Once a year to travel here
The Osprey AKA a Sea Hawk
Leaves South America with a squawk
Leaves behind the jungle sounds
To find the warmer shores northbound

From when we we banned that DDT
Their numbers have swelled successfully
Soaring over shorelines, patrolling waterways,
Standing on huge stick nests most days,

A raptor that savors fresh live fish
Diving deep to catch her dish
Pure concentration with feet outstretched
In its yellow eyes the prey is etched.

A majestic bird in every way
I wish it was here to stay
In any case I feel elation
Its visit awe and inspiration

*I noticed a large bird fly in and settle on a tall palm across our canal today. At first, we thought it was a bald eagle. So I called my neighbor Gloria an avid and competent birdwatcher. She told me it was an Osprey. It comes here once a year in winter most likely from South America and fishes in the canal. It is often mistaken for a bald eagle.