bird 14

pine siskin
carduelis pinus


i left the house yesterday with two left gloves.  not a big deal, just a little awkward adjusting the shutter speed.  when i went to set the table last night, the salt shaker was there as usual, but the pepper grinder had gone missing (discovered later in the spice rack).  i like pairings.  i especially like them when they stay together.  lately, my life could be summed up as "missing one sock".  

this morning, i walked into a cold kitchen and went to light the stove.  the kindling bucket was full, but no logs.  "doesn't anyone around here remember you need both to start a fire?" i grumbled to an empty room.  i turned and shrugged, found some boots and headed out the door to get wood from the porch.  it took me a second to remember your name.  mr. pine siskin.  you changed my day.  i forgot about the wood, the fire, how cold it was.  i ran for my camera.

of course.  when i saw mr. goldfinch a couple weeks ago, i should have remembered you would not be far behind.   goldfinches and pine siskins travel in mixed flocks.  they are both "irruptive winter finches", showing up some winters and not others, based on food supply.  the third irruptive finch, mr. redpoll, had been here last month.  poor fellows, you picked a mighty tough year to visit.  

i took some shots of mr. pine siskin.  soon more pine siskins showed up, followed by goldfinches.  both species filled the feeder.  it was good to see them all together. 

today i was reminded of the pleasure that comes from reunion.  thank you mr. pine siskin for leading your mixed flock to my feeder.  you give me hope in this tumbled life that some pairings, meant to be together, in time, reunite.  

so when i go to bed tonight and find my toothbrush but no toothpaste (or vice versa), i will smile and think of you.