Post by Fifi on Apr 3, 2009 17:52:55 GMT 1
Charlotte Stephens from Urafirth thought this poem deserved an airing since the shalder is such a well known bird here. She also includes the piece of folklore that the poem refers to, regarding how the shalder got its markings.
The poem is taken from the book, "Poems and Sketches Inspired by North Uist" by Mary Lewis. (Transcribed as given.)
www.amazon.co.uk/Poems-Sketches-Inspired-North-Uist/dp/1434300757/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1238775580&sr=8-1
The Oystercatcher
The oystercatcher is a delight
Dressed in smart black jacket
With pressed white waistcoat
And twinkling eye
But who suggested the bright pink stockings
And vermillion orange beak
Did God arrange this
For the "Servant of Bride"
Who hid Christ in the seaweed
I love this bird
With colours too daring for all
But the likes of a rothko
The discordance tuned so fine
That the absurdity warms the soul
And lights up the day.
Malcolm Archibald relates a story that Christ, pursued by enemies through Scotland, hid under seaweed where he was guarded by two blackbirds with long red bills. When the pursuers had gone, Christ emerged from the seaweed and gave the birds a white cross to wear for their service. Thus other oystercatchers earned the Gaelic name, "Gille Brighde", the servant of St Bride, the foster mother of Christ.
(Scottish Animal and Bird Folklore, St Andrews Press, Edinburgh 1996)
<If I could find a shalder picture in amongst George's excellent photos I could have added it but can't find one at the mo.>
The poem is taken from the book, "Poems and Sketches Inspired by North Uist" by Mary Lewis. (Transcribed as given.)
www.amazon.co.uk/Poems-Sketches-Inspired-North-Uist/dp/1434300757/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1238775580&sr=8-1
The Oystercatcher
The oystercatcher is a delight
Dressed in smart black jacket
With pressed white waistcoat
And twinkling eye
But who suggested the bright pink stockings
And vermillion orange beak
Did God arrange this
For the "Servant of Bride"
Who hid Christ in the seaweed
I love this bird
With colours too daring for all
But the likes of a rothko
The discordance tuned so fine
That the absurdity warms the soul
And lights up the day.
Malcolm Archibald relates a story that Christ, pursued by enemies through Scotland, hid under seaweed where he was guarded by two blackbirds with long red bills. When the pursuers had gone, Christ emerged from the seaweed and gave the birds a white cross to wear for their service. Thus other oystercatchers earned the Gaelic name, "Gille Brighde", the servant of St Bride, the foster mother of Christ.
(Scottish Animal and Bird Folklore, St Andrews Press, Edinburgh 1996)
<If I could find a shalder picture in amongst George's excellent photos I could have added it but can't find one at the mo.>
I do like oystercatchers - there are plenty round here too - especially along the North Wales coast. There are quite big flocks at Point of Ayr.
Never work before breakfast. If you do have to work before breakfast, eat your breakfast first. 