This little molty goldfinch reminds me of the struggles of the human teenage male. The voice begins to deepen but it is unpredictable in its nature and sometimes it comes out like a mouse's squeak - high, feminine and vulnerable sounding. The beard begins to show either as peach fuzz or long stray hairs on the chin, neither of which is particularly attractive. This beginning leaves an unfortunate impression on the female he may be pursuing.
Our male goldfinch above is beginning to get his golden color which is essential to attracting a nice female goldfinch for that all important lovemaking in the springtime. Right now he looks like he came out of the wrong cycle of the washer and dryer and is in a shrunken and damaged suit! If you click to 'embiggen' you will also see the uncomfortable, perhaps adolescent, look on his face.
I agree - he looks kind of rough at the moment. But I know he will be beautiful in time.
ReplyDeleteI love the analogy of the teenage boy.
ReplyDeletesuch a nice piece - this is very well written, tabor.
ReplyDelete