Spruce Nymph Looking for Seppi

At first, Fichtenliesl wasn't all that happy about her new housemate. He kept pecking at her bark. The fact that her trunk was being damaged was one thing. But the constant noise. The steady hammering really bothered Fichtenliesl. She was already an old lady and she really valued the peace and quiet in the forest. Until he arrived – he, the woodpecker. „My name is Seppi,“ he said, with a roguish grin. And he was bold. Because he simply stayed – without asking. He listened to the creaking branches and Fichtenliesl's rustling. He felt safe here and built his home – right in the spruce.

Help – a storm

One day, an incredible storm came. The forest animals informed each other and took shelter. Woodpecker Seppi also clung to his spruce, Liesl. In that moment, the old lady realized how much she had grown to love the woodpecker and tried to protect him with her branches. Just as she was about to move a branch, a strong gust of wind came and the spruce swayed. Frightened, Seppi fell into the depths. Luckily, he could fly, but the strong wind whirled him up and carried him away. The woodpecker wanted to flap his wings, but he had no chance. Like a feather, he flew over the treetops. Only after many minutes did the wind subside. Seppi tumbled from branch to branch downwards until he finally landed at the edge of the forest – right in the middle of the cranberry bushes.

A pathetic whimper

The Spruce Lisl immediately noticed that Seppi was no longer there and started crying. Her murmurs could be heard all around. But suddenly there were children's voices. They were drawn to the Spruce Lisl like a magnet and actually stopped in front of her: „Why are you so sad?“ they asked. The tree was surprised that the children had come. „Why are you crying?“ the spruce was now overwhelmed. She thought no one noticed her. She cleared her throat briefly, swallowed, and then said with a mournful voice, „The wind blew my woodpecker Seppi away.“ Oh no. The children sympathized with the spruce and decided to find the woodpecker.

Everyone is looking for Seppi

And so they set off on their search. After only a few minutes, a rabbit appeared, hopping around in front of them. It seemed to want to show them something, so they followed it. It wasn't long before a family of squirrels joined them, and then came birds, even deer and foxes – all with a common goal: to find Seppi. „There, do you hear that?“ asked Anika from Amsterdam, one of the children. The birds were singing excitedly. The animals and children followed the singing and indeed found Seppi amidst the cranberry bushes, near a sawmill. The woodpecker was quite astonished by all the commotion. Because he was doing quite well. He was a little dazed, but he was happily nibbling away – cranberries, beetles, earthworms – he had landed in the land of plenty. Now everyone had to laugh, because Seppi's face was quite blue and purple from his feasting – a real great spotted woodpecker. „Thank goodness – he's alright,“ the children called out joyfully.

A place full of life

At first, Seppi didn't want to leave his cozy spot at all. But when the animals and children told him about the sad Spruce Liesl, his heart warmed, and he flew straight back to his cave. You can surely imagine how happy Liesl was then. And you know what? Since then, the old spruce received regular visitors. The peace and quiet was over for good. But Liesl no longer seemed old at all. Quite the opposite. She even wore a red bow – like a young lady.