December 2017

Buckden Roundabout

December 2017

December at Paxton Pits

Great Tits, Sparrows, Finches and

more. The birds feasted whilst I

hugged a warm drink and chatted to

the volunteers, at the Paxton Pits Visi-

tors Centre, about the differences

between Dunnocks and Sparrows. Just

then a large Sparrowhawk flew over

and the birds scattered for cover. The

first bird to reappear was, the brave

Robin.

But what do we know about Britain’s favourite bird?

Both male and female Robins share this striking red breast but they

do not earn this adornment until the young Robin chicks reach ma-

turity.

The Robin is not only popular with us but popular in numbers. There’s

an estimated 5 million pairs in the UK, but of these 75% of all Robins

will not live to breed in their second year. This is due to harsh winters,

scarce food and predation. Of the small percentage of Robins that do

migrate to warmer areas of Europe, thousands of these are trapped

for the cage bird trade and for food.

Our red breasted Robin is the epitome of Christmas. This striking bird adorns our Christmas cards, visits our gardens and has

influenced songs, myths and nursery rhymes over the centuries.

Can you separate fact from fiction?

Robins are linked with Christmas cards because early Victorian postmen had a red uniform – hence the term “Robin” or

“Redbreast” postmen.

The Robin got its red breast whilst trying to remove a thorn from Jesus’s forehead whilst on the Cross.

The Ancient Greeks tell us that the Robin changes into a Redstart in the summer. This is called transmutation.

The Robin is Thor’s bird: If a Viking kills a Robin or destroys its nest – his house will be destroyed by fire and his cow’s milk

turned to blood!

Why not add your own Robin legends to our Facebook page Paxton Pits Nature Reserve.

Another way to catch a glimpse of more than garden birds such as bright blue Kingfishers

and noisy Wigeon ducks is to follow one of our many nature trails. If you like a little adven-

ture that’s easy under foot or tyre, try the Heron Trail to the Kingfisher hide (pictured). The

hide is in between the Heronry North and South lakes. The hide refurbishment was complet-

ed by volunteers from Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve with Ranger Matt Hall (HDC)

leading the troops.

To enjoy the Robin and other birds, call into Paxton Pits Nature

Reserve. For further information please visit

www.paxton-

pits.org.uk

By Louisa Nevard & Trevor Gunton

Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is a charity registered in England and Wales, No.112522 and is

funded entirely by its membership and fundraising activities.

Answers: 1 True, 2-4 False but from legends.

Principal reference – Robins by Chris Mead (1984, out of print)

Paxton Pits