LOOKING FOR SONGBIRDS AT SUNRISE
"I don't feed the birds because they need me; I feed the birds because I need them." Kathi Hutton
I wrote today’s poem a month ago and meant to post it in January (as is obvious from the first line), but got side-tracked, which seems to happen more and more of late. This could also explain why this post is several days late, but it doesn’t.
Anyway, I love wild birds. All birds really, but especially wild birds. Sassy blue jays, chipper chickadees, sweet cardinals, waddling ducks, soaring eagles, vivid woodpeckers, speedy nuthatches, and so many others make this area their home…and they all see my property as a 24-hour diner. There are feeders in front and back. All types of feeders: window, tube, sunflower, cake, house, tray, ring - if it exists, it is likely here somewhere.
There is never a shortage of customers, but in winter, when natural food sources are scarce, you can sense the extra need driving these feathered creatures to find sustenance. If you can help them get through the season, please do. You will be repaid many times over in the pleasure of their sight and song.
LOOKING FOR SONGBIRDS AT SUNRISE
It is January
and the days are short
and the days are cold
here in the northern climes
where snow falls from the sky
silently shouting “Surprise!”
turning the world white
hiding the few nuts and berries
nature left behind to feed
the tiny songbirds who puff
their feathers for heat
and search so diligently
for a bite to eat.
I look for them
at dawn’s first light
with my sack of seed
and sunflower treats
leaving gifts
where I know they like to gather
or do they gather there because of me?
It doesn’t matter really
as long as I can find and feed them
so their songs can continue
and they can trill
awaiting the thrill of
the land’s rebirth
in Spring.