Canopy

 

High in the canopy

of our large Red Oaks,

eager buds are swelling

against the afternoon sky.

It's still easy to catch

the movement of birds

while the branches remain naked;

before the buds burst into leaves.

Today loyal chickadees and nuthatches

move with purpose, having

survived another winter

in their known territory.

Soon a wall of spring greens

will obscure birds' movements, and

we will squint and search with binoculars,

searching for our favorites.

Hoping to find the migrating warblers;

that dependable display in May,

flitting fast in a feeding frenzy,

before flying farther north to nest.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. - 5. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

6. Prothonotary Warbler - Yankee Springs Recreation Area / Gun Lake State Park