A Robin For Christmas (with explanation)

The European Robin – Erithacus rubecula – has become strongly associated with Christmas, appearing on Christmas cards and on many seasonal postage stamps.
According to Wikipedia, “An old British folk tale seeks to explain the robin's distinctive breast. Legend has it that when Jesus was dying on the cross, the robin, then simply brown in colour, flew to his side and sang into his ear in order to comfort him in his pain. The blood from his wounds stained the robin's breast, and thereafter all robins carry the mark of Christ's blood upon them”. The higher probability is, however, that postmen in Victorian Britain wore red jackets and were nicknamed ‘Robins’ and so the association of robins on cards could be an emblem of the postman delivering the card.
Notice that this one has been ringed, probably because, although it is a totally wild bird, it was hatched on the Martin Mere Wetlands centre, owned by the WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) who do everything they can to help and record nature.
A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone, may you have peace, health and happiness.


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