The Tale of Robin

 It is nearly April, and the first light of dawn breaks across the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and yellow. I perch on the back of a garden bench, my favourite spot; the air is crisp, filled with the sweet scent of awakening life. Spring has arrived, and with it, an orchestra of sounds fills the garden, a melody that stirs my heart and urges me to sing.

Each morning, I awaken to the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of my fellow bird friends. The garden is a canvas of colours where daffodils and hyacinths stretch toward the sun, their petals yawning in a joyous greeting. Butterflies flit about, their delicate wings splashing colour here and there. I can feel the excitement in the air; nature and I are stirring.

I take flight, my wings enjoy their first stretch of the day as I swoop low over the garden, my bright eyes scanning for signs of life. The freshly turned earth reveals small insects emerging from their Winter slumber, a feast waiting to be discovered. I dart down and land on moist soil, my beak seeking out worms and grubs hidden beneath it. The taste of Spring is rich and satisfying, a reward for my early morning foraging. I relish the moment, knowing each bite fuels me for the tasks ahead.

In a quiet part of the garden, I find a shady nook within the branches of a lilac bush. Here, I begin to build my nest, a sanctuary for my future brood. With twigs, grass, hair, and soft feathers, I weave a warm and secure home. Every piece I collect feels like a treasure, a small symbol of love and care. As I work, I sing a cheerful tune, a song of hope and new beginnings, echoing through the colourful garden.

As the days go by, the garden transforms. The once-bare trees are now budding with life, their branches filled with the chatter of my fellow robins, wrens, and sparrows. Each bird has a story to share, a journey of survival and renewal. We gather at the birdbath, splashing and preening, our laughter mingling with the gentle gurgling of water. The garden feels alive, a lively community where each creature plays a part in the circle of life. The squirrels scamper across the grass, and the bees buzz from flower to flower, adding to the joyful chaos.

One morning, I feel a fluttering in my belly, a sign that my eggs are ready. I carefully settle into my cosy nest, preparing for a week or so of laying my eggs. I feel great anticipation with each one I lay, dreaming of the tiny lives that will soon depend on me.

My body cradles my delicate speckled eggs with utmost care. The world outside is bustling with activity, but I remain watchful, instinctively knowing that my role as a protector has only just begun. I take turns with my mate, keeping our eggs warm and safe while sharing stories and songs that echo our shared joy.

Days turn into weeks, and the sun's warmth encourages my eggs to hatch. The first crack sends a thrill throughout my body, and soon, tiny beaks break free from their shells, eager to greet the world. I watch in awe as my chicks, with their downy feathers and wide-open mouths, chirp for food. The garden is a treasure trove, where every leaf and flower holds the promise of a jewel of sustenance. Every day, I fly as far as I dare, gathering insects to nourish my growing family. 

As I feed my little ones, I teach them the songs of our kind, the melodies that speak of joy, danger, and love. They learn quickly, their voices mingling with mine, creating a tuneful chorus celebrating the beauty of life. I show them how to move their wings, hop from branch to branch, and identify the different sounds of the garden. With each passing day, they grow stronger, their wings beginning to flutter in anticipation of their first flight.

One sunny afternoon, the moment arrives. I perch on a low branch, watching my chicks take their first tentative leaps. The air is filled with excitement and trepidation as they spread their wings. I call out, encouraging them to soar into the sky. One by one, they lift off, awkwardly at first, but soon they find their rhythm, swooping through the air. I chase after them, my heart racing with pride, guiding them as they discover the freedom of flight.

As I fly amongst them, nostalgia washes over me. I clearly remember my first flight, the feeling of freedom, and the beauty of the world from above. I call out to them, my heart swelling with love, knowing they are now ready to explore the garden and beyond. The world is enormous, filled with opportunities and adventures, and I am excited for them to discover it all.

The days of Spring stretch on, filled with my chicks' laughter and my fellow birds' songs. The garden continues to bloom, a testament to the burgeoning life within it. I find comfort in knowing that I have added to this cycle, a small but vital role in nature's grand design. Each day, I watch lovingly as my chicks learn to forage, their little feet scratching at the earth, discovering hidden treasures just as I did.

As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the garden, I settle onto a branch, my heart full of happiness. I close my eyes, listening to the gentle rustle of the leaves and the distant calls of the evening chorus. Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and love, and I am so grateful to be a part of this incredible journey.

As the days progress into weeks and months, I will be here, a watchful guardian, a joyful singer, and a proud mother, ready to enjoy all that the seasons have to offer. I know that Summer will bring new adventures, Autumn will teach lessons of preparation, and Winter will remind us of the importance of rest. Each season holds its own beauty, and I am eager to experience them all with my wonderful ever-growing family by my side. The Tale of Robin by Mandy Westaway

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