I am reading a book called Redbreast by the Norwegian writer Jo Nesbo.
The book is set in a Norwegian Winter and one of the characters says:... look there is a Robin. They are quite rare this time of year about 90% of Robin's migrate at this time. If they stay they risk freezing to death but if the gamble pays off they get the best nesting spots.
We don't think of the Robin migrating in the UK as we see them the all year and lets be honest they aren't secretive.
I like Robins and only just because they are so nice those of us with a camera!
Another thing about the Robin is it is the only (or at least one of a very few) songster that sings all year - there is one that sings outside my bedroom window.!
The Robin is also known as Robin Redbreast curiously it was known just as Redbreast and the Robin was a later nickname which is now the species name.
Legend has it that when Jesus was dying on the cross the Robin, then simply brown in colour, flew to his side and sang into his ear in order to comfort him in his pain. The blood from his wounds stained the Robin's breast, and thereafter all Robins got the mark of Christ's blood upon them.
2 comments:
Nice post Pete! I agree the Robin is very sympathetic to those of us with cameras.
I had never heard of Jo Nesbo until recently when I heard a caller to a radio station enthusing about his novel The Snowman. Have you read it and if so what did you think of it? Not sure whether to add it to my ever growing mountain of 'still to read' books. The rate it is going the mountain will turn into a volcano soon and erupt ;)
Redbreast is my first encounter. Not sure what I think of him yet, not entirely convinced!!
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