Stewart McDonald
Robins have been associated with Christmas ever since Victorian times; Victorian postmen, who were known as 'Robin Red-Breasts' because of their red waistcoats, are thought to be the inspiration for so many robins appearing on our Christmas cards.
Whether this is the case or not, robins certainly make themselves known in winter with their loud, aggressive song!
Robins sing from prominent perches right through the winter, when both males and females hold territories; indeed, they are fiercely territorial, driving off intruders and even fighting, sometimes to the death...
During the breeding season, the female is allowed into the male's territory where she sets up a nest of dead leaves, moss and hair. Robins are famous for nesting in some very odd places including plant pots, old wellies and on shelves, but ivy and other shrubs are their natural choice.
In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times, the robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK. In 2015, however, the robin was officially voted Britain's national bird in a poll organised by famed 'urban birder', David Lindo. Our little robin red breast took 34% of the final vote, with the barn owl coming in at second place (12%) and the blackbird reaching third place (11%).
Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Robins and other garden birds need a little helping hand during winter, when their natural foods are harder to find. Our friends at Vine House Farm have a great selection of high-quality, high-energy food that's perfect for the winter months, and will give 4% of all sales back to us, so you are helping local wildlife in more way than one!
