The Riddle of the Robin

Following Willa

Willa suggests that maybe the robin flew to another part of the garden, where it’d be safer during the storm. Ashlyn’s concerned it may be hurt or lost. Emerson suggests looking for it. Willa rushes into the playhouse. She returns with a pair of binoculars on her neck and a backpack. In her backpack, she’s stashed her bird book, a map of the garden, some granola bars, water, cups, and her compass. She’s ready to go!

Willa leads all the girls deeper into Aunt Miranda’s massive garden. They keep their eyes open for the robin, and also look at all the plants and creatures they see. Camille almost gets herself into trouble with some poison ivy, before Willa mentions that’s only trouble!

Then, Kendall points out a faint nest in a tree. Willa takes out her binoculars and looks closely. Each of the girls take turns looking at the nest, and comparing it to the bird book. She eventually comes to the conclusion that it’s a wood duck’s nest, not a robin’s nest. Ashlyn jokes around that it’s kind of quackers that a duck made a nest in a tree. Emerson comes up from behind and asks if they can have their snack now… she’s hungry.

Looking down, Willa realizes it’s too wet and soggy to sit where they are. They should go back to the playhouse to eat their snack. Emerson complains she’s hungry now, and Ashlyn reminds everyone that they still haven’t found the robin. Willa, trying to cheer everyone up, says maybe the robin is back at the maple tree now. They should go look!

Camille looks around. “Which is the way back?” she asks, turning to Willa. Willa turns around a few times, before admitting that she doesn’t know. They went off the path when they saw the duck’s nest. Emerson slumps onto a tree stump, complaining that she’s tired. But Ashlyn and Camille fear they’re lost.