Letter: What Is My Vocal Robin Saying?

Published on: 3 Jan, 2017
Updated on: 3 Jan, 2017

Into the water. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

From Harry Eve

Malcolm Fincham has provided another great set of photos in his latest Birdwatcher’s Diary to brighten up these mid-winter days.

I like “Into the water.” It captures a moment of “natural art”. As for the buzzard, could it be trying to disturb insects to feed on?

Playing with the dung-balls.

When I am raking up grass cuttings in the winter I am usually accompanied by a very vocal robin – probably trying to drive me away so that it can feed on any insects uncovered (although, of course, I like to think it is greeting and thanking me).

Any other thoughts on what it might be trying to say to me?

My theory on the buzzard is that he mistook the dung ball for a docile mouse or vole, then, realising his mistake and that Malcolm was watching, decided to pretend he was just having a game. If it wasn’t for the feathers we’d see him blushing. Ed.