Apparently a former poet laureate, Alfred Austin, wrote verses for RSPB Christmas cards - in 1899!
The current laureate, Carol Anne Duffy, has used birds in a poem she has written based on the 12 days of Christmas.
Have you done your Christmas shopping?
Sorry Mark,all seemed a bit above my head,seem to remember a bit about soldiers which I find really sad as they signed up to protect their country and its people and are dying unfortunately and probably making things worse,the USA knew that if they told us what our soldiers had to do we would do it.Seeing as Afghans have defeated all invaders over last 1000 years afraid I can only see one outcome.Interesting while we are fighting China investing like mad in mining in that country.Who is going to come up smelling of roses and making a lot of money and influence and looking good.Only one guess.
Mark,
Not quite poetry but not far off. I am in the middle of reading 'Say goodbye to the cuckoo' by Michael McCarthy, a book in which you feature prominently as the wood warbler expert.
I now know why he was awarded the RSPB medal at my last AGM.
Beautifully written and drawing attention to the phenomena of migration in an absorbing way. I haven't quite reached the chapter headed 'Vanishings' but I can probably guess what it is going to say.
A book I would recommend to anybody.
Bob - I think it is a really lovely book too. A good Christmas present for any birder? It's a good read (particularly if you skip chapter 5 where I feature a bit).
Thanks for reminding me about Austin, Mark. Will go & mug up on his wikipedia page, now. Perhaps you could use more poetry in future, on the various cards that RSPB issues?
Started my Christmas shopping last January, in the sales, but still hav'nt finished in spite of that early beginning!