male can offer.

Ti clears her head as a familiar figure walks up. She smiles and returns Obi-Wan Kenobi’s bow, her eyes growing troubled at the lines around his mouth; the half armor on his torso. He is only five years younger than she is.

“Hello, Master Ti. It is good to see you. How goes it on Kamino?”

“As well as can be expected, Master Kenobi,” she says. “It is a daily battle with the Kaminoans to improve the lot of the clones; to have basic guarantees that the boys want be ended the second they get a hangnail.”

He nods soberly. “I am glad that you are there, Master Ti. I only hope that we can get this horrible war over with and then solve what we can do with these men. These men who have shown us nothing but loyalty.” He grins. “How is your former Padawan? Has he gotten the paint out of his hair and beard?”

She feels the smile of pride flow to her features. She fights the urge to pull her comm and show pictures. “I don’t know. Last I heard he was clean shaven for the first time in years, as well as walking around with a distinctly Master Windu look. I only hope that he keeps his impression of said Master to himself.” She touches Kenobi on the shoulder. “I guess I should thank Lieutenant Maul and his troops for teaching he and Drop a tiny bit of humility.”

Kenobi grins. “Only a tiny bit. A ‘drop’ in the bucket.”

Ti rolls her eyes and smirks.

The expression of huntresses on her world fades as she sees Kenobi’s face grow sober. “That is why I asked you here, Master. You have had great success in training Jedi by unconventional means, in the Hunt on your world. Not just Croft and my former Padawan’s apprentice, but others whose Masters have wanted an edge for their trainees—an edge to connect them with the natural world and the Force around us.”

Ti remains silent as she watches Kenobi gather his thoughts. “I believe that Maul is doing an extraordinary job at training his unit. I think that he has melded this diverse bunch of troopers into what will be an effective, unconventional force, much like your former apprentice’s.”

He looks down. “I would like you to give an honest assessment to Maul.  I think he needs to hear it from someone who is not named Kenobi.” Obi-Wan looks up sharply. “I would also like you to give one to Croft.”

Ti nods. “I know. Taliesin has found himself the senior General in the Special Operations Division, since Janysytang was killed.” She closes her eyes for a moment, fighting the pain of her thoughts. All of twenty-two years old, she thinks, shielding the thought from the training bond.

“You know I voiced my own skepticism at this endeavor at the first, Obi-Wan,” she says quietly.

“I know, Master. I know that Master Qui-gon—.”

She holds up her hand, stopping him in mid-thought. “No, Obi-Wan. It is not that. I am a Jedi. I remember that one of our tenets is compassion. Out of compassion, comes forgiveness.” She grins crookedly, an unconscious copy of her Padawan’s usual expression. “Some would say that I am the living embodiment of second chances, with my track record.”

He nods solemnly, thinking of her two previous Padawans. Of their death before knighthood. Of her grief, so well contained behind the serene countenance. He shakes his head. He had gone to Shili to bring her back from her mourning period after the second. A thirteen year old human, only at the Temple for eight years, had been on page duty at the hangar when they had exited their shuttle.

The same young human, now a blooded General with so much responsibility.

“No, Obi-Wan. It is not Maul’s history. Rather, since I have become General of Training, I have felt a tremendous responsibility to these men. To give them as much of an edge as I can, so that they can survive to whatever we can do for them. I am just—.” She stops. “I am interested to see how someone who has never trained someone, who has only undergone Force knows what in the way of his own training with the Sith, can give the edge to these men.”

Kenobi smiles. “I think that you will be surprised, Shaak,” he says. “Just as I was surprised that day in the hangar when you immediately connected with that small Corellian, so soon after your losses.”

She remains quiet. An unknown clone officer with the insignia of a Captain walks up. Ti smiles broadly. “General Kenobi, this is Captain Pal, my adjutant. He is kind of an unconventional fellow himself. I think he knows one of your Blackbirds.” The officer salutes them both smartly.

Kenobi nods and beckons to another trooper. “Waxer. Please escort General Ti to the training area.”

As Ti leaves, Kenobi turns to Pal. “What did she mean, Captain, that you were an ‘unconventional fellow’?”

He can hear the smile in the officer’s voice, behind his bucket. “She meant that I didn’t know my ass from a hole in the ground, General,” he replies dryly. “Not until she made me. On Geonosis. The General has a way of finding the deepest hidden talent of someone. Watched her do it with many a hopeless group of shinies.” He stops for a moment. “May I speak freely, General?”

“Of course, Captain,” Kenobi answers.

“I know that Jedi don’t love. That they don’t feel pride. But I watch her as she stands there as the new battalions march past her. I see the love. The pride. Then I watch something die in her as they finish passing her.” He salutes again and leaves.

Kenobi is silent as he considers what this war is doing to them all.

~=~=~=~=~=

Pal walks down the company street. He curses himself as he wonders whether he had done his General, for whom he would gladly shield from any harm, be it another pissant jetti or an army of clankers, any favors by his openness to Kenobi.

He sees a clone in body suit, his hair long, but with a familiar look about him. He walks faster and pulls his bucket off.

The other clone, wearing the red crosses of a medic, stops. He grins. “Hello, Pal. Did you stop by for more airsickness patches?” The two clones bring their foreheads together.

Tally’s eyes widen as he sees the insignia and the pauldron. “You? Pukey? A captain? They must be hard up for officers.”

“They recognized my obvious charm and good looks,” Pal retorts. Tally laughs. “That is not the Pal I knew. He would’ve been looking at his feet after my first words to him. What happened and what have you done with my batch-mate?”

Pal looks away. “Geonosis, happened,” he says quietly. They both sober. “I heard. I heard you took over two companies and kicked a Jedi’s ass to get her moving, when she was ready to abandon you all.”

Pal feels his anger rise, tamps it down. “You only got it half right, bud,” he says, his teeth clinched. “I took over that wing, but that Jedi wasn’t ready to abandon us because she was a coward. She wanted someone else to take over, so that she could go and die. So that she could join her friends and what remained of her left arm in the arena on bug-world. I just gave her a reason to live.”

Tally falls silent. “You’re here for the inspection, right? To see if our L-T is good enough to keep us?” He turns and follows Pal to the training area.

“Yes. I am,” Pal says matter-of-factly.

“Then we’re as good as sunk. They’ll probably send the Lieutenant back to where he came from. I have never met a Jedi Master, except maybe Kenobi, who saw things outside of their doctrine.”

“You haven’t met General Ti, have you? You met her Padawan, General Croft, I heard.”

Tally snorts. “That ain’t exactly a glowing recommendation, my brother,” he says after a moment.  “He is an immature little shit who thinks with his deece, half the time.”

Pal grins. “Sounds like most of the brothers I know. Don’t know about his maturity, Tally. But I know that he didn’t lose any of his commandos through ten missions. It was only when he got to his last campaign, a garden spot that we managed to abandon after he, Kenobi, Skywalker, and that little Commander, Tano, managed to wrest it from the Seppies.” He looks forward, watching his General observing the Blackbirds exercise. “He wasn’t even a General, yet.”

Tally looks as if to say something, but stops. Pal pushes forward. “Tally, I know how you feel about what our lives are. But there are good people—Jedi and our commanders who are fighting to make our lives better. People who think that we are worth it. From what I have heard, I think your Lieutenant is one of those.” He touches the medic on his cheek. “I know what you can do, Tally. How hard you work to keep our brothers alive. You have to have faith that you will be recognized for what you do. You’re a better doctor than most I have seen who have the fancy piece of paper. Might not be up to Surgeon-General Che, yet, but at least none of us are scared shitless around you.”

They both laugh. Pal turns and looks at his Jedi, her tall frame still and serene as she stands next to a figure who can only be Lieutenant Maul. Both watch as the squad works at Teras Kasi exercises.

He sees Tally’s eyes widen as Husker walks up to Ti. They both laugh, Ti with that full throated laugh, with full canines that only Pal and perhaps a young Zeltron get to see on all but the rarest of occasions. He smiles as Ti pulls Husker to her in a deep embrace, whispering into his ear.

Tally is thoughtful as they pull closer. Both of them see Rabbit lunge at the exercise leader, Sergeant Shiv, in an attempt to use a rare move.

They both wince as the shiny slips and falls to his knees, as he usually does. Both troopers watch as Maul walks over to the combat pair.

~=~=~=~=~=

Maul walks over to Rabbit and Shiv. He takes a deep breath and pulls Rabbit to his feet. “You are coming closer, Rabbit,” Maul says. “You just have to anticipate how he anticipates that move.”

Rabbit takes the proffered hand and stands. He hangs his head. He looks over Maul at the older version of Commander Half-Pint, watching quietly, her violet eyes taking it all in. Where Commander Tano was all energy and snark, this one was all serenity and quiet. Is this what Ahsoka will be like in another three decades or so? All that snark and laughter gone?

Rabbit looks down. “I am sorry, Lieutenant. I am making us look bad to that Jedi. I am making you look bad.”

Maul gives one of his small smiles. “Don’t worry about it, Rabbit. I only care that you get it and that you can use it to survive. Besides,” he says, the smile growing by millimeters. “You don’t want Rancor to show you up.”

He turns away. Six squares off against Shiv. “You can do it, trooper,” Shiv says. “But I ain’t going to give it to you.”

Rabbit curses as he goes flying through the air.

~=~=~=~=~=

Ti watches Maul’s expressionless face as the young clone goes flying. Even though he is quiet and his Force-sense is so contained, she can feel a very tiny bit of impatience. Almost imperceptible. He walks over to Rabbit.

Ti makes a decision. She touches him on his shoulder. She can feel the coiled power in that one touch. “Lieutenant Maul. This is your training exercise and I am no expert on this discipline, but may I try something?”

He stares at her, his golden eyes searching her face for any sign of displeasure. She smiles slightly, careful not to show her sharp canines. After a moment, he nods. “By all means, Master Ti.”

She walks over to Rabbit and pulls him up effortlessly. She pulls her robe off and hands it to Raze, who looks on with wide eyes. She is clad in singlet and skirt, her arms with much more power than the only other Togruta they had seen. His own eyebrows raise. A few more white markings on her arms than their sometime junior instructor.

Maul sees her whisper in Rabbit’s ears, away from Shiv. He listens attentively. Ti smiles as he nods and bows her head to him. She turns around and walks towards Maul, reclaiming her robe from the grinning Raze.

As she dons it, Rabbit and Shiv square off. This time Shiv lunges first. Rabbit easily sidesteps, then starts to lunge with the same move. Maul starts to close his eyes, then snaps them fully open as Rabbit jinks in another direction, then back to the center. His fists strike his opponent in the jaw, then whip around and strike Shiv on the neck.

Shiv goes down. Rabbit immediately is there helping him up, as Tally walks up. The other Blackbirds gather around them both, slapping Rabbit on the back and gently joshing Shiv, once they see he is on his feet, albeit shakily.

Maul looks at Ti, his eyes widen. He shakes his head and regains his equilibrium. “The Charging Wampa? I hadn’t taught them that yet.” He turns and squares off. Ti nearly laughs as he gives the impression of his feet planting to the ground—a move she has seen on another in her life. One who this young man and his men had caused to lose some hair and dignity.

“You didn’t say that you knew Teras Kasi, Master Ti,” he says.

“I don’t. Don’t know a damned bit of it,” she says. She smiles and bows her head to Maul. “I just told him to take the example of his Lieutenant—his teacher—and defy expectations.”

He remains silent. She continues. “No, you hadn’t taught them that move yet. But you have inspired them to go beyond and study more, to keep you on your toes as well.” This time she bares her teeth in her grin. “I think you will do just fine, Maul. When I walked up to this area, I felt the energy and the comradeship from this disparate group of troopers.” Maul looks away. “From you, most of all, Lieutenant. You who are so closed off. I felt it in you most of all. I think your friend Obi-Wan was right to entrust you with these men’s lives. They are as good for you, as you are for them.”

She turns to walk away.

“One more question, Master,” Maul asks. “Why did you remove your robe when you walked out there, then put it back on.”

It is her turn to look down. “Because that was their space. I was not a Jedi master, there. I am as much a student as they are,” she says.

Ti starts to turn away. She allows a gleam to come into her violet eyes. “ A couple of more things. I believe that when my former student’s hair grows in, he would look divine in purple. It is one of his family’s colors.  Drop, as well.”

She walks away.

“You said two things, I believe Master Ti,” Maul says.

She is a blur as she reaches into her robes and skirt, down to her leg. Maul catches a glimpse of scarlet and skin as her right arm comes up and forward.

A hunting knife quivers in the dead center of a makiwara pole, used to hone punches.

Her huntress’s teeth are bared again as she looks at the entire squad. “Always carry a knife, gentlemen,” she says. She turns back to Maul. “Just in case you thought I was all talk, Lieutenant.”

Raze walks over to the blade and takes it. His face strains as he tries to pull it from the thick wooden post. Pal walks over and looks at it. “Don’t worry. She has others. That is just her teaching knife.”

~=~=~=~=~=

As Ti walks away, she hears the warm voice of Taliesin Croft. Thanks, Master. Guess we’ll be looking over our shoulders again.

She hears his voice in her mind grow serious. I miss you, my mother-of-the-hunt.

Shaak Ti manages to fight the tears from her eyes. As do I, my hunter.