occasion

Constantly time and space align in ways we occasionally recognize:
through bare limbs before spring leaves–
a pileated woodpecker feeds from a dying tree snag

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Sunlight

Spring sun —                             light come to life                            in every limb

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Unprecedented

rainy and gray
silhouetting day
up hops a yellow-bellied sapsucker

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As if no one is noticing …

an eastern towhee
emerges from leaf litter shade
in the drizzling rain

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but listen, and wait

For a week in May, a visitor’s song from the trees
is all that gave the wood thrush away. Nothing to do, then, but listen,
and wait, and spot its landing to feed on invertebrates.

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Warblers welcome

For a few weeks in spring, some species of birds
appear just briefly in our frequented spaces. As Little Crum Creek swells with rain,
the black and white warbler comes and goes with May.

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Ah, surprise on the hill

Already, down by the creek, Japanese knotweed obscures a view
of the green heron’s usual work.

That’s why it’s a special treat to spy one up in the trees
casting a gaze across its fishing bill.

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