These poems are in the order that they were written - inspired by the San Marcos owls and the antics in the accompanying chat room. Unfortunately I don't have a record of the dates. However, it is fairly obvious in many of them to which event/s I am referring. Little snippets of fun that I hope you will enjoy reading again.
Best wishes, Barbara.
Housework on hold
Owls getting bold
Forget about sleep
As owls take that leap.
It's Max that's sitting on the roof
There are videos, pictures showing proof
Jumping, hopping, flapping of wings
We’re watching, caring, as off s/he springs.
Looking down from such a great height,
It won't be long before your first flight.
We're watching, waiting and wish you luck
If you come this way we'll have to duck!
Good night all those people who need to get some sleep.
The UK dayshift's up again - further watch to keep
Rest well in the knowledge that there's nothing we can do
But make a note of actions - record anything that's new.
We're so proud of that owlet that ventured up on high
'Wont be long until that leap that takes you up to the sky
For now the lure of rabbit will bring him/her safely home
Well done Max - what a relief! - though we love to see you roam.
Limericks
A flurry of flapping wings
Energized fuzzy flings
Muscles made strong
Squawking your song
Oh what joy he brings.
We know he'll take off real soon
And fly by the light of the moon
With siblings around
S/He'll land on the ground
But be independent by June
No wonder Wesley's a fatty
Dining on Gopher and Ratty
We want him to fledge
But he stays on the ledge
Driving us MOD's batty!
By the light of the silvery moon
We'll fly - way up high into June
We'll follow the beams
Into loves long dreams
Back home we'll be snugglin' soon.
What shall we do with poor Wesley?
Maybe change his name to Lesley?
More confidence comes
New identity - crumbs!
Soon you'll be Elvis Presley!
More rhymes
With my head right down, I bend down low
That flight to the landing's so far to go
Like diving off the highest board
We have to watch, cuz you're adored.
This is getting ridiculous - what's up with Wes?
He thinks he'll get bullied about his feather fluff
If it's that bad, tell him he can borrow my fez
Better to have feathers and fluff than go out in the buff.
One, two, three…. Owls in a tree
Where’s number four?….. Sitting at the door.
Molly and McGee…. Proud parents they must be
Fresh food upon the floor….Who could wish for more?
More Limericks
This owl who’s afraid of the dark
Gets up and is out with the lark
She yawns through the day
Makes eyes at a jay
Who’s screech is worse than it’s bark.
An owl who’s afraid of the dark
Needs spotlights – oh what a lark!
It plays through the day
In a barn filled with hay
By night, on her perch, she does park.
Even more rhymes !
Sitting waiting squawk, squawk, squawk
This is the way they talk, talk, talk
Hungry, hoping for a drop
Down they'll dive...a belly flop!
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea
They swallow a mouse... effortlessly.
When WILL Wesley take off and hunt?
Catch a kill, an amazing stunt.
Relying on parents for all her grub
She's so hungry, her belly needs a rub!
Austen's staying by her side
Sticking around, just for the ride
It's no use squawking and stamping your feet
Your poor Mom and Dad are simply dead beat.
Stretch those wings - fly into the night
Be lucky - you'll soon find something to bite.
The owlets set off to hunt the night
Soaring, remarkable wing-powered flight
We sit and watch with baited breath
Fingers crossed tightly like grim death.
The wonders of nature shown once again
Amazing, awesome to the last grain
We've missed out on sleep, but no-one cares
We love this owl family - now I'm off up the stairs!
4 little hungry owls sitting in the tree
1 flies into the sky - airborne and free
3 little hungry owls sitting on the box
1 flew to the perch that lurches and rocks
2 little hungry owls sitting on the perch
1 went into the box to do a snack search
1 little hungry owl sitting all alone
Waiting for Molly to bring an icecream cone!
Rock a bye baby owlet on the swinging perch
The breeze ruffles your feathers as you lean and lurch
Calling to your Mum and Dad...'Pleeeease bring me some dinner
It surely must be obvious that I'm getting thinner and thinner.’
A mouse would fill a little hole and take the edge off my hunger
A gopher would be better – especially a hungermunger.
I really am not ready to come and hunt with you
So please come and feed me like they would in the zoo
I’ll try and come tomorrow and try my talons out
I’m sure the MOD’s will applaud me – then THEY’LL scream and shout!
The owl box is empty - it's up for rent
Just think of the memories and time we've spent...
Watching this famous owl family
We've had loads of fun - you have to agree.
We'll miss the cam and the chat as well
New friends made and stories to tell.
Wipe up those tears and bring out that smile
We'll remember this for quite a while.
Wesley's back to say hello
We cried yesterday when we saw her go
Preening, squawking like before
Asking Mom for more, more, more.
Her vocal chords sound really loud
She's making sure she'd be heard in a crowd
She feels the pull to her first home
Of owlish behaviour you're an epitome.
(Britt in southern cal: Oh no, my computer froze...where'd she go?)
Above the box, a quick circle of flight
Then off she went ...into the night.
The sun is shining, the sky is blue
San Marcos' owlets grew and grew
We watched them fledge and fly on the breeze
Over the airwaves, from overseas
Sweet moments of love, daring and 'gees'
Indelibly engraved on our memories.
Thanks to all who worked so hard
From this, your UK retiring bard!
And finally I couldn’t resist having a go at Haiku
Molly and McGee?
They've fallen in love again
Twittering and beaks!
Howlku (first attempt)
Together again
A perfect pair making love
X rated owl box!
Howlku number 2
23.07.2010
Whilst sitting on my clutch of eggs
There’s nothing much to do
I have a snack of plump rat legs
And a plucked feather or two.
McGee leaves me to doze all day
And brings me snacks through the night
Sits outside in the parking bay
Pops in for his dip of delight.
Every now and then I wake
Then stand up for a stretch
My pellets a furry carpet make
Excuse me while I wretch!
I step outside and spread my wings
Take off into the skies
Fly round rooftops trees and things
Watch out for rabbit pies.
Returning to our owl box
I can’t get back too soon
I turn our eggs and settle down
Warm in the light of the moon.
27.07.2010
Sunrise in San Marcos (with thanks to Kristi from VA for her inspiration)
The sky turns a shade of azure blue
Mimosa blooms with a pinkish hue,
The start of another beautiful day
All colours of the rainbow instead of grey.
Molly
Sitting on those eggs of hers is a full time occupation
Shimmying in her own owl way - perfecting incubation.
Turning, tending carefully, with endless dedication
We watch you applauding – with a standing ovation.
A fur and feather carpet awaits your new family
A clutch of hungry owlets - take two for you and McGee
We’re counting down the days until the eggs begin to hatch
Three cheers for Donna and Carlos for allowing us to watch.
An addition to a Brussel Sprout conversation!
Sprouts
Three cheers, my dears, for the humble, British, Brussel Sprout.
Christmas dinner wouldn’t be the same without it, of that I have no doubt.
Some think that eating them is an utter, dreadful sin
Beware for ruptions afterwards – better out than in!
They grow up stems spirally and look like a miniature cabbage
A sack full with your shopping is simply far too much baggage.
A brassica, so leafy green and a source of dietary fibre
Protects colons from cancer – the ultimate sinigrin tiger.
Did you know there’s four times more vitamin C than in a fruity orange
Contained in the same weight of this wonderful, verdigris lozenge?
There are lots of ways to cook them and enjoy their nutty flavour
Stir fried, roasted, boiled and steamed or even in a soup to savour.
Trim the outer leaves and in the stem base imprint a cross
So heat can infuse to the centre and avoid a crispy toss.
Including them in party poppers will make an awful mess
And only add to Mum and Dad’s pre, present and post Christmas stress.
A warning here for enthusiasts – too many and you’ll too turn green
Overcooking releases sulphur compounds so we’ll all know EXACTLY where you’ve been!
Carry some air freshener and suck some strong peppermints.
Go out to release your vapours and listen to our hints.
When you’ve had your fill of them and there are loads left over
Get out in the fields for a walk and throw them aloft for Rover.
He’ll love to catch and consume them but see the look in his face
When he takes off with jet powered wind and ends up out in space.
28.07.2010
Molly’s sitting, sound asleep
Her eggs are keeping warm
She wakes sometimes at the tiniest beep
And keeps them safe from harm.
We come online and watch her
I hope she doesn’t mind
A nice new carpet of feathers and fur
It’s the best that she could find!
We chat with friends across the world
United with one love
As Molly’s story has unfurled
Thanks to him up above.
Copyright © Barbara Baggs
14.08.10
3 hungry owlets sitting in the nest
Molly’s looking after them - doing her level best.
3 hungry owlets wanting to be fed
Watched by lots of MOD’s who ought to be in bed.
3 hungry owlets squawking for their grub
McGee has left a snack for them before going to the pub.
3 hungry owlets calling out to mum
Making sure we realise that they are far from dumb.
3 hungry owlets fighting for some bunny
Blindly having beaks filled, looks rather funny.
3 hungry owlets eating bits of rat
It wont be long before we see their tummies are round and fat.
3 tired owlets ready for a sleep
Can I hear the fourth egg going peep pip pip peep peep?
24.08.10
Ashley and Carrie snuggled up real close
Awake, hungry and far from comatose
Molly out hunting and snatching a shower
Catching a glimpse of trees full of flower.
McGee is out looking for treats for our chicks
I hope he’s not out for a night at the flicks (cinema in England)
Our balls of fluff squawk – they need satisfaction
From mouse, rat or rabbit interaction.
Time for a snuggle with Mummy, contented and full
Time watching our owls is far from dull
At one with nature we observe and learn
Waiting patiently for the pages to turn.
21.09.10
I see them standing by the door
Calling Momma - we want more
Wide awake - It's breakfast time
A sumpin rat would be sublime.
Clever, Clever Ashley’s been walking out of the box
Only wearing feathers, fluffy bloomers and socks
Carrie stayed inside to watch whilst gobbling up her tea
Shouting out to Mom and Dad – you’ve gotta come and see.
She hopped along for exercise. How far to that perch?
Leant this way and that way, with an alarming lurch.
Wings were flapping wildly. She eyed up the camera ledge
Not quite ready yet awhile to take off, leave and fledge.
First tasting of fresh air for her and a view of stars and moon
I’m sure that she’ll be sensible and not try to go too soon.
All the MOD’s are watching, excited with a lump in their throat
‘Will she manage?’ ‘Please don’t fall.’ ‘Shouldn’t she wear a coat?’
Back inside for safety’s sake – the first adventure’s over
For one brave girl who wants to be a pioneering rover.
Breathe again you Mod’s out there, she’s perfectly safe and sound
Just witness this wonderful miracle in the midst of nature’s round.
Written on the occasion of Ashley's first step out of the box 28/9/10
Copyright © Barbara Baggs
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