1 Nov
2016
Posted in: Poems
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How to Know Birds

final-tree-jpgokHow to Know Birds
by Gary Snyder

The place you’re in
The time of year
How they move and where in the meadows,
brush, forest,
rocks, reeds, are they hanging out
alone or in a group or little groups?
Size, speed, sorts of flight
Quirks. Tail flicks, wing-shakes, bobbing

Can you see what they’re eating?
Calls and songs?
Finally, if you get a chance, can you see
their colors,
details of plumage–lines, dots, bars
That will tell you the details you need to
come up with a name
but

You already know this bird. 

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