Little bird making fresh journey back across river (4)

I believe the answer is:

wren

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'little bird' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'fresh journey back across river' is the wordplay.
'fresh journey back' becomes 'wen' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'across' is an insertion indicator.
'river' becomes 'r' (abbreviation for river).
'wen' enclosing 'r' is 'WREN'.

'making' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wren that I've seen before include "Man of note" , "Member of the former Women's Royal Naval Service" , "serving girl" , "Tiny bird" , "English church architect, d. 1723" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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