Copper Finch

"The pandemic has shown me kinship is more important than ever. I have never felt more alone than these last two years. With spring comes hope. The first blooms of the snowdrops and the crocuses, the arrival of migratory birds. In the depth of winter, local songbirds at the feeders have kept me company; Chestnut-backed chickadees, bush-tits, dark-eyed juncos, and spotted towhees all vying for a spot at the suet cake. A visit from a northern flicker. The birds sing, dive, and flit in spite of the politicization and polarization of mask mandates and vaccines. Kinship is about keeping everyone safe. Simply, my copper finch is the quiet anticipation of hope."