SAFA Skysailor Magazine

27 SUMMER 2025 | December-January-February SKY SAILOR Birds of a Feather by John Norton, 14 June 2024 The different colours, feet and beak Necks and bodies, and various wing beat Fascinate the likes – of a bloke like me, ‘The beauty of birds’ is what I continuously see. Studying from back when I was a kid, Wondering how on air they could hold like they did, By flapping their wings in a void of air, And to land, they’ve learned the art of flare. But all in all, fascinated by flight, So much so – I bought a large kite, And learned how to fly, with outstretched wings, From a man-made ramp, harness and things. Was 14ks from my convenient home, From Aireys to Lorne, the Otways comb, With eagles and hawks, and seagulls mixed, I fly in the breeze, but my wings are fixed. But how beautiful to fly – in a breeze we share, As it flows uphill to keep me there, A thrill I can only try to explain, As the onshore breeze gives me height to gain. But I’ve shot my share of quail and duck, Eaten when cooked, after gutted and plucked… Even then I appreciate and respect The birds I study and duly protect. So I’ve studied and tasted many birds I have seen, In environments of many – wherever I’ve been; Hills, in the forest, deserts and sea, Makes bird-watching the place to be. My nowadays curiosity – and appeal to watch, Not with a gun – perhaps with a scotch, Has filled hours and hours of enjoyable fun, As I say, perhaps with a scotch – but not a gun!