Redpoll Flock in Transit

They make no effort to courteous enquiry
whether they are welcome, or whether
we are prepared to accommodate their
unexpected appearance, company in a
group surprisingly large. Yet they have
flown a long distance so they can be
forgiven for assuming they will indeed
be welcome ... and they are. In fact
no complicated arrangements must be
made beforehand, and as they arrive
there laid out before them is the repast
their long journey demands to restore
them to optimum health and optimism.
Moreover, as hosts we are entertained
by their presence, their uniform costumes
of red cap, black bib, striped shoulders.
Those tiny creatures settle in the
ornamental trees and shrubs surrounding
the winter feeders on our front lawn
and we watch, entranced, as they
flitter from tree to feeders among the
squirrels, chipmunks, doves and 
chickadees, goldfinches and nuthatches
where the redpolls feel welcome and
secure that this stopover will fuel them
adequately to continue their journey
to the springtime far north of Canada.