The Australian Brown Goshawk

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LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

0 posted 2009-12-31 11:39 PM

THE AUSTRALIAN BROWN GOSHAWK

I’ve heard folks discuss the birds of prey,
I’ve listened interested to their talk,
But few realize the cunning way
That prey is stalked by the brown goshawk

He sits motionless by a rippling brook
Surveying all with beady eye,
Not a thing escapes that murderous look,
Whether on ground or in the sky.

When dawn breaks o’er the hills and plain,
His hunger pangs are taut,
And not until some foe is slain,
That a quiet shady place is sort.

The day starts bright as the skylark sings,
Then comes the alarm call of a plover,
Panic comes to a thousand wings
As the sparrows dive for cover.

Then silience reigns for minutes few
Till all seems clear once more,
Then terror strikes with force anew
And for one there’s death in store.

When his hunger’s been appeased,
His character seems to change,
He floats aloft on a tranquil breeze,
Or soars loftily over the range.

Throughout the day he’s seldom seen,
Unless disturbed from roosting perch,
And amongst his prey it’s all serene,
Until hunger starts the evening search.

Now once again he’s on the prowl
And some prey will have to die,
It could be a parakeet or waterfowl
Or a homing pigeon hurrying by.

When the time to strike is right,
He very seldom strikes in vain,
A sparrow will see him through the night
Until it’s time to strike again.

Lindsay

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

1 posted 2010-01-01 12:29 PM

Lindsay,

This reminds me of the Osprey that I watched last summer and grew to love. I hope that they return this spring and maybe I can see one of them pull a fish from the river.

Thank you for this slice of your world.

Happy New Year - oh and the sledding poem is for you - I wanted to end the year on a positive note. You made me think.

Love,
Alison

2islander2
Member Ascendant

since 2008-03-12

Posts 6825
by the sea

2 posted 2010-01-01 11:05 AM

hello lindsay, this is a wonderful look on nature and a very interesting and well written share.I didn't know this bird (I guess) and the human metaphore could be obvious in a certain senswe.

happy new year.

yann

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

3 posted 2010-01-01 07:29 PM

From the Corong National Park to the south
Over to Broome in the west
To Lake Kurwongbah in Queensland,
Which Aussie bird is the best?

From the microscopic weebill
To the Emu, who can't fly,
To the laughing kookaburra, mates,
Who's king of land and sky?

I love the Australian raven
And the chiming wedgebill, too
And no visitor will e'er forget
The red-tailed black cockatoo!

But my vote goes to the cousin
Of the collared sparrowhawk.
The ruler of Australian skies...
Of course! The brown goshawk!!!

LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

4 posted 2010-01-01 09:54 PM

Many thanks to Alison, Yann and Balladeer,
your kind comments are always so much

appreciated and Balladeer I loved your poem.
have a great day folks and take care.

Lindsay

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