The not so cuddly truth about our favourite Christmas cutie: STEPHEN MOSS reveals all about the remarkable ‘robin redbreast’
On a cold, grey winter’s afternoon, there is a sight that never fails to lift my spirits—the presence of a robin hopping across my lawn, proudly displaying its lovely red breast. It fills me with joy when this delightful creature takes flight, perches on a post, and delivers its melodious song, offering even greater cheer. However, when the ground is covered with snow and ice, the robin becomes the first visitor to our back door, searching for a handout.
Robins have a unique reliance on humans for sustenance during cold spells, as their natural food sources, such as earthworms and other invertebrates, become scarce. As any gardener can attest, robins have established an extraordinary relationship with us, fearlessly perching on bucket edges or fork handles to snatch up worms that we uncover.
Despite our familiarity with them, most of us know surprisingly little about these busy, resilient birds, known for their fierce fighting spirit and glorious voices. Unfortunately, robins often have tragically short lifespans. Thus, it is crucial for us to understand their lives and appreciate their presence.
According to legend, our fondness for robins and the habit of feeding them in our gardens trace back centuries. In the sixth century, Saint Serf of Fife, renowned for slaying a dragon near Loch Lomond, was reputedly the first person to feed a robin. However, out of jealousy, his friends killed the bird, but it was miraculously brought back to life.
Tales of feeding robins are common, as they have earned a legendary reputation for their tameness. They are among the few wild birds that will boldly accept food from our hands. In the 1920s, former Foreign Secretary Edward Grey even trained a robin to do so, documenting the experience in his best-selling book, “The Charm Of Birds.” More recently, naturalist Hugh Warwick managed to hand-tame a robin within a few days. Over time, the bird grew comfortable enough to enter Warwick’s home and beg for food, raising questions about who truly held the upper hand in their relationship.
The affinity between the British people and robins is undeniable. Two years ago, the robin emerged as the winner in a BBC Springwatch poll to select the UK’s national bird. Ever since my childhood, I have been captivated by these remarkable birds, which is why I have authored a book dedicated to their exploration.
I vividly recall the first time I discovered a robin’s nest concealed within the depths of a honeysuckle in my mother’s garden. Now, living in Somerset, I encounter them everywhere—among reedbeds, along the coast, in the High Street, and, of course, in my own garden.
As I sit in my garden office, writing these words, a robin gazes back at me, tilting its head to the side. It is this audacious confidence and willingness to engage with humans, particularly during harsh times, that has firmly established this endearing bird as a symbol of the festive season.
The association of robins with Christmas extends beyond their appearance in cards and decorations. The early postmen in the United Kingdom wore red uniforms and were consequently nicknamed “robins.” Next time you receive a card through your letterbox, take note of the frequency with which robins grace their designs. The family of birds known as old-world flycatchers and chats comprises over 300 different species, including the redstart and the nightingale.
Similar to their cousin, the nightingale, robins often sing at night, especially in urban areas where street lamps create an illusion of imminent sunrise. Once one robin starts its melodic tune, others follow suit, resulting in a chorus of robin songs that resonate through the streets. These harmonious melodies serve
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