Roberta Writes – freestyle poetry and CFFC: Dawn #poetry #photography #wildlife

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I’m kicking off this post with a freestyle poem I wrote about the red crested khorhaan. This beautiful bird has a unique mating ritual and is called the suicide bird or the parachute bird. This poem is for Don’t hold your breath blog’s Bird of the Week challenge here: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2025/07/29/asian-fairy-bluebird-birds-of-the-week-invitation-cxxvii/

Suicide or parachute (freestyle poem)

the display kicks off

with an ascending call

then, unexpectedly, he runs forward

launching himself directly upwards

with a jump and energetic flutter of wings

a male bird rocket

up, up, he goes, for up to thirty metres

then, he stops – halting completely

flipping over, yellow legs outstretched

wings tucked in

black and white belly feathers standing out

maximizing the dramatic effect

suddenly, as if shot, he drops

falling to the ground while executing

a perfect backward somersault

just before ground impact

he opens his winds and glides

landing on a prominent mound

with great aplomb

So very impressive

red crested korhaan

also called suicide bird

or parachute bird

My two pictures of a red crested korhaan taken at the Madikwe Game Reserve.

If you are interested in birds photography, you will find lovely photographs on Michael’s blog here: https://lifeexperiencesandadventures.wordpress.com/2025/07/29/birds-photo-click-79-crowned-cormorant-3/

and on Martin’s blog here: https://martinsbirdblog.com/2025/07/28/28th-july-2025-wwt-slimbridge-gloucestershire/

CFFC: Dawn

Dan’s CFFC challenge this week is dawn and you can join in here: https://nofacilities.com/2025/07/28/time-of-day-dawn-cffc/

Picture caption: Grey heron at dawn
Picture caption: Buffalo at dawn at the watering hole
Picture caption: watering hole at dawn
Picture caption: grey heron on the lake at dawn
Picture caption: Giraffe mother and baby at dawn
Picture caption: A herd of buffalo at dawn

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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107 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – freestyle poetry and CFFC: Dawn #poetry #photography #wildlife”

  5. I must admit Robbie that I’ve never seen most of the animals that you shared here…and the wildlife itself..I’ve alwys been very apprehensive visiting zoo…but seeing you constantly post about it, makes me wanting to go now.

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  17. Your poetry about the nature that surrounds you is only ever eclipsed by your photography. Here in Alaska we like to think we have a lock on free wandering wildlife- but we pale in comparison to you!

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  18. Robbie i would love to see the parachute bird !
    Wow that takes skill and trust in yourself, how amazing.
    Loved your poem
    The photographs are incredible.
    I particularly like the giraffe and her baby.
    Thank you so much for sharing.

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          3. I have never been to Brighton, but I imagine it is a nice seaside town to visit.
            I am not a lover of cities, but for Paris I make an exception 🤗
            I live in a small town on the coast which is more accessible to nature 🦋🌲🌼

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  24. Nice work, Robbie. I wasn’t familiar with the khorhaan. You made me curious enough to look up the reason it’s called “the suicide bird.” Typical male behavior, always trying to impress the ladies. 🤣

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  33. The bird’s daring comes across clearly in your captivating poem. I would prefer to call him the parachute bird. Your photos are beautifully intriguing with the muted greys and soft golden sunlight. I especially love the giraffes.

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