Waiting

Sometimes we wait but it does not arrive.  Like our California tax refunds.  We have worked and toiled for a year only to be told that the money we loaned will not be returned.  And then there are times we wait for beautiful things.  We wait for babies at the end of 9 months.  I am waiting for the return of the Lawrence's goldfinches (Carduelis lawrencei).  The Lawrence's first made an appearance at our refuge in 2006 or 2007 after we discovered the magic of nyjer-filled bird feeders.  They were a surprise to us-40 or more unexpected bundles of joy.  These migratory feathered friends are very close to being placed on a protected list because there are only about two hundred thousand known.  This is a small number as bird populations go.  Lawrence's are wanderers.  They do not always return to the same place each year as many migratory animals do.  This makes them difficult to count.  It also makes their arrival even more special.  Looking back at photos of previous years I can see that when the pink jasmine is in aromatic bloom and the wisteria is in full array they were here.  Once as early as March 8--just a week or so away!  For many people they highly anticipate the arrival of the holidays.  So do I.  But my greatest holidays are those when special guests arrive.  Guests that you hope will be here but there is no guarantee.  Guests that make you smile when you realize they are here.  Guests that show up at your door with the gift of their presence in the form of a dark shaded face and light gray and bright yellow wings.  Lawrence's, welcome to our home.  I hope to see you here soon.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence's_Goldfinch

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Lawrences_Goldfinch.html

http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/lawrences_goldfinch_info.htm