The shrill piping call of the returning Curlew

Contrasting with the lonely peep- peep of Golden Plover

Plaintive note of Peewit carried on the wind from its arching flight

Wading birds reclaiming their share of the corduroy moorland

Nesting sites found on drier ground among ling and crowberry

Ascending notes of Skylark lift the spirit and raise hopes

Honk of Raven above the outcrops sounds the alarm

Heard by the Red Grouse who stutters  Go Back, Go Back

Black Crow who sees everything with his cruel eye

Hears the dull thud as Peregrine stoops and connects with Pigeon

Blood and feathers speckle the falcons chosen rock

Life and death together sharing this special place

Graham Ramsden 2012