DAY FOUR

This little Robin takes his life in his hands to come searching for food in our garden everyday. The fact that our 3 cats hunt him doesn't deter him, and he usually leaves with a tasty morsel or two. In the 7 years we've lived here we only ever see the one, no partner, no babies....... 

Robins are one of the only UK birds to be heard singing in the garden on Christmas day. This is because they hold their territories all year round, defending against intruders with song. Males often hold the same territory throughout their lives, and they will even attack a bundle of red feathers or their own reflection, mistaking it for another individual. Their melodious voices, along with their cocky little attitudes, have endeared robin red breasts to the British public, and in 1960 they were crowned the UK's national bird.

Art thou the bird whom Man loves best,

  The pious bird with the scarlet breast,

    Our little English Robin;
      The bird that comes about our doors
        When autumn winds are sobbing? - William Wordsworth.