Robin

[John 2]

It's only a common or garden bird but apparently the UK's favourite.

[Urbanflyer]

Sweet photo! I remember a story from Roger Tory Peterson about a British birder coming to the U.S. and really really wanting to see a Robin! Yet we in the U.S. hardly notice them. The common birds in one country can be fascinating to folks from other countries. Thanks for sharing!

[ucci]

Good capture, good balance. Tells a nice story. He definitely has his eye on something that may be good to eat.

[FootLoose]

"A robin red breast in a cage
Puts all heaven in a rage" (Blake)

I can see the breast isn't red but I'm aware that there is a significant difference in colouring between male and female, and mature and immature birds, so I am just wondering.

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[NorthernFocus]

Nice shot. I wonder how our version came to be called a robin as it is a completely different bird aside from a red breast. I guess that was enough similarity for someone.

Edit: Apparently early English settlers named the American version due to the similar red breast. The story can be found here

[John 2]

Thanks all for commenting.

Greg, interestingly there seems to be no difference between male and female UK Robins but juvenile robins tend to be more brown until they mature.


Interesting Dan. I thought that your version was just a genetic variation. There are also Blue Robins I believe although I have never seen one.

[NorthernFocus]

...Interesting Dan. I thought that your version was just a genetic variation..

The ones over hear are actually a thrush. As a matter of fact the largest of the thrushes according to Cornell.

[wilgk]

Now that is just lovely!

[John 2]

Thank you Kay. Glad you liked it.

Dan, there are several species of Thrush in the UK but sadly according to the RSPB, all but the Black Bird are endangered. We used to have a small population around here but I haven't seen one for a number of years. The Song Thrush is a great mimic. We used have one that visited the garden and could imitate a telephone ringing (a Trimphone for those of you that remember it). Could be quite confusing.