*Named after Georg Wilhelm Steller, a German naturalist, who was the first European to record them in 1741.
I know I’m pretty, but beware,
My beak is tough as nails,
If any challenger would dare,
My bet is that he fails.
Monthly Archives: May 2025
Red Hot Pokers
They look like pokers for a fire,
I know they are not hot,
Their nectar sweet is my desire,
And that is what I got.
But hotter than the poker’s threat
The stinger of that bee,
If it could sting me, then I bet,
On fire I would be.
*See the bee at the bottom of the photo?
Robin
I’m robbin’ as a robin should,
I take what I can get,
The garden grubs and earthworms could,
Be finest dinners yet.
Wild Rose
Alberta’s provincial flower since 1930
My dress is frail and palest pink,
So delicate, my scent,
Before you try to pick me, think,
Or thorns will make a dent.
House Finch
I like to chatter in the trees,
And lecture those around,
But always end my talks with, “P-L-E-E-E-Z,
It’s not safe on the ground.”
Lily
This lily looks a bit like a Himalayan lily, or a lily of Nepal (except the Nepal lily has a slight green tinge to the white parts of the petals).
Lovely lily, scent so sweet,
But don’t sniff too close,
Tiny stamens with their feet,
Dab dust on your nose.
Quail
My name is Quentin, I’m a quail,
As harmless as can be,
I come for breakfast without fail,
Those seeds are all for me.
I call, “Toh-BACK-oh,” but don’t smoke,
To bring my friends to me,
And when there’s danger, run for broke,
My call of, “CHIP!” means, “Flee!”
Orchids
So many types and shapes of us,
Yet all of us are cool,
Romantics like to make a fuss,
Don’t want to seem a fool.
We make a loving, thoughtful gift,
Our stunning beauty heals,
Heartbroken lovers mend a rift,
How wonderful it feels.
Hawk
I think this is a broad-winged hawk. If anyone knows for sure, I’d be interested in your opinion.
I’m sitting on the railing
To scour the place for prey,
Can’t risk my eyesight failing,
Or I won’t eat today.
What’s that? You think I’m lying?
I’ve eaten well today?
Just sitting ’round, not trying?
My beak gave me away?
…Oops!
Common Columbine
A warning to the people’s pet,
If you decide to eat me,
Just don’t be shocked how sick you’ll get,
So leave me as you meet me.
*Disclaimer: I think hummingbirds are exempt from harm when they drink the nectar. I hope so anyway.
wordsfromanneli 