…..and other acrobatic antics in the garden
Picture the scene – it’s late spring, and outside my window, hanging on the end of a cane attached to the roof of the conservatory is a bird feeder. It’s that type of solid pudding or cake, meant for small birds such a great tits and blue tits, who have been feeding there since winter.
The rather Heath Robinson means of suspension is somewhat complex in order to deter the ever present voracious squirrels who were so desperate to reach it they even attempted to scale the slippery glazing bars surrounding the windows. Lacking crampons or suitably formed claws, they failed – and their surprised look as they slid down the outside of the window was highly amusing. Observing those squirrels as they circled, pondered, made vain attempts and kept on trying and devising new routes was a valuable lesson in persistence.
It also reminded me of a wonderful TV programme some years ago when even the most complicated methods of keeping squirrels away from food failed, and the acrobatic audacity of the creatures was portrayed with hilariously entertaining results.
We’ve added deterrents to keep off starlings and blackbirds, and this little food supply is nourishing several families of birds. The tits themselves are no mean acrobats; their aeronautic feats are really quite breathtaking. They fly in at breakneck speed, stop suddenly – just short of splattering themselves onto the glass; at the same time they turn themselves upside down and hang onto the feeder with their feet, whilst staying ever alert to potential threats from predators – truly impressive stuff.
We have had some wonderful entertainment and inspiration watching the to-ing and fro-ing, and pondered on the sheer physical effort required to nurture a nest of chicks to fledgling status.
Recently, there have been territorial wars and thrilling examples of adaptability and determination. Enter our common garden friend, the Robin. Ever present whenever we are out in the garden raking leaves or turning over earth, they grab grubs in their inimitable opportunistic way, bold, alert and happy to sing for their supper.
The robins observed that the tits were very messy eaters – they left behind lots of scraps, probably at least half of what they peck off drops onto the ground beneath the feeder. Initially, the robins simply cleaned up the scraps on the floor. Then they became dissatisfied and wanted to control the food supply.
Slight problem – their spindly legs and larger body weight do not naturally lend themselves to performing the feats of inversion and gripping at which the tits are so expert. A fly-past peck doesn’t do the trick of dislodging the food.
What to do?
New approach – the robins attack the tits whenever they alight on the feeder – but only after they have filled their beaks – causing the tits to disgorge the food onto the floor and enabling the wily robins to clean up the spoils.
Next, the robins decide that they are spending too much time waiting for the tits to turn up and serve dinner.
What to do now?
It appears that robins have very strong wings. So they ingeniously decide to adopt the hovering method. Expending huge amounts of energy, they flap their wings, humming-bird fashion, at great speed, maintaining themselves in position to be able to devour the food directly from source. It is a remarkable sight, the wings a blur as they flap furiously – and they return time after time, fiercely defending the feeder, so the tits are having to dive in at the moments when the robins are back at the nest feeding their young. Other birds have got wise – pigeons, blackbirds and starlings congregate underneath and pick up the scraps, and the odd crazy blackbird seems to want to emulate the robin, and also pretends to be a humming bird.
Now the scenario outside my window is more peaceful again, and the Robin has reverted to waiting on the ground whilst the tits congregate on the feeder and scatter the food. The fledged blue tits accompany their parents, and though perfectly capable of feeding themselves, still willingly accept the thrusting beak inserting food into their throats.
It’s said evolution takes a long time, many generations; in this rapidly-moving world I’m beginning to think that adaptation is a much faster-paced affair, with enterprising creatures observing effective behaviours in other species, and adopting them quickly.
The Robin
- observed,
- experimented,
- acted,
- regrouped,
- strategised,
- repeated,
- refined,
- persevered and ultimately
- triumphed.
He gained control of the food supply for his family, in that intense period of requiring huge quantities to feed the growing chicks.
Hopefully we have begun a sustainable cycle which will see many families of birds return each year to rear their young, and provide us with ongoing lessons in flexibility and adaptation.
We can all learn a great deal from observing how nature adapts to ensure nurture.
Now how can YOU take these lessons in natural persistence, flexibility and adaptation and make the most of the opportunities in your life at this time?
© Christine Miller
Keep up the good piece of work, I read few blog posts on this web site and I conceive that your website is very interesting and holds sets of fantastic info .
wonderful publish, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector don’t realize this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you have a huge readers’ base already!
Awesome writing style!
Your article has inspired me to re think the way I write. I want to let you know I appreciate your hard work.
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today..
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
where did u obtain this know-how
You’re one in a million. Thanks for communicating this. Your opinion made me ponder.
I am extremely content to find this blog.Thanks for having the page! Im positive that it will become very popular. It has good and valuable content which is very rare these days.
Took me time to think about every one of of the commentary, however I really loved the editorial. It proved being actually cooperative to me plus I am positive to every the commenters here! It’s generally kind when you be able to not just be informed, but in adding entertained! I am positive you had pleasing writing this write-up.
Greetings there, always enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the great Work!
This article must be headline news Thank you sir
You’re one of a kind. Thanks for communicating this. Your opinion made me reevaluate.
Good Morning, I do not normally post feedback on websites, as I prefer to read only. However I find the website that you have written earlier has very insightful information, and I discover it very informational. I was searching on Google 4 thoughts on self improvement & discovered your exciting blog. Could you create something the same insightful on how to self improve fast? Cheers. ~ Kacy Dowty
A subject close to my heart cheers, like your blog design too. Must be Joomla?
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained!
I feel a lot more people need to read this, very good info! . . . . . .
I just wanted to comment and say that I really enjoyed reading your blog post here. It was very informative and I also digg the way you write! Keep it up and I’ll be back to read more in the future
Great list and interesting post ,Thanks for posting this informative article.
This is a great blog post and I absolutely go with what you have said here. I have already subscribed to your RSS feed in Firefox and would love to be a regular visitor to your upcoming blogs. Thanks for your time in writing the post.
I love your website! did you create this yourself or did you outsource it? Im looking for a blog design thats similar so thats the only reason I’m asking. Either way keep up the nice work I was impressed with your content really..
Me together with my hubby will be anticipating our very first child inside 2 months. As a soon to be young mother I am working to learn as much as doable. This particular web site had been tremendously insightful. I am seeking to get fresh answers pretty much all the time and in addition I really like to learn in addition , I read quite a bit. In the event that you have got any writers also publications with respect to absolutely new mothers you might possibly strongly recommend I definitely love your bit of advice.
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the latest stuff you post.
Very interesting post I like your site keep up the amazing blog posts
Well really 😉 Interesting point you make, very well thought out.
Batman would doubtless swoop in and rescue the whole feeder to relocate right beside the nest….
We do get bats as well…much more elusive though very accomplished in the non-verbal communication department!
Thanks Richard, glad you enjoyed the piece.
If Robin could achieve all that, just think what Batman could achieve!
On a more serious note I think this is a lovely observational piece Christine
Great post! I’ll subscribe right now wth my feedreader software!
Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.
Eremeeff