14 Years
I first saw violet-green swallows up close years ago after I moved to Oregon and noticed several hanging out on the balcony of my wife's apartment. I had no idea it would be 14 years before I'd see them up close again. My wife played a role this time as well. After a good morning of nice soft overcast light, the sun came out in the afternoon and looked to stay out, so I decided to head home and get in some yard work and hedgehogging. But when I called my wife to tell her I was leaving, she said that dark clouds had just rolled in around the house in Portland and I should just stay.
I followed her advice, the spring migrants would be leaving soon and I had to go back to work the next day, so I decided to finish out the day at Ridgefield. The clouds wouldn't arrive for a couple more hours but I was ready when they did and got nice pictures of a handful of species.
I pray it won't be another 14 years before I see one of these jewels up close again, but if it is, at least I have a nice memento to tide me over.