Page 10 - Oundle Life December 2022

DID YOU KNOW?
• Robins have been known to nest in some weird and wonderful places, from post boxes to unused barbeques!
• Robins are so territorial they have even been seen attacking stuffed robins – the red breast triggering territorial behaviour!
• The reason robins are used so frequently on Christmas cards is because during the Victoria era, when the tradition of sending Christmas cards began, postmen
wore red jackets, earning them the nickname ‘robins’.
territorial, singing to defend their territory all year round. Their red breast is actually used as a territory defender.
Signs and spotting tips
It’s not hard to spot this fiery little bird
– chances are you won’t have to go far
to see one. Simply step out into your
garden and you might spot a friendly
robin; these birds are usually very tame. Or enjoy a walk around your local wood and you could see one perched on a branch, perhaps even singing their silvery song.
Threats and conservation
Robins are widespread, and their population is
thought to be stable. They are threatened by harsh winters, however, losing up to 10% of their body weight during just one freezing winter night. You can help robins build up their fat reserves during the winter by putting bird
food, such as mealworms, on your garden bird table – they are a favourite for robins.
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This article is published with kind permission of the Woodland Trust. Discover more at: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk