Poetry Episode 4: The Woodpecker

Sophie and Sebastian

It’s spring time in Alberta, so let’s celebrate with a poem about nature. Between the time when I wrote the episode and recorded it, all the snow melted!

In this episode we share some marvelous facts about woodpeckers, as well as a poem. First, here are some photos of the pileated and downy woodpeckers:

A Pileated Woodpecker!

Downy Woodpecker

In this episode, we talk about the woodpecker’s long tongue, its zygodactylic toes, and the fact that its brain doesn’t shake around. But here’s another neat thing: woodpeckers have three eye-lids! Not only do they have an upper and lower eyelid, but they also have a transparent eyelid that goes across the entire eye. It’s called the Nicitating eyelid. I supposed it’s handy when bark and woodchips go flying in all directions.

Finally, here’s the poem featured in this episode:

Hi Mr. Woodpecker, how do you do? Here are a few simple questions for you: First, does your brain not explode from the pain? Knocking a tree with your head sounds insane! Do you enjoy boring holes with your bill? Slurping up insects and eating your fill? Why does your tongue wrap around your whole head? Why is the crest on your top coloured red? Pardon the questions, I hope you don’t mind, You are the topic that I was assigned, Go ask an expert, my teacher declared, Do all your homework, make sure you’re prepared; That’s why I’ve come to the forest today, Asking these questions and hammering away.

This poem has an unusal rhythm. It goes somewhat like “Boom-ba-da Boom-ba-da …” That rhythm is called “dactylic,” which I thought was just perfect for a bird that is “zygodactylic.”