Onebird: The Rise of Moo

Celebration

Fudge’s Story

The hollow was alive with chatter as the first hatchlings of the season pecked their way to life. One large egg stayed intact as it trembled in the nest but Mama bird was too busy with the newly-hatched to notice. Nearby, Horace the bat heard a muffled vibration. He used his keen hearing, which was a source of great pride, to locate the origin. He glanced at the nest high in the eucalyptus tree and glided closer. The parent birds had left to forage and Horace's wing tips could hardly keep still. It was time to investigate. He took a deep breath and peered in. He expected to see featherless chicks but not the abnormally large egg that wobbled from side to side.

Out of nowhere, the parent birds attacked, giving him many sharp bites before he jumped back.

Why haven't you broken the egg? Horace asked. The parent birds looked at each other.

It’s not our way, Mama bird said.

Horace offered to help. The eyes of the parent birds widened.

I’m big but gentle, said Horace. Don’t worry.

Mama bird agreed but hovered ready to strike as Horace placed the egg gently in his mouth and fluttered to the ground near Papa bird and a large rock. It was dangerous and he was on the lookout for any predators. He lifted the egg above the rock and tapped it against its side. There was a cracking sound but the egg stayed intact. Horace was forced to break the shell with his claws and was the first to witness the contents.

Inside, a large chick presented fully grown with sky-blue and white feathers. Papa bird gently nudged the chick's body and its eyes flew open. After a plaintive chirp, the hatchling tried to stand on unusually large, wobbly legs. Mama bird tentatively moved to him and groomed the damp feathers. Papa bird, proud to have a son, needed to return the hatchling to the nest if he were to survive.

Mama bird became aware of the other chicks calling and instinctively flew to them. The newest chick gazed at Papa bird and lowered his head for a preen. The father’s heart melted at the sight of his unusual offspring. Horace, aware that the hatchling was heavy, scooped up the chick, flew to the nest and tenderly settled him into the opening where his four siblings were already squabbling. Their big button eyes grew larger.

This is your baby brother, said Mama bird. The four chicks burst out laughing. Mama bird nudged the youngest toward them. He stumbled about but after a few screeches, the family finally settled down for mutual preening.

Papa bird realised a larger hollow was needed if they were to fit comfortably. Both parents thanked Horace and asked if he would name the hatchling at their next ceremonial day. Horace beamed with pride.

Several days later, when the parent birds were out searching for a larger nest, their youngest curled into a ball as his older siblings pecked at him. Blue feathers lay all over the nest but the chicks refused to stop and he had to bite down on his beak to stop from crying. When his mother returned, the blue bird was smeared with blood and she screeched and nipped at each of them but failed to comfort him. She then fed and groomed them one by one. The big baby bird noticed that his mother gave him a short preen and tried to move closer but she had already moved on to the next. He wanted to join in the huddle but it was impossible as his siblings drew tightly around their mother.

Mama bird was superstitious and believed her youngest's arrival to be unnatural. She felt a growing need to cast him out of the nest. The other hatchlings chirped for attention and she tended to them. When Papa bird returned, he was saddened to see his large son a little away from the rest of his family. He understood why his mate ignored the chick but it broke his heart when his son tried to move closer to his siblings and they rebuffed him. Papa bird squeezed in beside him. After the family had eaten, Mama bird nibbled her mate’s neck and they settled for the afternoon. Even though he was the youngest, this large chick was head and shoulders above them all.

Later that day at dusk, Horace was surprised to be greeted by Papa bird.

I’m Curly, he said. It was a great honour for those outside the flock to give their name and Horace respectfully reciprocated. They sat together.

I have to accept that my youngest will not be tolerated by the flock, he sighed. He will have to fend for himself. Horace knew this to be true. There was nothing to say and the two sat in silence until night came and it was Horace’s turn to forage.

The weeks passed. Horace and Curly met and spoke often, keeping an eye on the young bird who was growing rapidly. His siblings continued to tease him but no matter how much they tormented, he never retaliated.

Although Mama bird did not feel comfortable around her large son, when the naming day arrived she groomed him for a long time. This would be his last day with her. She said nothing but her chick suspected that something special was about to happen.

The flock prepared for the ceremony. Everyone pitched in to carry seed and special grasses to the centre of the stump. Horace looked forward to his participation that afternoon. When he flew to the hollow, the noise was intense as excitement rose but stopped abruptly when the families with chicks left their nests. Each parent offered their offspring for naming. When Curly's turn came he puffed out his chest.

I have five healthy chicks, he announced. The flock rose as one and flew to the enormous stump. The elders stood in the middle and surveyed the youngsters, their sponsors and hundreds of twittering birds. The speaker began:

"Gather round young and old.

We are descended from the first birds.

We are budgerigars.

Predators abound

but as a flock we are safe.

We are the Primes

and keep ourselves pure.

But remember,

A creature called humans came,

trapped and stole our cousins away.

But we still love to fly and play

We will always remember

So gather all on our special naming day."

Horace gazed over the sea of budgies that shone with green and yellow feathers punctuated by black wavy stripes. The markings were great camouflage and blended perfectly with the eucalyptus stand. The bat studied the budgie that he was about to name. The young bird was the lightest sky-blue he had ever seen and twice the size of the others in the flock. He had white markings on his wings instead of the usual black.

The speaker stepped forward.

You need to fly to the sister tree, he said. On the return flight perform a spectacular feat. Your sponsor will stand in the middle. At the conclusion of your flight, an elder will air-peck you as your sponsor proclaims your name. After that, a feast!

The elders grouped the youngsters in a line with their sponsors beside them. Horace felt large and ungainly among these agile birds. A shrill fanfare rang out in the afternoon as a squad of budgies flew in tight formation over the stump. Horace was impressed by their vigour and speed. They turned tightly and landed together as a unit. The naming ceremony had begun.

The first young budgie flew to the tree and on her return performed a number of triple and quadruple somersaults. Horace watched open-mouthed as the birds proved their suitability as flock members. With each feat, he noticed less expertise. Because Horace and his charge were at the end of the queue, it upset him that a pecking order could be established so soon. Before he could ponder further, it was his young budgie's turn.

The youngster moved into position and leapt into the air. His flying was not very impressive, his body was too large for his wings. He landed on the stump with a thud, nearly colliding with the elders. The young budgie stopped, stood tall and closed his eyes. Someone twittered as he fluffed his head feathers and took a deep breath but when he sang there was complete silence. He sang with a beauty and richness that stirred their souls, making them realise how lucky they were to be alive. The bat blinked a few times and when the young bird had finished, the flock stood silent for a moment before screeching its appreciation. Curly and his mate were astonished. The elders air-pecked the young budgie and Horace moved alongside him, declaring in a resonant voice, I name you Fudge.

Barney’s Story

In another part of the continent, Sparkie stood proudly at the naming ceremony of her daughter, Barney. Sparkie feared for her dark-blue-and-black-feathered daughter because of her intense curiosity. Budgies are naturally curious creatures but trouble always seemed to follow Barney no matter what she did. As the celebrations began, the young budgie flew to her mother, hugged her quickly and joined the crowd, eager to sing and dance. She partied long into the night until Owl, her sponsor and great-grandmother stood beside her.

It's time for sleep, she said. Barney longed to stay but one look at Owl's stern face told her not to argue. She returned to the nest to snuggle against her mother. Barney loved the way her mother smelt, a feathery tea-tree scent. She slept instantly but was awake before dawn, once again swooping over the flock and screeching the morning song at the new sun.

A little later, while Owl lay sunning herself, the sounds of a fight filled the air. She sighed as she knew Barney would be involved and was proved right when she saw her great-granddaughter braying at a number of retreating budgies. Owl flew over to the youngster who immediately began to calm. ‘She's so young,’ Owl thought as Barney forgot the incident and gave chase to a dragonfly that happened to pass by. Her great-granddaughter found it difficult to concentrate on any one thing for long. It was a failing, Owl knew but also a blessing. It meant that she knew how to adapt quickly which one day may save her life. Barney, at last, remembered her great-grandmother, flew to her side and begged her to tell the 'Beginning Tale.' Owl summoned her most melodic voice.

"A long, long time ago

before trees and animals

there was an eruption that shook the world.

And from this shaking and splitting of the earth

flew a lone bird.

It cast seeds around the earth.

The seeds made life.

Trees grew, fish swam, oceans divided,

mountains formed, humans arrived.

The little bird had done its work

and fell to the ground

and in that place grew a Great Tree.

No-one knows where it is.

But it is the source of all.

So it is said that when you perch on your branch

remember from whence you came.

For one day far into the future the Great Tree will unite all.

In the meantime, young feathered friend, take the time

to think of greater things.

Fly well and far."

Owl watched Barney mouth the words as she spoke them. The young bird was an excellent student and knew all the stories by heart. The older budgie was about to continue when there was a sudden flash on the horizon. Of course, Barney was the first to investigate. As she sped away, she heard Owl calling out to be careful.

Barney flew for a long time and three other budgies joined her as she neared the bright lights, ignoring the significance of many small creatures running in the opposite direction. A road appeared and Barney spied something on the ground snaking and sparking.

Danger! screamed the three budgies but Barney was fascinated by the display and flew closer. The budgies warned her one last time until they shook their heads and turned toward home. Barney landed on the nearest branch. The sparks were beautiful and she was mesmerised. Two vehicles roared toward the brilliance. Barney had experienced many firsts lately but she had never seen humans and was fascinated by their size. They had no feathers and didn’t look at things around them. Barney wondered what it would be like to have two forward-looking eyes. She remembered Owl saying that humans were predators who had caught thousands of budgies a long time ago. They had created the city birds that did not know the history or stories of the Great Tree and the First Bird.

One of the humans ate something before discarding the outer covering that crackled as the wind carried it to the ground. Barney checked for danger before springing onto it. The colours were so impressive that she hopped inside the packet and nibbled. It tasted of salt. A strong gust of wind blew her and the packet some distance and, after many tumbles, finally dumped her onto the freshly blackened road. The tar was so thick and gluey that Barney stuck fast to it. Before she had time to think, an enormous heavy roller rumbled toward her and she had no choice but to tear herself cruelly from the hot, black tar.

Barney’s wings had fused to her body. She ran behind a tree and tried to peck at the black tar but only managed to pull feathers out. She felt the ground shake and peered from behind the trunk to see the four-wheeled vehicle and the rolling machine thunder away. She waited until they had completely disappeared and it was quiet. By then, the foul smell that burned her nostrils and stuck to her wings made her realise that she couldn't fly. The helpless budgie bit into the bark of the tree to stop her from howling in anger.

Barney was alone and a long way from the flock. Now that her wings were useless, her legs would have to take her home. She left the safety of the tree and began to make her way through the dense scrub which was full of obstacles and, to make matters worse, her feet burned. The sore dark-blue budgie tried to imagine that she was a dragonfly and that all hazards could be avoided but the growing heat soon forced her to stop and rest. She blinked back hot tears and as the sun moved silently, she fell into a fitful sleep under a shrub. When a light breeze woke her, Barney glanced around.

I'm alright, I'm alright. Yes, I am, she said to herself and continued to repeat this as she strode through the winding bush track. Her wings were sticky and her feet throbbed but once her beak was set, there was no other budgie with more determination.

It was almost sunset. The grassland gave way to flat parched land with little cover, a dangerous time for an unflighted bird. She climbed a sparse shrub and far in the distance spied a glimmer of water. It was the creek bordering her flock's territory. Even though her legs ached, she hurried with a racing heart until she heard whoosh. A magpie swooped overhead forcing Barney to adjust her course. The black and white bird overshot the young budgie and its squawking was loud and intimidating. Barney stopped, turned, faced the aggressor and charged. The magpie rose and scooped her up easily but Barney retaliated with a savage bite to the magpie's leg. The budgie was instantly dropped to the ground. The magpie landed nearby and Barney attacked her chest and did not stop until her opponent called out.

Stop or I’ll eat you!

Barney was furious. She stepped back to glare at the enormous bird who was busy inspecting any injuries to her leg. Barney's head feathers were raised and her tail feathers flashed to warn the magpie that she'd fight to the end.

I just wanted to tell you where you can find cover, said the magpie.

You didn’t have to attack me.

I didn’t. You did, said the big bird. Barney looked in the direction that the magpie indicated and sure enough, there were rocks with a small opening, the perfect size for her. Even better, all around were green seeds. Barney looked back to thank the magpie but she had disappeared. The budgie stumbled to the rock enclosure which was still warm even though the night's chill was beginning to settle. After a feast of green seeds, Barney shook her sore body, yawned and slept. She did not dream that night.

***

Just before dawn the magpie perched on the rocks waiting for the errant budgie to wake. It was going to be a clear, bright morning and the big bird soon saw Barney poke her head out of the rocks. They inclined their heads in greeting. Barney fell clumsily outside, trying to use her wings to regain her balance. The magpie introduced herself as Plum.

Now you're calm, tell me what happened.

Barney explained that she had fallen into some sticky black stuff; her wings were useless and was now forced to walk all the way home.

You know you're in magpie territory.

I can’t help that, said Barney. I need to reach that creek. She pointed her beak into the distance. Plum thought for a moment.

It's further than it looks, she said. It’ll probably take you two or three days to get there. Barney groaned as Plum outlined the safest route with shelter and food along the way. The magpie led the lone budgie until mid-morning. As the black and white bird wheeled away, Barney thought how lucky she was to have encountered such a friendly magpie.

Now that she was alone the blackened budgie had to estimate how far she had to go before midday. She could be a sensible budgie and knew that she had to pace herself by taking regular breaks. As the day wore on she found her rhythm and by dusk was tired but not exhausted. The budgie found the spot for sleeping exactly where Plum had said it would be but as there was little seed or grass, she found an old tree limb that was safe to settle in. Tiredness was stronger than hunger and she took little time to fall asleep.

The next morning Barney rose and tried hard to stretch her wings but they were stuck faster than ever. She jumped out of the tree limb to nibble the struggling brown grass. A little later, she continued her homeward trek.

She trudged for hours in the greenless expanse before a gust of wind blew over her tarred feathers. A storm was on its way. Barney guessed that it would probably break that afternoon. She checked the area for shelter but there was little. She continued to trot but by mid-afternoon Barney was growing more anxious. There was a rumbling in the distance and the clouds grew darker and closer to the ground. How she wished she could fly! She wondered if she should risk running out in the open. There was a large cracking sound and a few seconds later, lightning lit the sky. Barney loved thunderstorms but had never been caught in one. Fat rain drops splattered onto her back. Puddles formed on the ground which cooled her swollen feet but she knew that the wind would soon start and she'd be in danger of tumbling over or even getting seriously hurt. Barney noticed a rock and ran to the protected side which provided some relief from the wind but it couldn’t stop the rain from pelting her body.

For a long time, the rain poured, drenching the hapless budgie who had to continuously shake water from her head and body. By sunset the rain and wind had finally relented and Barney, soaked to the core, clambered onto the rock to watch the electrical storm flash in the distance. The air was fresh and wild. She wished she could feel it against her skin but her fused sodden feathers made that impossible. As the sun faded Barney jumped down to lean against the highest point of the rock. It was uncomfortable and she was still wet but she managed to get some sleep.

***

Plum woke the next morning, hoping that Barney had survived the night. As she prepared to leave, the magpie told her family that she wanted to explore the edge of their territory and would return the next day. Plum’s family was used to her wanderings and her father was secretly pleased by her patrols. He gruffly called to his favourite offspring.

Chase some budgies, will you? It keeps them on their toes.

***

The sun was warm on Barney's back as she woke. She stretched her legs and began to groom until she tasted tar. It was foul. She frantically searched for something to take away the taste but there was nothing. Barney began to pluck crazily at the blackness but the more she tried, the more it stuck. The little budgie screeched in frustration and Plum could hear her from high in the sky. She arrived to see Barney breathing hard and stomping even harder. If Barney had been a human, Plum thought, she would have a puffy red face. But the budgie perked up when she saw what the magpie held in her claws. Greens! Barney was really hungry and her beak opened wide. Plum landed awkwardly, tossed the greens and watched the budgie feast. The magpie chuckled to herself but then, at the corner of her eye, spied a grub under a rock. Like lightning, she pounced, gave a few shakes of her head and gobbled up the juicy morsel. At the same time Barney was just finishing her last delicious beakful.

Barney's eyes shone as she beckoned Plum to lean downward to whisper into her ear. Plum did so but was astonished when the budgie climbed onto her huge wing and positioned herself on Plum’s powerful shoulders. Although the magpie walked carefully, the budgie swung from side to side until she found her balance.

Are you sure? asked Plum. Barney tightened her