One spring day a robin flew to his friend's newly-built nest, where a small crowd was gathered. "This is a warm and sturdy nest," a warbler said.

"Yes, it is quite practical," a swallow said.

As his friend smiled, absorbing the kindness of her neighbors, the robin said, "Why, this nest is adequate in its own right, but where is the flair, the ornament?"

With that, the robin flew off, and, day after day, he worked methodically until he built a fancy nest, complete with crisscrossing branches, blue grass for carpet, rose petals for color, and a tiny log that was used as a flagpole. The robin delivered tulip-scented invitations to her neighbors, inviting them to a nest-warming party.

But before the glorious day arrived, a couple hiking through the woods spotted the ornate nest. "Why, look at that!" the lady said, pointing toward the robin's home. "I have never seen such an elaborate bird's nest."

Then, as the robin looked on in horror, the lady climbed the tree, retrieved the nest, and took it home to decorate her porch.

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