LOSS OF HABITAT

Isuppose every creature as domestic pet or wildlife wayfarer, has their endearing feature and we all have our special favourites. The colourful, bobbing robin is one of the traditional symbols of Christmas and don't we all love getting those lovely seasonal greeting cards with the stately robin perched smugly on the snow-covered branch, looking happy and unaffected by the icy cold in that warm multi-coloured coat of feathers.

There is something special about the robin, perhaps it is the warm radiance of its red breast that endears this little feathered fly-away to us or is there a bonding friendliness about her, as distinct from other birds? I often wonder and fret a little to think that the redbreast species are not as plentiful as in days gone by, when they perched on the old window-sill and winced through the rainy panes in expectation of the regular scatter of crumbs. It is nice to hear from time to time how tame some of these little creatures can become and form a trust in the human, who habitually puts out that early morning treat.

I have read in a nature publication that birds and animals can discern the moods in human features, expressions and can become very attached to those who allow them a little bonding attention and care. There can be varying breeds of birds that swoop for food, depending on what’s on offer! My friend has lots of greenfinches for her nutty display by the kitchen window, whereas my little feathered friends, the tree sparrows, love moist breadcrumbs. It is a rare sight to behold a scampering robin sitting on high in judgment of a safe moment to pitch and hastily grab a crumb and that tiny, colourful wee visitor is a pure delight.

Country walks and wooded pathways seem to harbour a lone wee red robin at times, to perch and swoop periodically as walkers penetrate the solitude of tree-lined bird-haunts. We saw a picture recently of this little redbreast perched in the palm of his feeder's hand and apparently he was a regular early morning visitor for breakfast and seemed quite at home in a domestic setting.

We notice from time to time that the small bird seems to follow strollers along the tree-lined walkways and wait; then she rises and wings high up in the air as if to take her leave of us, chatting and moving at our own steady pace! We assume she has flown off to other territory, but further on she swoops and settles on the holly bush a few feet away. Perhaps it's the peaceful air of wooded areas high above the lights and traffic of busy roads, that allows our little feathered friend to take heed of occasional walkers who invade her hush haven.

It is sad and worrying that a lot of our wildlife creatures are becoming scarcer; as we read from some nature studies, the call of the curlew is fading fast, as that lovely creature's habitat is invaded by our modern living patterns and likewise, the grand old 'meadow-croon' of the corncrake, whose once-safe 'ground nest' was fiercely protected from the swarth-swipe of the manually operated scythe. Then we hear Éanna Ní Lamhna warning about the awful effect of the blue pellets, that kill the snails and then little birds, especially thrushes that come along and gobble up the poisoned prey, hence we hear that the thrush family is very much depleted.

FOLKLORE

The robin is still associated with handed down superstitions and tales connected with the signal of death in the household and I recall that the older generation did not welcome the sight of such a wee bird, especially if it entered the confines of their dwelling. I heard a folklore researcher recently listing the old traditions and 'piseóg' legacy left to us and one such finding was the herald of death experienced when the tiny, dainty robin redbreast picked continuously at the kitchen window. I would be inclined to believe that it was a reminder-tap of feeding time from the anxious beak of the perched little visitor, especially when surfaces are frozen solid to hinder any attempts at picking a sustaining bite!

Well, my friends, look out for the scampering robin redbreast as one of the joyful symbols of Christmas. There is nothing more joyful, soothing and invigorating than that very pleasant ramble through the wooded serenity of our scenic mountainous walkways, even if the day has a trifle of the winter chill, but the sight of our little robin friend flanking us and chirping sweetly, will offer sweet serenade and smarten our step, keeping us even closer to the joys and heavenly beauty of nature.