The Mad Birders are sad to announce the passing of a beloved member of our birding community, Chris Pratt, who left this world on March 20, 2017. Indubitably the ‘better half’ of Team Pipit, Chris was the constant companion of her husband Fred, of 61 years. Chris was affectionately known to the Mad Birders as “Mrs. Pipit”, and could reliably be seen in the driver’s seat whenever Team Pipit was off chasing birds, which was most of the time. In addition to being an excellent birder, Chris was a world traveler, an opera buff and an excellent cook. We will miss her eloquence, her charm, her generosity and her quick wit. Fortunately, we have the recipe for her Syrian Nutmeg Cake, featured at many Mad Birder Pot Luck Celebrations. We look forward to serving it again in her memory. May your spirit soar forever upward on gossamer wings.