The little one stood on the edge and watched his mother go in and splash and scatter the water. He fluttered his wings and was eager to try it for himself, but seemed afraid to plunge in.
At last the mother flew away and left him standing there. In a moment she came back with a worm in her mouth. The young robin was hungry, as young birds always are. When he saw the worm, he began to flutter his wings and cry for it.
But the mother jumped into the middle of the water dish and stood there, holding the worm in his sight. The little bird wanted the worm so much that he seemed to forget his fear and hopped in beside his mother.
She fed him, and then began to splash about. The little fellow stayed in the water and took a good bath.
A careful watcher can see the birds teach many interesting things to their young ones. But one must be quiet and patient, and not frighten the birds.
—Olive Thorne Miller.