The Bird in the Ferns

Bert and Shirley play explorers with Mum. They follow a path between the ferns. Bert has a notebook. Shirley looks for things to draw.

A fern gives a sudden shake. Then they hear a chirp. “Is something hiding there?” asks Shirley. They stop and listen.

Bert sees a small bird on the dirt. Its feathers are short and fluffy. “Can it fly?” he asks. The bird hops, then flutters a little.

“It may be learning,” says Mum. “Let’s give it space.” They move back to the path and wait quietly. Shirley draws the bird in their notebook.

A larger bird lands by the fern. It has a worm in its beak. The little bird chirps and opens its mouth. “The parent has returned!” whispers Bert.

They turn and leave the birds in peace. Bert draws a worm beside Shirley’s bird. “Our best find was not treasure,” he says. “It was a bird’s first flying lesson!”