Birds and All Nature, Vol. 6, No. 5, December 1899

In this lively woodland tale, the birds of an orchard gather for their annual council, a chorus of chirps and debates that sets the tone for the season. Led by the earnest Mr. Red‑eyed Vireo, representatives from sparrows, thrushes, warblers and other songbirds voice their frustration at a persistent problem: the cowbirds that wander in, deposit their eggs in unsuspecting nests, and leave the host families to shoulder the burden.

The meeting quickly becomes a heated discussion of how to protect their own young while confronting a species that seems built for exploitation. Some argue for outright exclusion, others hope that careful vigilance will spare their clutches. As the birds weigh tradition against survival, listeners are invited into a charming yet thought‑provoking portrait of nature’s social dynamics, all rendered with wit and vivid avian personalities.