Hugh’s News – 10 May 2020

I hope you will indulge me in this latest Hugh’s News, as it is very much about me! And some birds, of course.

I am sure that everyone lucky enough to have a garden has spent a significant amount of time in them during lockdown, gardening and enjoying the sunshine.  I have certainly spent more time out the back than I would normally.

As soon as I started digging the beds, a pair of Robins started following me looking for insects.  From feeding them through the winter and spring I know they were nesting in next door’s garden and were feeding chicks.  As the days passed, they became more bold in my presence, getting ever closer to me.  So I thought I would try tempting them with a little raw minced beef, on top of the usual daily supply of sunflower hearts and rolled oats.

They were soon coming to feed even when I was still close to the feeding area, allowing me to get some nice photos.  One of the Robins appears to have ruffled feathers on the belly which I think is the brood patch on the female.  The other bird which I assume is the male is more pristine still.  I have just briefly seen a young Robin on the fence, so at least one youngster has successfully fledged.

Soon a pair of Blackbirds cottoned on to what was happening and started muscling in on the beef!  They nearly always took all the meat away in their bills in one visit, leaving the Robins looking rather forlorn!

I now need to buy more mince on my next weekly shop, but I think it is a price worth paying for the enjoyment of these intimate encounters with my garden birds.

Hugh Stewart