Dear House Finches With The Nest Atop The Magnolia Wreath On My Front Door:
I wondered why you’ve been lingering so long.
The four babies you hatched at Easter surely took to the wild blue yonder weeks ago.
I haven’t checked the nest because I feared your fledglings might be reluctant to go; after all, there’s no place like home… not to mention that in a previous season I think I may have accidentally force-fledged babies who could fly but were still cramming themselves into the nest. They gave me quite a turn, flying out that day when I came to investigate. So little. I worried if they were really ready to make it on their own. It would be my fault if they were not…
So, Finches, I have left you to come and go as you please, without interference, and I confess that the whole reason is purely selfish: your music. I savor your beautiful song. So bright and pure…sunlight is woven through it even on the dreariest day. Your song gets under a corner of my sometimes-heavy spirit and lifts it, floods it with peace and a longing I cannot quite explain. I know the day is coming when you won’t be gracing my porch any more and then I will be bereft of these joyful little interludes… so I haven’t questioned your lingering. I’ve only treasured my extended finch fantasia with a grateful heart.
Yesterday my husband asked: “Can’t we use the front door now? Those babies are gone, right?”
Bless him for his great patience with my bird sanctuary. He is a minister, after all…
I said, “Probably. Let me go check the nest to be sure.”
And then.
Then then then.
Oh, it’s going be a while yet before we can open the door.
Now I know what you’ve been up to, my beloved Finches.
Encore.
lit bits and pieces 
Ah, sweet! We have another nesting wood duck and expect hatchlings any day. Congratulations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doesn’t this abundance of new life breathe hope into your spirit? It does mine. So excited for your wood ducks also!
LikeLike
Smart finches – they know a LOVING home when they see when. How glorious. I think Finches – I think To Kill a Mockingbird – I think of Fran’s wonderful words and photos. Thank you!
LikeLike
Finches – To Kill a Mockingbird – well, you know I have a Scout. Her mother decided on that name for a daughter way back in 7th grade because of that novel…which also happens to be one of my son’s favorites. Meant to be…
LikeLike
Wow! Yay! A second round of baby finches! I love that photo; they look so soft. I love your voice in this piece! These lines and the whole fifth paragraph re my favorite part “your music. I savor your beautiful song. So bright and pure…sunlight is woven through it even on the dreariest day. Your song gets under a corner of my sometimes-heavy spirit and lifts it, floods it with peace and a longing I cannot quite explain.” I totally agree with this. As soon as I here Mr. Cardinal singing I say, “Thank you, Mr. Cardinal for serenating me and bringing me happiness.” The flowing lines are a beautiful metaphor and beautiful imagery “I savor your beautiful song. So bright and pure…sunlight is woven through it even on the dreariest day.” Thank you for sharing your inspiration, writing, photo and pure joy. You have given my joy. You have lifted my spirits.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your words alway life my heart, Gail – thank you!
LikeLike
Fran, an encore surely is what we need now of anything, ever how small, that brings peace and joy to our world. From your perspective of loving the song and knowing that they are there to bring music to your world – praise song of birds, to their perspective of feeling a safe and sacred space, trusted by mama bird to know that they have refuge here in your wreath – it’s all a feeling of warmth and welcome. Where else in the world do we find such spaces where our hearts can relax in such fulfilling sanctuary? To know that your own front door gives this peace in a world of chaos to the tiniest bird family confirms that your sheltering spirit is authentic and strong. I’m smiling this morning looking at these babies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sanctuary…that is what we are all ultimately seeking, I believe. I feel blessed by these little birds.
LikeLike
So glad I clicked and read your piece this morning. I am feeling hopeful as I look at your photo. And a hopeful feeling is what I need right now. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fran, I do believe you’re running a Finch Air B&B nest and may never enter from the front again. But if by chance the finches leave, never to return, I wonder if there’s a YouTube channel of finch songs, I’ll take most any bird song myself, and while it rained a couple nights ago, I heard birds singing. I had the window open in my bedroom, but Ken made me close it as rain was coming in and getting my expensive new window treatments wet. That was a minor concern for me. I need the birds’ melody.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, me too, Glenda – I need the birds’s melody. It’s sustenance for the soul. Thank you for your words (I am so slow these days in responding).
LikeLike
I love the pacing of this post and the way you led us to the surprise you discovered. Bird song is so special and lucky you to have it up close twice this season!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember when you wrote about them the first time. How wonderful that your husband went along with you hosting them so as to not disturb them. They are precious.
LikeLiked by 1 person