I was singing this the other night and realised that I don't know who wrote it.

I heard it in the Anchor at Sidmouth in the late eighties and have never heard it sung by anyone else since.
My version probably differs from the original as it is just what I remember from the one hearing. The tune is exactly as the tune of what it is parodying.

HOWITZERS OR MORE (or SWALLOWS AWAY).

Time passes slowly, more pleasant each day
Since I bought a new gun to drive swallows away,
Swallows away, swallows away, swallows away,
Since I bought a new gun to drive swallows away.

Bright Phoebus she rises, the larks they fly high,
Then I'm out with my gun, for I like a lark pie.

Each bright summer's morning I go out with my gun,
For shooting small songbirds is my kind of fun.

Now I am well known and a notoriety,
Since I became the scourge of the R.S.P.B.

I am content with my trusty twelve bore,
I'm as happy as those that's got howitzers or more.

PS. Perhaps I should add that I am an RSPB member!