Spring comes late to Maine, but it’s arrived and it’s been SO distracting! The birds are an absolute menace when it comes to getting anything done. Every day it seems like there’s someone new visiting the yard or the feeders. They’re all flashing their colors and singing their songs, and generally putting on a riveting show. Right outside the window! How can I ignore that!? I’m constantly pulled away from inside activities and lured outside to listen and watch all the activity. I’m a willing victim, but it does take a toll on my so-called productivity.
Here are a few of the more exciting recent visitors (clockwise from top left: Baltimore Oriole, Chestnut Warbler, Brown Thrasher, American Redstart, Northern Parula):
The catbirds have been back for weeks now. I’m so fond of them and look forward to their return every year. They’re not exotic or unusual, but I love their jaunty black caps and the sheer exuberance and volume of their various calls. As I was watching and listening to them this morning, I dimly recalled that I’d written about a poem about them before, but I wasn’t sure if I’d shared it. I searched about a bit, and it turns out I had not, so here it is, still in search of a title:
(untitled for now)
How I wish for the grace
and patience of the Great Egret,
sheer, sinuous focus poised
above still waters.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s speed
and iridescent flash and dash
exceed my reach,
as do the sassy tilt of thrush’s tail
and its ethereal song.
But oh, the catbird!
Dull grey with somber black cap,
drawn to the orange,
sliced and waiting at the feeder…
This, I think, I can do-
chatter, mew and rasp
find sweetness in my path
and once in a great while,
surprising even myself,
release a torrent
of pure liquid melody.
©Molly Hogan
This week’s Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Patricia Franz at her blog, Reverie.
Nix the comfort zone 
Molly! That oriole!! Of course I’m stunned by its color — and yet, there that chubby gray, sourfaced winged one sits, staring at you by the orange — like a street-person gathering in the sights. It’s always the unexpected one that offers a gift — Love “liquid melody!”
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Thanks, Patricia. I feel like I did the catbird a disservice with that less than flattering picture, lol.
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We can never have enough birds, or their antics! Thanks for sharing, Molly. Last weekend, at my daughter’s, it warmed my heart to hear how they had all been entranced in their back yard that week (kiddos are ages 3 and 16 months) by a visiting catbird. :0) Here’s to avian distractions!
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Catbirds have such personality! I love that your grandchildren are enjoying them, too!
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Molly!!!!!! LOVE your poem because I feel your connection to each of the birds you celebrate!!! I am trying to get to know the birds around me, and your poem inspires me! I especially love your “sheer, sinuous, focus poised” description of the Great Egret. Hope you get distracted by those birds again as it is our joy to read about it!
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Thanks, Mona. I’m lucky to have many birds around me in my neck of the woods. They are truly endlessly distracting!
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Title or no title, this is a FAN-tastic poem with gorgeous photos to illustrate. You really do get a variety we don’t see at our urban Ohio feeder. Lucky lucky you. And lucky birds to have someone there to witness their magnificence.
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Thanks, Mary Lee! I’ve seen all sorts of warblers around my house this spring. It’s been a great source of joy!
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Perfect catbird poem. I saw a bunch this morning!
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They are so loud, aren’t they!? I also love their various calls.
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I marvel at how you get amazing photos of birds. This is a great find of a poem. We always look to the more showy birds, herons, egrets, eagles, while that catbird has such a personality, like a curmudgeon in your photograph. Love “pure liquid melody.”
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There are a lot of photos that don’t get shared—empty branches, blurred bird outlines and plenty of bird butts! lol
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Molly, I love everything about this post! I just recently saw my first Baltimore Oriole! Thank you for the lovely poem and gorgeous photos.
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Their color really is stunning, isn’t it!? I have oranges out for them, so we see them most springs for at least a few weeks. It’s always a gift when they come.
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Molly, wonderful poem and yes, I find too, this time of year is full of bird distractions in NE:) Love your ending – surprising even myself, release a torrent of pure liquid melody. We have our share of Catbirds in Ct too!
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Thanks, Jill. I hope you enjoy your catbirds as much as I enjoy ours!
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Stunning catbird photo. It looks like the catbird is saying, “You want a piece of me!”
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I feel a bit bad for having selected this catbird photo. They really aren’t grumps! lol
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Molly, this poem is simply perfection, built as it is on deep knowledge of the birds and oneself. Sharing this and also Jama’s offering this week with my birdwatching kids!
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Thanks! Wasn’t Jama’s post great!?
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Ah what a jaunty poem and post Molly, I’d be happy with a bird poem every week. The birds are enchanting and keep me preoccupied too, and ah how they are singing their hearts out lately, thanks! ☺️
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The birds start their singing early here–which is mostly a blessing, but not always ! lol My husband has a new favorite song (which I can’t remember the title of) but part of the lyrics are, “I’d sing along with the birds if I only knew the words.” Isn’t that great!?
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