Last year in early summer, I was walking up the hill to my house when I saw two birds, each about 60 centimetres tall, standing on the path. They didn't seem to 1 me until I was right in front of them and then they at once moved quickly into the bushes.
I was quite excited by the idea of two birds making a nest (巢) in my front yard, although I didn't really expect them to 2 wild birds don't usually nest so close.
A few weeks later, the birds 3 again. I found them crouching beside a tree off to the side of the path. As I moved nearer to them, I 4 that they would run away like they did last time. But instead they stuck out their heads and made a threatening (威胁的) croaking (呱呱叫) sound. It seemed to warn me not to go any 5 .
I didn't know why they were croaking at me until a short time later I made an amazing 6 : they had two small baby birds.
As I moved quietly towards the birds, 7 not to make any sudden movements, they started their croaking again. They straightened their necks forward so they seemed 8 and more threatening. The mother carefully crouched down over the chicks, and 9 her babies well in her feathers.
I was watching them with 10 when I suddenly tripped and fell to the ground. The birds took this as a threat and the father raced towards me, 11 his wings to protect the mother and the chicks while making himself appear larger.
I was 12 to have surprised them and left quickly. I was amazed by their fearless actions. Their parental natural ability kicked in and made them so courageous. It is hard not to respect nature.
