Cheryl Dunn, Homage to the Butcherbird (ANIMAL & NATURE 2022)

Homage to the Butcherbird It is me who you make smile when I see you perched on the back gate, When you're looking through my kitchen window with your raptor-like vision; When I chance upon you resting on a tree branch in my back garden. When I hear your mellifluous call resonating, through the crisp morning air invoking joy in my heart, a skip in my step............... It is me who smiles when I see it's you, oh Butcherbird. Your rich black crown and face; Your narrow white-collar blending, seamlessly, into your white vest and undergarments. Your wings and back, dressed in a beautiful coat of grey and white feathers. Your ensemble topped off perfectly with a pair of matching dark grey socks. Striking looks; pleasing to my eye; Such juxtaposition to your perceived gruesome persona. It is me who smiles with appreciation for the shape and magnificent power of your hooked beak; Respectively I skirt your nest so as to not occur your wrath. A loud maniacal cackle in contrast to your usual lovely lilting song; a warning to predators should they not keep their distance. A fierce protection of our offspring; a shared common ground. It is me who smiles when I hear the duel melodious call, a pair of Butcherbirds swooping in to steal freshly dished pet food from my back verandah; Chicken necks a favourite; you love to hang your spoils in the fork of a nearby tree. Aren't you clever little things! It is me who smiles when reminiscing over our first encounter; naïvely I mistook you for a small Kingfisher; Please forgive me my dear friend............... Your close cousin the Magpie was previously known to me; ...............I am so glad I have now made your acquaintance...............

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