Hand Feeding a Robin

The Robin is an iconic bird in the UK especially around the Christmas period, when it features on many a Christmas card.

They are regular visitors to the garden and will always follow you around looking for the easy meal while you are digging the borders.

I have always wanted to hand feed a Robin, and have tried without success on several occasions in the garden. Although very trusting the Robin always seems to resist taking that final move to the outstretch hand offering a few tasty mealworms.

However, whilst out at my local nature reserve recently I stumbled across a very obliging little Robin. As I was standing there taking a few pictures in the area, this little chap sat in the tree right beside me. I always carry a little seed with me, so I put a little in my hand and gestured it in the direction of the Robin.

To my joy and amazement the Robin dropped out of the tree and immediately landed on my hand for a few seconds, grabbing a few seeds before taking them off to eat in the tree. Each time he came to the hand he stayed a little longer as his trust in me grew.

The following day I returned, armed with some mealworms (a favourite of the Robin), and set up to film him as he again fed from my hand. I managed to film in slow motion as well as normal video whilst getting some close up shots.

The experience was something to cherish and if you want to witness what happened and learn some of the techniques I used to film and photograph, check out my YouTube video “The Friendly Robin”.

Nature never fails to amaze!