More "Bright Wings" Poems - The Chickadee and a Sunny Walk

I took the opportunity to take a walk outside yesterday in the marvelous sun which we have not seen enough of lately.  I found some interesting treasures right in my back yard.
First, some moss growing out of the snow at the base of a tree -- perhaps a sign of spring?

Second, a precious little bird's nest in my trumpet flower vines.  I don't know what kind of bird made it -- maybe a Robin?

The trumpet vines look like a Halloween card this time of year without any beautiful greenery and orange flowers and with the hummingbirds buzzing in and out.

Third, my terracotta man looks quite lonely without any flowers.

Fourth, some footprints in the melting snow.........

Deer.

Humanoids.

I saw some Precious little Chickadees flitting about, but they were too fast for my camera.  They were hard at work looking for food.  I did find some bird tracks in the snow. Probably too big for a Chickadee though.

This time of year it's tough for birds to find water that's not frozen.  I think that they should go to Walden Pond.

And now two poems concerning the Chickadee from the book "Bright Wings", Edited by Billy Collins.

            December Notes

  The backyard is one white sheet
  Where we read in the bird tracks.

  The songs we hear.  Delicate
  Sparrow, heavier cardinal,

  Filigree threads of chickadee.
  And wing patterns where one flew

  Low, then up and away, gone
  To the woods but calling out

  Clearly its bright epigrams.
  More snow promised for tonight.

  The postal van is stalled
  In the road again, the mail

  Will be late and any good news 
  Will reach us by hand.

           -- Nancy McCleery

    In Walden Wood The Chickadee  

  In Walden Wood the Chickadee 
  Runs round the pine and maple tree,
  Intent on insect slaughter:
  O rufted entomologist!

  Devour as many as you list,
  Then drink the Walden Water.

              -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until next time -- Be Well and Happy and Sing Your Heart Out!

Robin