Reading Tony Putman's "Bob The Robin" (below) brought back a couple of encounters we had ourselves with these brilliant little birds, so a quick share....
We were out exploring the ancient Burial Ground of Fanlobbus in West Cork, and looking for some pix along the way while the Spring bulbs were still at their best. Hard not to get some great shots when it's like this. As we were coming in through the gate, a robin flew over like a welcoming committee and all but sat on Jess's foot, looked up at her as if - "Who are YOU then? D'ya think I'm cute? Do you have any treats?" - but just as I fumbled the video into action, was gone again, like a well-rehearsed game.
He (you can tell male from female by the colouring) flitted off somewhere, but twittered back and landed on a tombstone, and this time sat there patiently waiting for me to get organised and get the camera going - and they're not all that well known for staying still for more than 3 seconds - looked at me like - "Well who's a pretty boy then?", and did a small dance for best effect. They've got to be the cheekiest critters in all Ireland.
About a week later we were doing a major walk in Killarney National Park, and stopped for morning tea at a rest spot looking out over the lake. No sooner sat down and had the yeast buns out and this chap flew in and took up residence right in front of us, on the table, cocked one eye and clearly asked - "What's for morning tea then?" All but sat in our laps.
Seriously chuffed, we both pulled a bit from our buns and put them in front of him. He took one look at my bit and turned up his nose and hopped over the Jess's and got stuck in. And no coaxing in the world would get him to take mine. Then it dawned on us, hers had butter on it and mine didn't. Clearly this bird is a yeast bun connoisseur and is so well fed by long distance walkers that he can afford to be choosy.
Okay, not David Attenborough, but still a great little interlude with Nature. (Click on any one photo and the three of them come up in full).
Cheers.....
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