A rainbow of rosellas frolic in the front yard When under the sprinkler they let down their guard A ruffling of plumage while they enjoy getting wet One of the prettiest birds that I think I’ve seen yet.
A symphony of superb parrots soar high on the wing Green and gold for Australia are the colours they bring They vocalise loudly and then chitter in trees Nicely hidden from sight amongst the rustling leaves.
A bevy of babblers have arrived on the scene A quick dip in the birdbath and then a good preen Their alarm call is raucous as they all stay in touch Just a quick flying visit and then gone in a rush.
A carry on of choughs can be heard all around White wings are kept hidden as they scratch at the ground A soft lyric whistle soon becomes a harsh squawk When danger looms large in the shape of a hawk.
An epiphany of apostlebirds will often appear next They’ll join in with the choughs because sharing is best We call them biker birds as they are comical yet tough With a haughty expression and a demeanor quite gruff.
There are magnificent magpies and kookaburras who laugh And those royal galahs with their antics quite daft The beautiful bronzewing and crested pigeons in flight The blue face of the honeyeater who is boisterous and bright.
A rosy of red rumps gather across from the gate They turn up quite early and then again when it’s late Wearing colours of pastel, often skittish and shy Perched in pairs on the powerlines under a darkening sky.
And as nightfall deepens and the moon starts to rise Just off in the distance we hear the boobooks soft cries. The call plaintive yet hopeful in the message it sends The daily arrival of our feathered friends.
Trudy Smith