Dorset Wildlife Trust The secret world of the robin
The much-loved robin is one of the UK’s favourite garden visitors. Adorning Christmas cards at this time of year, the robin is a truly iconic species, often associated with winter.
Perhaps the best thing about the robin is that it’s easily identified; brown with a white belly and the famous red breast make it unmistakable, even for the wildlife novice. Often seen using gardens and local green spaces, they make their presence known with a loud, territorial song that they sing all year round, so they’re hard to miss.
Whilst they can be found in the most unusual places, such as plant pots, old wellies and shelves; shrubs and particularly ivy (another festive favourite!) are their favoured place for nesting. They are fiercely territorial birds, during the breeding season (April to June) the female is allowed into the male’s territory where she sets up a nest of dead leaves, moss and hair.
Like any other garden visitor, robins need a helping hand during the winter as they can be adversely affected by cold snaps. Robins are small, and smaller birds can often suffer the most in colder conditions. Often if a robin visits your garden just once, they are known to return time and time again. Finding food is a constant occupation for them, and whilst ivy provides rich delicious berries, robins will appreciate any offerings you have for them in your garden as the winter draws in. They are ground feeders, so try to provide food for them on a table as they will struggle to use hanging feeders.
By encouraging robins (or other birds) into your garden, you will be rewarded with a display of red plumage and beautiful bird song. It’s no surprise that the robin has been voted the UK’s first national bird.
58 Robin © S Davis
DORSET WILDLIFE TRUST
Robin © Alexander Mustard 2020 VISION
Did you know that Dorset Wildlife Trust is a membership organisation?
This month, Dorset Wildlife Trust is offering half price membership for new supporters from 2-31 January, so if you’d like to start the year by helping wildlife where you live, this is the perfect opportunity. Prices start from just £1.75 per month!
Visit
www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk to find out more and support wildlife and wild places in 2020.
Sally Welbourn Dorset Wildlife Trust
Robin Facts:
- In winter robins puff up their plumage to insulate their bodies against the cold.
- Images of robins were used on Christmas cards as Victorian postmen were nicknamed ‘robin redbreast’ whilst delivering cards, because of the red suits they wore!
- To further help with identification, the males and females look identical; young robins are mottled gold and brown with no red breast.
- You might see a robin nearby if you’re digging in the garden – they are searching for newly disturbed worms.
To advertise, please contact 01202 657317 or email
info@broadstonelink.co.uk
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