Richard and his Birds

Richard and his Birds

Richard loves nature
He loves to see birds fly
But here’s a sorry tale for you
Of days gone by

We got blackbirds in the garden
And she can’t get a rest
Richard crashes through the hedge
For a photo of her nest

We had blue tits in our nest box
He had to interfere
With camera in his hand
Into the box he’d peer

Now we have got Robins
He won’t leave them alone
You’re gonna make them go as well
I am heard to moan

He even likes the pigeons
Who some say are a pest
He encouraged them to feed here
And now they have a nest

A pigeon is a greedy bird
And they make a mess
I’m not so keen on pigeons
I really must confess

But Richard thinks they’re beautiful
A pretty coloured bird
And listen to her cooing
The nicest sound he’s heard

And here is where the sorry tale
Is going to unfold
It’s one about a pigeon
Who was a tad too bold

It flew the nest too early
And got stuck on the ground
Lucky for the pigeon
He very soon was found

By nature-loving Richard
Out on his bike ride
Who popped it up on a branch
Where it could sit and hide

It wasn’t the brightest pigeon
Hadn’t got much up top
It couldn’t cling on to the branch
And back down it did drop

It landed in the undergrowth
Where Richard couldn’t see
Would it be safe from cats in there
That was his quandary

Should he leave it where it was
He thought he ought to try
To get it somewhere higher
So it wouldn’t die

He stepped into the undergrowth
He heard a fearful CRACK
He stepped upon the pigeon
My god he’s broke it’s back!

He’s always been a clumsy clot
With dirty great plates of meat
How can you be delicate
With size 11 feet

He lifted it out carefully
Oh no what had he done
It still seemed to be breathing
He better get it home

He put it in a little box
And gave it food and drink
Will it last till morning
It’s doubtful I would think

Come morning it was still alive
He’d done what he could
I’ll take it to the vets he said
I really think he should

The vet did not hold out much hope
The damage gone too far
It’s chest has been crushed she said
He’s been hit by a car

The pigeon didn’t make it
We shed a little tear
And the moral of this sorry tale is
Do not interfere

Tracy Benham

May 2019