The Bellbird

[Stephen Whiteside]

The Bellbird

The bellbird is a feisty beast.
It does not tolerate the least
Incursion on its forest patch,
And even big birds are no match
For six or eight or maybe more
Cross bellbirds laying down the law.

The bellbirds eat the sugared domes
That larvae fashion for their homes,
But often let the larvae live
So they, in time, once more may give
A tender little tasty treat
The bellbird then may choose to eat.

These little insects grow and grow
Just like a harvest, in a row
Upon a branch, until the tree
Is populated heavily.
It's fine at first, but by and by,
The forest tree begins to die.

The bellbird sounds the sweetest knell
Of death for forests with its bell

© Stephen Whiteside 03.11.2016

[Shelley Hansen]

Fascinating, Stephen! Who knew?

Den would be proud!

Cheers
Shelley

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Shelley. Wikipedia to the rescue!