LESSON 33

UNIT 17 A cuckoo in the nest LESSON 33 Paul’s father, Ken Bruce is an engincer. He's also an enthusiastic birdwatcher. Last spring, two little birds appeared in his garden. Ken installed a webcam, and invited his neighbours to log on. Everyone watched enthusiastically. Soon, there was a little nest. Then, another bird arrived. It was a cuckoo. The cuckoo watched patiently. Threc little eggs appeared in the nest. The cuckoo waited. Suddenly, she had her chance. The mother wasn't thcre. The cuckoo darted to the nest. In two seconds, there was a fourth egg beside the other three.

After twelve days, the young cuckoo hatched. The little birds hurried to get food for the baby cuckoo. Ken's neighbours watched excitedly. The baby cuckoo picked up the other eggs easily with its back, and pushed them out of the nest. The birds returned and pushed food into its mouth. After twenty days, the cuckoo was enormous! On 6th May, it opened its wings. In a moment, the nest was empty. 'The show was over. Ken's neighbours are all enthusiastic birdwatchers now, of course!