Chance discovery,
Friend from the deep forest,
Suddenly interested in our
poor piece of property.
For moments, Lake
Superior’s vistas gone.
I am captive to the attentive probings,
the watchful search,
the careful eye,
the eager find.
Boreal dwellers made visible
for moments. Then gone.
Their high, clear, piping
Calls and drum,
Mostly old forest,
So rare the sightings.
Red-crested glory; here,
the top-of-the-vibrant
and healthy food chain,
The marvel of
Ecosystems In balance.
Gratitude for this
Morning’s pause,
Fully willing to
Let me come close,
To celebrate and
share its findings
And mine
Together.
John A Bragstad is the author of two books, principally about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. They are Compass Season and Nature's Poetry of Life.
They can be purchased at Amazon.com or in local Grand Marais book stores.
^ Their sounds a direct quote. For more information about this amazing bird go to https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/pileated_woodpecker/sounds.