It might not count as a miracle in this season of miracles, but the fact that Wisdom has once again laid an egg amazing, to say the least.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, returns annually to Midway Atoll to hopefully hook up with her mate and perhaps give birth yet again. We know that long-distance relationships can be tough, but this one seems to bear fruit, or at least eggs, regularly.
The most amazing thing for us non-albatrosses witnessing this breeding saga is the fact that Wisdom is a spry, 74-years old! She was first identified and banded back in 1956 after laying an egg. Ironic that we use the term “laying an egg” to often signify something not so good, a failure, when laying an egg is actually a wonderful and vital thing- for species renewal and (when unfertilized) for human’s scrambling/frying pleasure.
We can also revisit the ancient, negative connotations around albatrosses, as we sometimes hear the term an “albatross around his neck” (from a Samuel Coleridge poem) to refer to a large burden or problem-causer. The Angry Albatross Association has been quite perturbed with this aged metaphor for decades, but apparently its efforts to mitigate the negative usage associated with the term simply won’t fly.
Almost 20-years ago, I emceed an event locally dedicating the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. I knew it was a vital symbol of efforts to protect our planet; I knew millions of birds flocked there annually. What I didn’t know was the miraculous story of the young-at-heart Wisdom. Her previous mate appears to be gone; she and her old beau last met up three years ago. Interested observers will be keeping an eye on this egg-citing moment to see if Wisdom and her new partner produce yet one more chick (estimates are that she’s given birth to 30 or more little ones).
It’s worthwhile to constantly seek wisdom throughout life, as incessant learning helps keep us engaged, aware, self-confident, fulfilled, interesting and interested. In an age where false information is pervasive, be wary of alleged facts and data sources; double-check before you become yet another a spreader of more falsehoods. An old proverb says, “Wisdom is patiently waiting for the clouds to part and the sun to shine”. As we witness Christmas and other year-end holidays of note, celebrate the Wisdom’s wisdom. Soaring ‘neath the sun, providing hope; the circle of life, indeed.
Think about it…