The goldfinches that have gathered...

Invitation

Oh do you have time
to linger
for just a little while
out of your busy
and very important day
for the goldfinches
that have gathered
in a field of thistles
for a musical battle,
to see who can sing
the highest note,
or the lowest,
or the most expressive of mirth,
or the most tender?
Their strong, blunt beaks
drink the air
as they strive
melodiously
not for your sake
and not for mine
and not for the sake of winning
but for sheer delight and gratitude-
believe us, they say,
it is a serious thing
just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.
I beg of you,
do not walk by
without pausing
to attend to this
rather ridiculous performance.
It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.

from Red Bird: Poems by Mary Oliver
published by Beacon Press


Here's a non breeding male American Goldfinch in his spotty drab winter suit, busy singing and feeding. We have a big snowstorm bearing down on us here in New England tomorrow. The feeders are extremely busy and the clouds are moving in as the day goes on. No sign of the Red Shouldered Hawk this morning. I had a call from a neighbor that I regularly email bird photos to. She called to report that the hawk had been at her house last weekend, enjoying a field mouse, she had trouble identifying him. Folks yesterday said they are common in Florida, not in New England. Thanks for all the wonderful comments yesterday, I'm really enjoying my feathered friends and the month old Nikkor 300mm lens. This feathered subject almost seems like I asked him in for a formal studio portrait... something the still separated cats might really enjoy... it might give them something to think about besides their silliness.

Info about Goldfinches


Wing markings

My little Warbler waits for the snow