Spring Romance

It was a beautiful spring evening and I was going down the local streets of my town for some grocery shopping. It was a breezy day and the sun was sinking down into the horizon. In a nearby tree I noticed a small bird hopping close to another one. For a minute there I was perplexed. I was witnessing the mating ritual of one of the bird species which some scientists would be so eager to capture. As nature has it, these things are little weird in human perception.

The male bird was taking cautious steps pecking her, then on the bark, and then heading closer. The female finally noticed him and edged for a beak peck. After a few she moved back. He pursued. She hopped on to the nearest branch, he proceeded as well. After showing a few more signs of rejection she flew of from the tree. Poor guy he pecked the bark a few times and then headed his own way... The whole drama would not have lasted for more than 2 minutes, but it unfolded a romantic story with a twist. Such a wonderful event to see.

Red-Winged Black Birds!

I see black spots decorating the evening sky
They are the black birds on migratory fly

To the south of Tundra they go in autumn

Back to Alaska when the spring blossoms

Moving black cloud blocks the sun

Oh its the black birds having fun!

They gather as groups, split in formation

And regroup to the onlooker’s confusion

Do you hear the sound "oak-a-lee”?

A bright red patch you will see

The male black bird is in delight

Singing to impress the female in sight

Oh I see black dots on the fall sky

It is the black birds on migratory fly!

                -Inspired by Wallace Stevens &

                  the Black birds I see everyday