Avian observations

Red-eyed doves on the roof:

she signals, he mounts,
then a flutter of wings –

the insistent repetitions
of blood that sings.

   ***

The storm approaching –
and yet, where
the aloe stirs,

a familiar
winged visitor –
nimble, undeterred –

sunbird.

   ***

Dark glint
of beak, eyes, and feathers,
as he veers, manoeuvres, flip-flaps away –

startled crow.

   ***

The call of an owl –
how deep the well
of night.

 - Eduard Burle