Two ESTABLISHMENTS?
The following very remarkable story of a most paternal robin comes from a Devon observer, "W. M." :—" In our small Devonshire garden we have two robins' nests, built in the banks on each side, about forty-five yards apart. Both nests are being looked after by a single Cock Robin, whom we have been feeding since last September. He is very friendly, and always comes to a whistle and eats crumbs out of a hand. A few weeks ago he began taking crumbs and putting them into the mouth of another robin, who stayed close by. At first, we thought this must be another cock, until we saw, in a bird book, that the hen robin has a red breast like the cock. In due course, we found a nest in the bank behind the garage, apparently belonging to our friend. Shortly afterwards, we found another nest in the bank on the other side of the garden also being looked after by the sante cock. We proved this fact by giving the cock crumbs, which he took to each nest in turn. The nest behind the garage now contains four young birds, and therefore receives special attention from the cock. There seems to be no hen attached to this nest. The other nest has five eggs, on which a hen is sitting. This hen is occasionally fed by the cock, who is, however, more interested in the young birds; owing, perhaps to their apparently mother- less condition. When both nests contain young birds, the cock will certainly have his work cut out to satisfy their appetites: Even now he wears a slightly worried look."
W. BEACH THOMAS.
Previous page
