When You’re in the Mood for a Story
- about -
A Wobbly Warbler
Wanda Warbler couldn’t wait to get home, even though she had loved her winter getaway. This year, her family had tried the Cayman Islands, and their nest in a Mamoncillo Tree in a little, quiet cove had been a great spot to escape those chilly Minnesota winter months. So many delicious new bugs to try! And the genip fruit wasn’t too bad, either. But, like all vacations, Wanda’s heart eventually longed for home. And when Father finally announced that the weather was warm enough to migrate back north, Wanda hopped up to go.
Wanda was especially keen to get home to show off her new hobby: singing. Mama had said that during vacation Wanda had “found her voice”. And boy, did she ever! She sang in the morning as she watched the sun rise over the tropical waters. She trilled while the sun warmed her yellow and black feathers after her midday bath. She lullabied when the day began to fade into night. When she sang, she felt powerful. Free. Like she could explain who she was without saying a word. Grandma Warbler said she sounded like an angel from the heavens. Wanda couldn’t wait to display her talents for Robin Robin and Cassie Cardinal and all her other friends that lived off Lake Concord.
It took the Warbler family longer than planned on their migration home. Grandpa Warbler had to make frequent stops to rest his wings, and Mama was flying slowly the last day due to her being with egg.
By the time the family alighted on their familiar maple tree in their cozy corner neighborhood of Minneapolis, the last thing they wanted to do was nest-building. But Dad was firm.
“Wanda, you go collect the small twigs. Willa and Wally, you collect the soft bits. Grandpa and Grandma can hunt for some snack worms, and William and I will hunt for the structure sticks. Mother, you just rest and keep developing that egg!”
The family dispersed. Wanda fluttered to the base of a Cottonwood tree—a perfect place to find twigs. She heard the flap of wings behind her.
“Wanda! You’re finally back!” Robin Robin exclaimed as she approached.
“Robin! Wanda exclaimed. The two friends greeted each other with a complicated choreography of wing-slaps and ruffling tail feathers. “So good to see you! Your feathers look brighter!”
“You noticed! Well, thank you! I was excited to show you,” Robin replied shyly.
“It took us forever to get home. Mom’s with egg again,” Wanda said, rolling her eyes.
“Another brother or sister! How exciting!” Robin said. “I’ve got news, too. Did you know there’s going to be a party at the summer solstice? It’s going to have food vendors and a performance by the Dark-Eyed Junco Dance Troupe, and a singing competition, and–“
“A singing competition?!” Wanda interrupted? “I am totally entering!”