Friday, September 7, 2012

Twas the Day before Migration

Twas the day before migration, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a titmouse. 
The feeders were hung in the trees with care,
In hopes that the migrating hummingbirds soon would be there.

The birders were searching for tripods lodged in the shed,
While visions of Orioles danced in their heads.
And mamma with her binoculars, and I in my cap,
Had just settled in for a migration nap.

When out in the lawn arouse such a clatter,
I sprang from my birding chair to what was the matter.
Away to the window, I like a flash,
It tore around the yard and made quite a dash.

The sun on the breast of a Red Throated Ruby
Gave the lustre that rivaled royal jewels beauty.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a territorial male and a female who decided to disappear.

  A little odd bird, so lively and quick,
I knew it in a moment, from its music and frolic.

Now Rufous! now Black Chin! now Ruby Throated and Allen!
On Buff Bellied! On, Anna! On Costa, drinking my sugar water by the gallon!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now fly away! Fly away! Fly away all. © 2012


~ A Rambling Wren Original Poem





Get your feeders ready. Migration is here.



6 comments:

  1. Very cute wren! I noticed one day the hummer drained the feeder in record time and now it is just waiting for the next batch. I'll keep it out there so thanks for the reminder because I was wondering if I should keep it full now.

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  2. Thank you Shirley. I just saw a female and male Oriole in my backyard this morning. Time to put out the orange slices:)

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  3. Love it! I think you have a future in poetry!

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  4. Thank you Birdwoman! It just kinda came to me when I was hanging up the feeder. It has been an exciting birding year. I've seen more RT hummingbirds than usual. They are so territorial. I've also spotted several Warblers in the fountain. Thanks again for your kind comment:)

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  5. Excellent poem. I saw a male and female Baltimore Oriole today. They do a good job of draining my hummingbird feeders, but I don't mind, I just fill them again. A co-worker who lives near the Colorado River tells me they have multitudes of hummingbirds coming through. I haven't seen that many yet, but my feeders are at the ready.

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  6. Thank you Ally. Orioles are such spectacular birds. Love to see them when they are migrating. I'm sure as the temperatures drop the number of migrating hummingbirds will increase. BTW, how did you enjoy that "cool" front today? Felt pleasant in the mid 90's as opposed to the high 90's:)

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