The booktells the first year of a wood thrush's life starting from it hatching in a forest that is in Maryland. Two children see the bird when it is young and calls it Flute. The children wait for Flute to return from migration and watch him and his mate build a nest and raise their young. In Flute's travels, he encounters many dangers. The eggs and nestlings are at more of a risk.
Reception
A review in the bookGotcha: Nonfiction Book talks to Get Kids Excited about Readingsays, "Whether or not you know much about songbirds and the dangers they face, this book is great reading, and it includes ideas for things that kids can do to help them. The illustration of Flute's mother feeding her babies a worm is a good one to show." Books use the book for activitiesfor kids to do. The book focused national media attention on conservation efforts to save the Belt Woods in Maryland.