Robin Redbreast

 Photo by A Perry on Unsplash

 
The North Wind Doth Blow
by Anonymous

    The north wind doth blow,
    And we shall have snow,
    And what will poor Robin do then,
    Poor thing?

    He'll sit in a barn,
    And to keep himself warm,
    Will hide his head under his wing,
    Poor thing!

I used to recite the little poem above to our oldest grandchild when she was small. She would hide her head under her wing at the appropriate moment.

I have a soft spot for robins - after all, I am married to one. On most days, as I sit at my desk overlooking the garden, I spot a robin. He's very bold, friendly and cheeky (just like my Robin) and sits just outside the window staring in at me, not moving, his head cocked to one side, just waiting. 

Some believe that robins are messengers from lost, loved ones:"When robins appear, loved ones are near." I don't know about that, but they are certainly cheering and a comfort to see hopping about the garden.

From this week there is a new film on Netflix that features a robin. Click here to find out more. 

The RSPB website has a robin fact file, giving guidance on what food to give our red-breasted friend, how to make him a nest box and offers lots of 'robin' activities to do with children. Click here to find out more. 

Here's a traditional song about a robin sung by Burl Ives and you can click here to find out how the robin got his red breast.

Writing prompts:

• If a robin really could be a messenger from someone you have lost, who would that person be and what message would they send? Write about it for a few minutes. 
• What is your favourite garden bird? Write about it, describing its appearance, its song and why you like it.