Article for 2011 Aug 31
Part of the “De Tail on the Birds” series.
2011
Appendix
This was a monthly series of articles each focussing on a particular avian species I find interesting, though “Caledonia Gulls” features several species and is in poem form.
Aug 31 Wed “Caledonia gulls”
The song below (written in cloudy Caledonia) is based on “California Girls” by the Beach Boys. You can hear the Beach Boys song here, courtesy of user JanelleandSean at YouTube.
Well common gulls are cool, although they’re really rarely found;
and black-headed gulls
are so sociable
they’re always fun to have around.
The greater black-backed gulls are giants, big and beautiful,
and a kittiwake
would be pretty great
if I could see that type of gull.
I’m glad they all could be Caledonia...
I’m glad they all could be Caledonia...
I’m glad they all could be Caledonia gulls.
But herring gulls are cheeky, having lost their fear of us.
They swerve and swoop and attack
for a coveted snack
if you’re nearby and not cautious.
Some gulls can drink sea-water because they can remove the salt;
in brine the salt flows
from the sea-birds’ nose.
When gulls dribble it’s not their fault.
I’m glad they all could be Caledonia...
I’m glad they all could be Caledonia...
I’m glad they all could be Caledonia gulls.
