Gwent Levels - Neil Aldridge
With the British weather changing from sub-zero temperatures one day to double digits the next, it is little wonder that we – and our wildlife comrades – might be observing our calendars and internal body clocks with some confusion.
Whether the view beyond your window depicts blue skies and sunshine or misty rooftops covered in frost, a burst of colour from a robin is a welcome sight – and one we are blessed with seeing all year round.
Robins are one of the UK’s favourite birds, immediately recognisable for their bright red breast. Young robins do not have the coloured breast and are brown and speckled.
Most robins have a very friendly nature and are not camera-shy, which means they are much easier to photograph!
Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
Robins like to eat seeds, fruits, insects and worms. Chances are if you step out into your garden you will see one of these birds eyeing your lawn for some juicy snacks.
Harsh winters can make it difficult for robins to sustain their fat reserves, as they can lose up to ten percent of their body weight during a particularly cold night. You can lend a helping hand to replenishing a robin’s reserves by stocking a bird table with fat, cheese, crumbs and dried fruit. Mealworms are also a firm favourite!
Check out this blog post for making your own fat balls for any feathery visitors to your garden this winter:
Bathing robin - Rob Lay
Robins like to lay low and create cup-shaped nests on or near the ground. Nests are built by the female and consists of grass, dead leaves, moss and hair. Robins have been known to nest in unusual places, such as post boxes, boots and kettles. Their red breasts act as a natural security system to protect their territory.
Nesting boxes are a great way to encourage robins into your garden, provided they have an open front and are placed somewhere high and away from predators.
Breeding tends to commence in March, although this can be as early as January if winter has been mild. A clutch is usually made up of four to six eggs, with chicks hatching around thirteen days later. The chicks are completely reliant on both parents’ and fledge at fourteen days. Often, the male will tend to the fledged young whilst the female prepares for the next nest.
Robins possess grade-A talents when it comes to parenting, and can be known to feed chicks or fledglings of other birds.
Juvenile robin - Sam Hockaday
Robins serenade us (or rather, their mates!) for most of the year, pausing only for a brief period in late summer whilst moulting occurs. They are amongst the morning chorus of Nature’s alarm clock, and will sing from dawn all the way through until late evening. Triggers, such as bright lights, can cause robins to burst into song in the middle of the night.
