Good Morning, God!
We are getting close to mid-April when the Kolea (Pacific Golden Plovers) gather and then fly off to Alaska. I love seeing these bird, God. Partly, because they are beautiful, but also because the whole idea of these birds flying off to summer in Alaska is mind-boggling.
Apparently, it is a 50 hour direct flight. 50 hours! If they were like us, they would have to be doing “training” flights. Although, just how one would train for a 4,000 mile flight isn’t clear. It is especially not clear, God, because the Kolea seem to prefer walking!
Then there is the question of “navigation.” I had thought that maybe the young birds just followed the older birds that had been there (Alaska) before. But, it seems that the older birds fly first — leaving the young to get there on their own. Hmm. One study of 20 birds — banded and fitted with radio transmitters in Hawaii — found that 19 of them returned from Alaska. That is a pretty good percentage survival rate. Although, I find myself hoping, God, that bird #20 decided to fly to California with friends.
Their breeding plumage is also a delight to me! They fatten up and put on what I think of as “tuxedos” — so smart and dressy! Surely, God, You DO watch over these birds! And, it comes to me that You long to watch over us as well. Please help me, God, to trust You as the Kolea do!
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
I love these birds too and have done some studying of them.
I watch for them in August and dread their departure in April.
They are inspiring….we have a few that spend the day in our close neighborhood….always miss them when they are gone…
Thanks, Marsha! That is really good to know! Surprisingly good!