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Watching the Robins in my garden is turning into something of a blood sport. Ever since moving in I have had some wonderful contacts and sights with these beautiful birds. Once I even had one eating out of the palm of my hand (it was fond of shortbread but then so am I!) One year we had one poor little chap with a bald head, who survived all winter like that. How does something like this,
Become this!
I know all about their need to fight and compete, and it is well known just how bad they can be to each other! Why they or for that matter we can’t seem to learn there is another way, plenty to go around! It is something I will never understand.
So far of the three, yes three, involved all are alive. Some doing better than others.
Both shots taken five min's after the fighting stopped!
I will try to keep up to date with them.
John
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
I’ve only just discovered this thread, what wonderful shots, congratulations.
We have three resident Robins and a part from a little chasing every now and again they all seem to co-habit. However, last summer I noticed what I thought was a single bird flapping about on the grass, I managed to get a few feet from it and found it was actually a Robin who had a Blue Tit pinned to the ground. The Robin either didn’t see me or wasn’t frightened and was subjecting the Blue tit to the most horrific attack, it still makes me shiver when I think how vicious it was being, the Blue Tits breast was covered in blood. If I hadn’t have intervened I’m sure the Robin would have killed the Blue Tit. It does make you look at these little “friends” in a different light.
Build it and they will come.
My goodness WF! It certainly does make me look at robins in a new light as I thought they only fought one another! Poor blue tit! Lucky you went out there and broke it up!
John - so pleased your little robin is still about! Hope that he makes a full recovery!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Unknown said: I’ve only just discovered this thread, what wonderful shots, congratulations. We have three resident Robins and a part from a little chasing every now and again they all seem to co-habit. However, last summer I noticed what I thought was a single bird flapping about on the grass, I managed to get a few feet from it and found it was actually a Robin who had a Blue Tit pinned to the ground. The Robin either didn’t see me or wasn’t frightened and was subjecting the Blue tit to the most horrific attack, it still makes me shiver when I think how vicious it was being, the Blue Tits breast was covered in blood. If I hadn’t have intervened I’m sure the Robin would have killed the Blue Tit. It does make you look at these little “friends” in a different light.
I have never come across this before! That would not look good on a christmas card!! I will be keeping a close eye on them from now on.
Unknown said: I have never come across this before!
I have never come across this before!
I had read that seemingly photogenic friendly robin is actually a born killer or words to that effect. It does seem hard to believe, but we now have real proof of just how far a robin will go to defend his territory, thanks to the great members on here. Thankfully, I have not witnessed any such behaviour from my resident robins. I hope they have learned to live in harmony with each other.
Again, for a few days now, the Robin with the injured leg has not been around. Because this happened before and he/she returned, for a day, to more fighting! I think it may on longer have a territory to defend and just roams the gardens in the local area. As challenges go on all the time there must be a group of birds, without, to make these challenges. ?? Anyway I read how Robins will even attack a model of another, to defend territory. So
Clearly my model was a joke! as the resident bird came, looked once or twice, but saw no threat!
Probably had a good laugh, as you may be doing now! Oops :-)
Nice try John - the colours are a bit lary, though!
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!
Yeh. Xmas tree decoration! Looks more like a Red-breasted Flycatchers - scary uncle!
Sorry John, I don't know how to put this but keep to the photography. Poor resident robin must be thinking what planet that other bird came from. I am still worried about injured robin and sorry you haven't seen it.
I know this is the wrong thread but what is your tree sparrow count now ?
Hi John
That is interesting what you have said about the Robin attacking the blue tit. Never knew that Robins would go to those lengths to hurt other species of birds. A Blue tit is smaller than a Robin too.
The dummy Robin just shows how Robins are interested in what is going on in their patch.
We have a Blackbird plastic effect for the Garden. Mr Blackie took it upon himself to attack it one day so now I have it indoors. Mr blackbird won of course LOL
Like Brenda has mentioned, how is the Robin with the bad leg doing - is it alright
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Unknown said: Sorry John, I don't know how to put this but keep to the photography. Poor resident robin must be thinking what planet that other bird came from. I am still worried about injured robin and sorry you haven't seen it. I know this is the wrong thread but what is your tree sparrow count now ?