Today is Feed the Birds day, organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Over the last week I have noticed garden birds I haven't seen for months, like the Robin. Where do Robins go in the Summer? I think I have seen three of them, but only two at the same time so they may be cheating. Robins look so friendly and wouldn't-say-boo-to-a-goose, but in fact they are very territorial, and you almost never see two at the same time unless they are husband and wife or having a fight - or both, I suppose!
I like the RSPB, but I am rather partial to the British Trust for Ornithology.
This is the RSPB page for the Robin.
The BTO page brings out my inner geek. I love being able to find out that the average lifespan is just two years, but that the oldest one recorded is 8 years and 4 months... and clearly they like Spain as a retirement destination because the oldest one there was 11 years and 5 months. (I know they don't migrate but it's a nice idea.)
They are called Roodborst in the Netherlands and Glóbrystingur in Iceland.
And astonishingly, at just 18g, you get 3 Robins per skein of Clan and five Robins for a skein of Toddy.
I told you I was a geek.
I'm off to scrub off the bird table.
n