Bird in the manger

I have read here and there over the years about robins not being the cute, cuddly little birdies that we all like to think and that their presence on our Christmas cards are not really compatible with the season of good will message but yesterday, I witnessed it first hand.
















Having put out food for the birds and duly chased away the magpies, I waited for the smaller birds to arrive, which they did, except that this little fellow got there first and was determined to chase off all the other birds. Great tits, blue tits, dunnocks, house sparrows and even a blackbird were all sent packing with their tails between their legs.

















When there were no birds in sight, he perched on the bench and waited for the next onslaught. It wasn't even as if he needed all the food. There was plenty there and he didn't seem particularly hungry, just determined to keep all the other bird away.
I am wondering if he was in the pay of the squirrels.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's defending it's territory, rather than just keeping the others away from the food, and over which it will fight other robins to the death! Flighty xx

Jennytc said...

I knew they defended their territory against other robins, Flighty but not against other species. He's doing a good job of it, anyway. :)

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Jenny
Why do you think my brother at Floc is called Robin?
YP

Jennytc said...

Because he looks cuddly and Christmassy?

Yorkshire Pudding said...

No! Because he's got a red breast. The other one's flesh coloured.

Jennytc said...

Nah! Cute and cuddly - and he's got a beard - reminiscent of Santa, maybe?

Plaster board and dust

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