I know these guys look a little funny, perhaps even a bit alien. They are, indeed, pretty pathetic and rather helpless at this stage in their development. These are red-cockaded woodpecker nestlings that my friend and wildlife biologist Julie Hovis pulled out of a nest cavity several summers ago near Sumter, South Carolina. Because they are an endangered species, Julie bands all known nestlings in a federally protected preserve area each year to track and monitor the overall health of the population. Each spring brings another round of babies that need to be banded.

Although these babies won’t win any beauty contests, I think this picture is a representation of promise. Bird babies are a sure-fire sign of spring, and spring is all about burgeoning potential. With just a bit more sun and just a bit more warmth, all things dormant come to life. The winter chill is shaken off. The smell of new beginnings is in the air. New leaves, new flowers, and new babies. The start of a grand circle.

These three nestlings all present enormous potential. They represent a commencement. They represent life and hope for good things to come. They remind us that after each session of cold and darkness, light will break through. A new horizon is on its way. Yes, they may be a bit timid and feel rather overwhelmed, as we all feel when novelty surrounds us. But, underneath the initial fear, is a beautiful world of opportunity waiting. Soon they will grow feathers and spread their wings.