Old Robin Redbreast, the gardeners pugnacious little friend hopping around us as we weed the garden is Britains favourite garden bird. A poll in 2015 revealed the Robin as our most loved bird, and it’s easy to see why, they are ever present and unafraid of us. Now some naysayers complained that they aren’t as cuddly as we think due to their territorial aggression – but that’s what makes them so much fun, they’re tough sods who won’t take any shit. They’re great singers too and like to pose a bit when they do it, you’ll hear a wren but he’ll be hard to spot, whereas the Robin acts like they’re centre stage all the time.
Unusually for the avian world both the male and female have the bold red breast, the female Robin is no shrinking violet in muted colours. It’s undoubtedly that vivid colouring that has cemented them in our hearts and culture. Through the winter they are a splash of colour, since Christmas cards were invented the Robin has been a familiar subject, the red of the robins breast, the berries on the holly and Santa’s ridiculous suit are greeting card staples.
A Guardian Spirit
Folklore has it that the Robin is a connection to the afterlife, that they accompany or represent spirits watching over us ‘When a robin appears, a loved one is near’. No doubt it is the way that they look at us that gives this impression, they seem more conscious of us than other birds, more aware somehow. They are also a symbol of renewal in the darkest depths of Winter, a splash of colour in a monochrome world that promises better times to come.
They raise up to six young, which keeps the parents busy hunting for grubs and insects. With over 6 million breeding pairs in the UK they are definitely getting something right.
Cover pic: Adobe Stock – Other images: Iain Hazlewood
