Shy Robin

Was out yesterday Kingfisher hunting ... (seen every day now except when I visit) and I noticed this Robin in a tree. He took a bit of coaxing out and then I realised there was something a bit different about him.

Pentax K-5II and Sigma 50-500mm OS


Robin without a tail by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr


Robin without a tail by Mike.Pursey, on Flickr

indeed, .. it's a bit different ; .. probably it's escaped a cat claws..
magnificent takes here

A lot of small birds do moult their tails, though July seems a bit early in the year.

I am beginning to worry about our temptation to make robins (and other garden birds) "tame" by feeding them, etc. A bird that has lost some of its fear is vulnerable to predators: cats, sparrow-hawks for example.

Maybe we would be doing them a good service by shooing them away rather than putting food out for them (except in the winter when they need it).

Martin

This was shot on a nature reserve Martin, there was no food around but it certainly was an inquisitive little thing which is probably why he has no tail.