White Ibis

I am sorry that this contribution may be a little late for the White Ibis discussion. I also apologise to Louis the Fly for the ‘garbage tip to you’ line. Geoff Ryan *THE WHITE IBIS THREAT* Non-human things that multiply to numbers seen and loud Must be reduced, eliminated – they scar our vision proud The vision of a landscape adorned with human themes The products of our industry and noise of machines If these creatures don’t diminish our dominance or right I b’lieve they should be tolerated and not destroyed on sight But if by lust they multiply to numbers seen or heard Why suffer from their presence be it mammalian or bird Perhaps the most annoying, attracting human hate Are creatures that seek sustenance from landscapes we create What right have these creatures to despoil the ordered charm Of our cities, urban landscapes, orchards, parks or farms? One of two birds singing can be pleasant to the ear But a flock of screeching birds or bats no one wants to hear It’s not just the cacophony, their faeces and their filth But their spectrum of diseases that threaten human health The ugly, bald white ibis has become a frightening pest A bird of swamps and garbage tips, it now forages with zest Around our parks and gardens where children play and eat It probably carries disease and germs on its massive bill and feet. The Government should do something to stop this ugly zoo From spreading pest and pestilence from garbage tip to you Destroy their breeding colonies and drain those smelly swamps And protect the parks and gardens where our pets and children romp. Geoff Ryan 2016