Thanks gents...Yes, it was heartbreaking. All that effort and so little reward.
I saw her today. I know it's her because she lets me get close. Let me within about 15 feet. With a few purrs and quiet voice yelps, she stayed calm, feeding and kicking up bugs for her three remaining poults. She seemed contented. Don't know why I think that but her demeanor seemed contented. Poults were lively...
Hope she can raise what remains...
It's a bird. I shouldn't feel this amount of compassion for a bird! I do though. I admire her and respect her, more than a lot of people I know...