Theme:  Selfishness; love for animals

David and the birds

David lived in a small country town. His house had a large yard, and the boy spent a lot of time there taking care of the chickens, the dogs, and his turtle. After putting the food for them, David sat down to watch them. He knew their behavior and preferences.

The boy loved animals. Even the little birds, which lived landing here and there, enchanted him. He knew every species, the colors, the songs of the birds, and was pleased when he saw a rarer one visiting his backyard.

David was so fond of birds that he began to want one for himself.

One day David was very quiet. His mother couldn't see him in the backyard through the kitchen window, as she used to. She waited a few minutes, but when he didn't show up, she decided to go looking for him.

Mrs. Ana went to the chicken coop and David was not there. She looked up at the tree top he liked to climb but couldn't find him either.

- David! - She shouted worriedly, wondering where the boy might be.

- I'm here mom! - answered the boy, coming out from behind a bush, with a slingshot in hand, while several birds that were perched on the ground came out suddenly, flying scared.

The mother was surprised and asked:

- What is this David? Were you hiding with this slingshot to hit a bird? But son, you like them so much! Why are you doing this?

- Calm down, Mom! I'll explain - said the boy - I want to get a thrush for myself. The thrush is one of my favorite birds because it is big, beautiful and sings well. So, I'll aim to hit it just by grazing. If it gets just a little hurt, I can catch it and after I take care of it and give it food, it will see that I like it and will be my friend.

Mrs. Ana, realizing that her son was still young and needed guidance, began to explain:

- David, I understand that you want the friendship of a thrush, but I don't think you're quite sure how to do it. If you hit it and it gets hurt, even slightly, you are not acting like a true friend. In addition, there is a danger that you miss the target. If it gets hit hard, it can get hurt badly, suffer or even die. Do you think it's fair to risk its life, especially if you say you like it?

The boy hadn’t even thought about it and was very disappointed to realize that his mother was right and that his plan was not that good. With his head down, he said almost crying:

- That's right mom. So, I can't have a little buddy thrush!

- It won't work if you want to conquer it with stones - said Mrs. Ana hugging her son - but it will if you treat it well. No one can resist being loved! Not even the animals. I will help you.

They combined what they were going to do and put the new plan into action.

David researched the feeding of the thrush and found that they loved fruits and insects very much. Mrs. Ana took to the backyard an old table to put the food for the birds on it.

Later, they went to a pet store and bought some thrush feed and a clay container for water.

David began to offer bird food every day. Several species of birds took advantage of what David offered them. Gradually the boy was adapting his care to their habits and the needs that arose.

Over time, the boy learned the best time to put food. He saw that he always had to change the water because some liked to bathe in the bowl. He realized that he had to always clean the table so as not to gather ants, fruit peels and even bird dirt. He also started to provide seeds to please other species besides the thrushes.

Little by little the birds became more and more docile. David whistled as he went out to the yard to feed them, and when they heard him, many came from afar. The little table was full of beautiful and lively little birds.

From time to time David would look around the yard for a worm or insect to complete the bird meal. The thrush loved it. They almost fought for the animals.

One day David was very happy, and all his dedication was rewarded. The boy approached, opened his hand and waited. A thrush landed on it and fed right there.

Many times later, this was repeated. The boy had gained the trust and friendship of not just one, but several birds.

Mrs. Ana, from the kitchen window, watched with satisfaction the conquest of her son. He had learned that it is not of selfishness but of love and dedication that good relations are made.
 

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com