Nature Done Wright

Yesterday morning at the Celery Farm, while viewing some Ring-necked Ducks with Kevin Watson and others, I asked Kevin if he had ever seen the ring on a Ring-necked Duck.

He said he had, and sent me this amazing photo he took.

(Thanks, Kevin!)

The reason I asked was: this famous poem …

                  The Birder's Dirge"
              By Stiles Thomas

I've been down in the dumps in Brownsville,

   I've been high on hummers at Mile High,

I've flown to the Dry Tortugas,

   I guess there's nowhere else to fly.

I've heard the "kicky-poo" of the Black Rail.

   I've heard the nightjar call,

I've heard the Timberdoodle at twilight,

   I guess I've heard them all.

I've seen the ring on the Ring-necked Duck,

   I've seen the Pied-billed Grebe Fly.

I've seen the red on the woodpecker's belly,

   I guess I'm ready to die.