That daring young man on the flying trapeze

Double-crested Cormorants. San Elijo Lagoon. August 3, 2014. Greg Gillson.

When another Double-crested Cormorant landed on this wire over the lagoon, the whole wire swung back-and-forth, nearly causing some birds to lose their balance. It reminded me of the song "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze." 

He'd fly through the air with the greatest of ease, 

That daring young man on the flying trapeze.

So, where did that little ditty come from?

It is an 1867 song based on trapeze artist Jules Leotard. He invented the trapeze and, yes, the leotard!

Learn more about Mr. Leotard, the song, and trapeze here 

"When I grow up, mom, I want to swing on the wire, too. But I don't want to wear the tights!"