Waiting

I am much like the Captain's wife that walks the roofwalk, or as some know it, the widow's walk each spring.  Instead of scanning the horizon across the ocean, I scan the blue skies and the bare leaved treetops. I am waiting for the return of my osprey. The first ones have appeared in this county about seven days ago. "My" osprey usually arrive on or around the 15th of March. Today is the 19th and no sign of the first of the couple. Twice we have chased the geese from the nest. They nested there once two years ago, and we do not want that drama again as the osprey cannot chase them off!

I cannot pass a window that I do not check the nest several times a day.  It is odd how the angle of the sunlight tells me it is osprey time.  It is a deep inner longing that has grown in me in the 14 years we have lived here.

The various little songbirds are checking out the nesting boxes and chattering about front porch directions and viewing angles.  Most must get the approval of the spouse.  Woodpeckers have selected small holes in dead trunks and I can hear the rat-tat-tat as they make the holes larger for their egg laying.

The thrasher sits 150 up at the top of the dying tulip tree singing his repertoire of marvelous songs.  What female could ignore that talent?  This long concert only lasts a few days and it can be sad if you miss it because it will get much shorter as the days warm.

Still and again I do not see my osprey.  My thoughts go to dangers they may have encountered on their trip north from Central America and/or Florida.  It usually takes them 3 to 4 weeks to get here.  Dangers they encounter include tall buildings, electrical wires and poles, wind turbines and similar structures. "Birds that migrate at night are more likely to collide with lighted windows or other light sources. "  You can go here for other dangers to migrating birds if you do not understand how difficult this journey is. 

When I am away from the windows I find myself listening for their cry.  They always cry when they first arrive as if overwhelmed to be back home.  They are much like we are.