The European Robin (Erithacus
rubecula), known simply as the Robin or Robin Redbreast in the
British Isles, is a small insectivorous passerine bird,
specifically a chat, that was formerly classified as a member
of the thrush family (Turdidae) but is now considered to be an
Old World flycatcher.
Well known
to British and Irish gardeners, it is relatively unafraid of
people and drawn to human activities involving the digging of
soil, in order to look out for earthworms and other food
freshly turned up. Indeed, the robin is considered to be a
gardener's friend and for various folklore reasons the robin
would never be harmed.
The Robin
in this picture was photographed in a tree close to the edge
of Petersfield Pond in Hampshire - it was seemingly following
us around (probably hoping to be fed some seed or mealworms,
and was happy to keep posing for photographs.
Petersfield (Heath) Pond is situated a short walk from
Petersfield Town Centre and is a popular local walking
destination, frequented by young mothers, the elderly and
photographers. At all times of year there is an abundance of a
variety of waterfowl, including Mallard Ducks, Canada Geese,
Egyptian Geese, Mute Swans and Crested Grebes - most of which
are tolerant of people, as locals regularly take along bread
or seed to feed the birds. |
