Two small shapes are walking down the winding bush path early in the morning. They are excited about finding a friendly bird they can talk to. They come out of the bush and onto the beach. It is Harriet and Mickey!

The tide is very low, so there is a lot of sand and not a lot of water.

"Look Mickey, there are a lot of different birds here this morning. Which one will we go and speak to?" asked Harriet.

"See that one over there near Charlie's Creek, the white one with the yellow head, it looks friendly," said Mickey.

"Alright," said Harriet. "I'll go first and do the talking."

"Hello, I am Harriet and this is my friend Mickey. What sort of bird are you and do you have a name?"

"Hello Harriet, hello Mickey. Of course I have a name. I am Peggy and I am a plover."

"Wow, you do talk!" said Harriet.

"Of course I do," said Peggy. "I saw you come down here yesterday. Do you like the beach?"

"Oh yes!" said Harriet and Mickey together.

"We were hoping there would be someone who would tell us about the beach and the birds and animals on it," added Mickey.

"I'm just the bird to tell you all about it," said Peggy. "I've been living here for years. I've seen birds come and go. And there are lots of different animals that visit here too. See over there, you can see the Jabiru. Her name is Joanna."

"Gee, she sure is tall," said Harriet.

"Yes she is," said Peggy. "She is the tallest bird that visits this beach. She comes here only in summer. We can't get very close to her because she likes to be alone."

"Tell us about some of the other animals that visit the beach Peggy," asked Mickey.

"Ok," said Peggy. "Well, there are lots of different sorts of crabs, and if we are lucky we may see a turtle one day. And early in the mornings, kangaroos hop down the beach."

"We'll have to come down here earlier so we can see the kangaroos. I've never seen one," said Harriet.

"I haven't either," said Mickey.

Harriet saw a crab and walked over to get a better look.

"Peggy, what sort of crab is this?" asked Harriet.

"Be careful Harriet, he's a soldier crab and he'll pinch your nose," said Peggy.

"Yow, he just did!" cried Harriet.

"Ha, ha, ha," laughed Mickey and Peggy.

"Harriet, we are being called home now, we had better go. See you again tomorrow, Peggy," said Mickey.

"Ok I'm coming," said Harriet, rubbing her nose. "I need to put my poor nose in some cool water. I'm really glad to have met you Peggy, and will you show us something more tomorrow?"

"Of course I will. Maybe we'll see Trevor. He's a turtle. Bye Harriet, bye Mickey, come early tomorrow."

"Ok, bye Peggy," said Harriet and Mickey as they ran up the winding bush path to their house, where Mickey could have his breakfast and Harriet could soothe her nose in some water.