Tree-creeper in camouflage
picks insects from bark of a hazel tree,
spiralling upwards — with sudden zig-zags
to baffle a hidden enemy.
Nuthatch neat in air-force blue,
foraging in an oak tree, walks
down the trunk — its sideways sorties
bamboozling low-flying sparrowhawks.
If both reconnoitred the same tree
might they meet and nod a brief salute?
Or would each fly off and privately
patrol its one-way-only route?