Imposter

This week for https://fivedotoh.com/2023/09/11/fowc-with-fandango-imposter/

There is an imposter in our midst,’ the crow said, looking across the branches of the oak tree. ‘They have been laying eggs in another bird’s nest, discarding the eggs that should be there.’

Robin Redbreast, puffed out her chest, her feathers glowing in the sun. She cried under her wing. ‘I had four lovely eggs, and now they are gone. Four chicks, never getting the chance to fly the nest.’

Cuckoo kept quiet for as long as she fluffed her large chest; it wasn’t her fault there wasn’t enough room on the tree for her nest. It wasn’t like Robin ever looked after her own. She shouldn’t have flown away to eat the juicy worm. She pulled her wings as far as they could go. ‘Look, I get you lot don’t like me, but I’m a mum too. My babies deserve to live. I asked for help, but what did I get? A twitter of non compliance. I’m here to stay ladies, and I don’t need your permission.’

All birds flew across to their nests, they weren’t going to have any satisfaction. Even the Magpies were more intent of flocking together; Two for joy, that’s for sure. Cuckoo sat across her new babies, proud she had kept them all warm.

They deserved it all.