Arizona in April
I spent last week in Arizona, and the wide variety of birds inspired me to write this poem.
Halfway into our nine-hour drive We stop at the Hampton Inn in Kayenta, AZ After spying tables hidden among shrubs— A patio oasis along the highway. As we enjoy our salads brought from home, We observe as a House Finch visits its nest, Seemingly too large for such a small bird. A Mourning Dove on a nearby light pole calls And calls, awaiting a response. “From who?,” I wonder. He leaves his perch and enters the Finch’s tree. Another Mourning Dove arrives with a stick, Nesting closer to the Finch than I’d expect. “Maybe they have to take what they can get”, I say, “There aren’t many trees around.” We enjoy the songs of both species while we eat. Grateful for the reprieve from the long drive. I close out the Merlin app, And we load back into the car. Traffic gets heavier the closer we get to Scottsdale, Causing us to lose our patience with other drivers. Finally, we arrive. The dogs, thrilled to be out of the car, Greet our hosts with happy wags as we unload our bags. We gather in the backyard for a refreshing beer, While being serenaded by the local avians. They seem as happy as we are to be here. In the morning, we venture out for a walk Before the sun heats up the day. Along the way, The Northern Mockingbird has much to say - A surprising number of different calls, No wonder the name “mockingbird.” The cactus wren and two types of warblers Are added to my lifer list. The Gila Woodpecker taps on the saguaro, While the flycatchers and cowbirds sing. I keep recording the sounds, Identifying more and more birds. The morning is alive and joyful. As the sun rises higher, I retreat to the shade of the patio. I’m silent as the Costa’s Hummingbird Observes from high on the stem of an Ocotillo. “Hello” says the Gambel’s Quail, With his feather cap bobbing in time. The Verdin and Sparrows chirp in reply Almost frantically calling out at times. The Northern Cardinal perches high in the tree Only for a moment before he’s off again. Just stopping by so I can admire his feathers. I close my eyes and listen. Content to be still, only my fingers are busy, Typing on the keyboard. When was the last time I just sat? Not in a hurry to be productive, Simply enjoying the calming effect of Mother Nature’s symphony. How lucky are we To share this planet with so many wondrous beings? Small but endlessly delightful, Providing a soundtrack to my day And color when things feel bleak and gray.
