Peering through the bushes,
Binoculars hanging round my neck.

Birds nesting deep in rushes,
So distant just a mere speck.

Lens to ocular visionary,
Magnifying majestically.

Warbling, courting others stalking,
Dancing plumes decadence walking.

Common species, rare or rarest?
I've no idea; I'm ornotholically inept.

Camera ready to capture best,
Slinking foreword my body crept.

Tripod, zoom lens, no expense infuted,
Minimum disturbance, tread now muted.

Suddenly peepers adjust to a scuffle,
Zooming in bodies flail and ruffle.

Courtship ritual turns to clawed brawl
Blood and feathers, squawking call

Shutter clicks to capture all,
Bloodied infusion from the feathered ball.

Sky shuddered, its deluge imminent
Damp camera equipment would be my ruin

Should I remain and risk it, or pack and leave?
A thunderous rumble quakes and grumbles

So little to shows nature begins to weave...