My mother probably learned it as a Girl Scout in MO. She was a GS from the time she was 7 in 1930 until her death in 1988. She sang it to me and I to my children. Always a favorite. Our version:
Baby Owlet, Poor wee Owlet, Crying as dawn shines above.
Baby owlet, Poor wee owlet, Crying as dawn shines above.
Won't you lend me your swift pinions? Won't you lend me your swift pinions, Won't you lend me your swift pinions, That I may Fly to my love.
That I may Fly to my love.
Tequera qua, qua, qua Tequera qua, qua, qua Tequera qua, qua, qua Poor wee owlet Poor little owlet It is tired from crying so.