The sparrow is the guardian of the field

Hello everyone. Antonio Pestana invites us to discover this short story about the sparrow, now that we are celebrating Sparrow Day. A beautiful tale that helps open up a new world for the youngest members of the family: the world of birds. Environmental education for children.

The Sparrow is the guardian of the field

When spring arrived, as it did every year, all the animals gathered in the forest clearing. They had made a pact: during the meeting, they were to respect one another. In this way, they would work together to resolve any problems that might have arisen up to that day.

Little by little, and from very early in the morning, all kinds of animals began to appear. The first to appear were the rabbits, followed by voles, tortoises, foxes, eagles, badgers, owls… until before noon they were all present.

That winter had been very rainy, and the water had formed great torrents. It had washed away the soil, and the poor trees had been left with their roots exposed.

"Good," said the owl's hollow voice. "Like other years, I will be the one to start asking what problems you think we should solve at this meeting.".

They all started talking at once, and of course, nobody understood anything. So the owl, who was a wise bird, suggested that they speak one by one and, by vote, choose which was the most important problem to address.

After a while, during which all the animals had given their opinion, they came to the conclusion that the rain washing away the soil was their biggest concern.

"We'll have to tell the water that when it flows through the forests and farmlands, it should do so more carefully," suggested a squirrel.

–Yes! –some exclaimed.

"She won't listen to you, it's not her fault," a trout replied from the nearby river. "I know her and she's very kind, but it's the clouds that send her down as rain. So, sometimes it hurts.".

"Well, we'll have to tell the clouds to be careful," the ants suggested. "Our anthill has flooded several times this year.".

–That's it, that's it –a badger applauded them –My burrow has also flooded this year.

With a flick of its tail, the otter said it wanted to talk. “I, too, know water as well as trout do, and they’re right, it’s the clouds that forcefully hurl the water. I must tell you, though, that the clouds won’t listen to you, since all their lives they’ve been taking water from the sea and releasing it onto the land. It’s their way of life, and they can’t help it. I think what we should do is appoint a watchman for the fields, like a guardian, who will keep an eye on the clouds and warn us all when they approach so we can be prepared.”.

All the animals thought it was a great idea. Then, Mr. Owl proposed that those who wanted to be guardian of the field should volunteer, and together they would choose one.

The first to introduce himself was the fox, saying that he was very clever and agile, and that he could keep an eye on the clouds at all times. But then the rabbits, the moles, and the mice said they disagreed.

"You may be very agile," exclaimed the mole, "but when you look for food, you dig in the ground and that makes our house even more flooded.".

Then the snake said: –I would be a good guardian, because I can climb the slopes and the trees and keep an eye on the clouds.

"I think you're mistaken," said the lizard. "You, like us, are a reptile, and in winter you sleep on cold days. So who will warn the others when you're asleep?".

–Well thought out –said the owl.

More and more animals kept appearing, and none of them noticed that the clouds were approaching again, heavy with rain.

–I think I, the swallow, can be a good candidate.

“We don’t believe it!” protested the thrushes. “Migratory birds can’t occupy the square, because you aren’t here in winter and we aren’t here in summer. It has to be someone who lives here all year round. Someone who visits the forests, the farmlands, the parks and gardens, the countryside, the mountains, and the riverbanks.”.

Then, a little sparrow appeared in the forest clearing – “Attention all animals! While you were gathered here, I stayed outside the forest in case the clouds appeared, and they are approaching. Go to your homes and block the doors so they don't flood again.”.

All the animals gathered there smiled and looked at the little sparrow. Without being asked and without asking for anything in return, he had been watching the clouds. While the other animals had been arguing, he had been watching over them. Then the owl, a wise bird indeed, said: “I think there is no doubt, the animal that should be the guardian of the countryside is the sparrow, for he has more than proven himself to be an intelligent bird and has been watching the clouds so that we would not suffer any danger.”.

And that is how the sparrow came to be named guardian of our fields. That is why, wherever we go, we will always find this charming little bird, ready to warn its companions if any danger approaches.

Did you enjoy it? We hope so. Greetings to all, and… see you soon!

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