This is a bit over-the-top. But for the sake of getting back into writing, I think a bit of exaggeration is alright. The Red-throated Wryneck is a stunning little bird, shy and rarely seen.
Inbetween its visits, we do have plenty of others to watch for. The Paradise Fly Catchers may return soon, I think. And we’ve actually been wonderfully treated with the return of the remarkable African Green Pigeons this week, gorging themselves heavy on the ripe orange berries next door.
Red-throated Wryneck
A year I’ve awaited your return
O russet love, how shall I lure
– a wonder, every heart beat yearns –
you back? Come south, I can’t endure!
Twice my eyes your life have seen.
Twice your auburn breast admired,
loved your specks with stripe between,
your dancing, wherever you desired.
Verdant verdure, you marked the scene
burnt in my heart. I adjure,
come back and strike once more this green
with dark demure rustling pure.
Bring your drab and secret gown
of leaves’ investiture, your crown.
Image credit: Thomas Varto Nielsen https://www.africanbirdclub.org/afbid/search/birddetails/species/1056/20887
Joe Spring writes 