Steilacoom resident Barb Kohler, whose backyard is woods and wetlands which attracts a variety of wildlife on a daily basis. She rewrote the 12 Days of Christmas to reflect the characters who hang out and sometimes greet her at her door. The neighbors got together one evening last week and all sang the whole song. Perhaps you’d like to give it a whirl, too.
12 Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
A flicker in a plum tree.
On the second day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the third day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Five golden rings
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Six wood ducks quacking
Five golden rings
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Seven squirrels dashing
Six wood ducks quacking
Five golden rings
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Eight mallard ducks swimming
Seven squirrels dashing
Six wood ducks quacking
Five golden rings
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Nine frogs croaking
Eight mallard ducks swimming
Seven squirrels dashing
Six wood ducks quacking
Five golden rings
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Ten deer strolling
Nine frogs croaking
Eight mallard ducks swimming
Seven squirrels dashing
Six wood ducks quacking
Five golden rings
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Eleven raccoons wandering
Ten deer strolling
Nine frogs croaking
Eight mallard ducks swimming
Seven squirrels dashing
Six wood ducks quacking
Five golden rings
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Twelve coyotes howling
Eleven raccoons wandering
Ten deer strolling
Nine frogs croaking
Eight mallard ducks swimming
Seven squirrels dashing
Six wood ducks quacking
Five golden rings
Four bunnies hopping
Three cooper hawks hunting
Two owls a hooting
And a flicker in a plum tree!
Barb Kohler
December 2022
Wonderful photo of the owl, Barb.
We hear them, but seldom see them up here…
On the other hand, I have many photos of Cooper hawk ,flickers and hummingbirds
year round.
Last week we were visited by an
unusual duck…Happy Holidays!
Kim Roberts
What: no moles?
No! I don’t have any!
A wonderful adaptation. I particularly enjoyed it since I really miss all the birds and wildlife in the Lakewood area that was my home for over 60 years. Nothing like that where I am now, just bugs, snakes and buzzards.
Merry Christmas to all back in Washington from East Texas.
Barb, it is so nice to see your picture and to read your poem. It sounds great. We love all the animals, etc. We see a few of those, too. Sure remember you at the college. Nice to see you doing well. I’m surprised I’m still here, too. Smile. 86 New Years Eve my birthday. We still have a GREAT group of Retired College Ladies (PCOB) that have lunch every month and we are there for each other. Really special. Keep taking care and I will, too.
Homage to nature and fond remembrance of California quail trooping and peacock screeching (from ye ol’ game farm) that once were. You do remember, don’t you, when first class postage was twenty cents? Try Christmas ’84. California quail & poppy was a featured stamp. THANKS, and a Merry Happy all.
Delightful! I long to see an owl at my place but have seen many of the other animals, so can sing some of the verses!
One of the perks of living in Steilacoom!
Marianne Bull
Enjoyed your version of the song. I have heard an owl but never seen one where I live on the edge of Steilacoom. We have more than enough moles this year if you would like some.
Your song was funny and pictures great.
I have only heard an owl, not seen one.
Have more than our share of moles this year. Would you like some?