The European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) has featured a number of times here in FM and I happened to comment on Nello Milanese's post - https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/611342/0#5392073 - that he has the distinct disadvantage of photographing it in mainland Europe where it is a very shy bird. I mentioned that here in the UK it's anything but, and will happily share your sandwich or follow you around while you are gardening.
Yesterday, while walking a cold woodland trail, snacking on cereal bars, I noticed that we were being followed, very closely, by half-a-dozen interested birds. Both of us ended up with dining companions!
Wooooow Fizzog!! god dam' it now i'm mad! LoooL I just can't believe my eyes! As soon as the photo opened I was like wtf this ain't right So here I am wakin' up at 6 a.m. all dressed up sporty & green, tryin' my best to get to 12 feet which is their max. safe distance b4 they take-off....and you have them eatin' out of your hand!!! that's it...i'm givin' up...not fair Buddy I might drop by your house one day hahaha
It is hard to believe that the mainland birds and the british 1's have developed such a different behavior! it's like they're 2 distinctive species! goes to show that Darwin was right w his theory on different evolution paths for island birds.
Now would you capture 1 and send it to me so it can breed here in Italy so that I won't have a such a hard time getting a decent shot ?
Hi Bill, it's said that in its natural habitat the Robin followed wild boar in the forests as they rooted about for food, disturbing the soil and exposing worms, grubs and the like. Here in the UK, and unlike on the continent, these animals were hunted to extinction hundreds of years ago forcing our Robins to adapt. They are quite pugnacious and will see off rivals and other small birds from what they see as their patch.
Now just about every area of gardens has it own resident Robin and it's quite common to find a pair nesting in your garden shed should you forget to close the windows!