Category: birds

Surprise Visit

The river holds so many surprises
least of which is the sudden appearance
at water’s edge of a tall white egret –

a countenance I acquaint with Texas
and warmer climes – what wonder
to find this greatness at my backdoor.

(The Great Egret is common in coastal areas, but not a bird I have encountered in Ontario, until now.  Linking up with Granny Shot It’s Bird of the Day.)

Northern Flicker

My forward movement
startles us both –
you ground foraging
with the robins,
me delighted
by a flash of red –
heart at your nape.
You rise, alight
on tree branch
your squeaky call,
warning or greeting
stops me in my track –
patiently I wait
as you circle the tree
head bobbing, alert,
till we both settle
and my lens succeeds.

(For Granny Shot It’s Bird of the Day.  Image from personal collection.)

 

Great Blue Heron

Blending in
the gift of stealth
only your voice –
woodsy reed  –
alerts me to your presence.

You are grey sky
and rushing waters
tall reeds and
wind-swept banks

And when my heart
beats off tempo
given to spells
of malaise
you are metronome
reseting my rhythm.

(Friday I join in with Granny Shot It’s Bird of the Day. Photo from personal collection.)

 

Cedar Waxwing

A spot of red
and dash of yellow
bandana masked eyes
how you transport me
to simpler times –
childhood days
when you and I
wiled away hours
hidden deep
beneath summer
canopies – maple,
beech and willow –
listened for whispers
on the wind,
searched for treasure
on rocky creek bottom.

Years since our paths
have crossed like this,
have you returned
as reminder –
your sweetness
a blessing, now
that I only linger
at woods’ edge?

No matter the reason,
I am content
that we meet again,
my friend of old.

(For Granny Shot It’s Bird of the Day.  Photo from personal collection.)