Blue Jays Feeding

At my feeders, six blue jays, blue and black

and white, are battling for possession of the sunflower

seeds I provide for free but for their viewing,

and a picture or two, now and then,

their raucous calls and shrieking cries shrill

as they chase each other away to the tops

of the neighboring trees, concealing themselves

among the dark conifers and leafy oaks,

hidden shouting out their battle cries of victory, or defeat,

and the little birds, chickadees and finches of gold

and purple, a nuthatch or sparrow, patient, waiting,

move in at last and leisurely dine in the lull of blue jays

hoarding, claiming what is not theirs alone to claim,

and nearby, unconcerned, the hummingbirds drink their fill

and an eagle rests, perched and calling out,

echoing in the still air of morning.