Page 1 of 8
Part 1
Nico filled the window feeder after breakfast. By lunchtime it was empty, although he had not seen a single bird visit.
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Nico and the Mystery of the Empty Bird Feeder
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Nico and the Mystery of the Empty Bird Feeder
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Page 1
Part 1
Nico filled the window feeder after breakfast. By lunchtime it was empty, although he had not seen a single bird visit.
Page 2
Part 2
He checked the ground for spilled seed. Only neat sunflower shells lay on the railing, with no pile beneath the feeder.
Page 3
Part 3
Nico first blamed the wind, but a paper streamer beside the feeder barely moved. Wind would also have scattered seeds onto the ground.
Page 4
Part 4
He placed three seed types in separate sections and moved his chair farther from the window. Then he waited quietly behind the curtain.
Page 5
Part 5
A flock of small chickadees arrived within minutes. They carried sunflower seeds to the railing, opened them quickly, and returned for more.
Page 6
Part 6
The birds ignored most millet but emptied the sunflower section. Nico recorded the time and counted six short visits before lunch.
Page 7
Part 7
He refilled a smaller amount and watched from a distance. The same pattern repeated, proving the feeder was busy when he stood too close.
Page 8
Part 8
Nico learned that not seeing an event does not mean it never happened. Traces, timing, and quiet observation revealed the hungry visitors.
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Try the story activityNico and the Mystery of the Empty Bird Feeder
Share a rhyme inspired by the story. Read the words together, tap a gentle beat, or make up your own tune.
Open the rhyme
Intro
Morning feeder filled with seed.
Lunch came by—where did it leave?
Verse 1
Sunflower shells lined up neat.
No spilled pile lay by our feet.
Paper streamer barely swayed.
Wind had not blown seed away.
Chorus
Wait in quiet, watch from far.
Traces tell us where things are.
Time each visit, count each round.
Things can happen without sound.
Verse 2
Small chickadees flew to the tray,
Carried sunflower seeds away.
Six quick visits before noon,
While close watchers left too soon.
Final Chorus
Try once more from farther back.
See the same small feeding track.
Not seeing something does not show
That it never came or goes.
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