Is it any wonder that humans are so dreadful to each other
when the birds can be so wicked to those of other species. Robins tend to be
very stupid about where they build their nests – often far too close to the
ground, too visible to the passing eye. On our well-treed property we have many
species of birds – some passing through, others remaining for some time before
flying on and others nesting. The robins and the grackles are the most abundant
in the spring. They seem always to be loudly harassing one another. The
grackles usually win … sometime with heartbreaking effect.
There is a lovely holly bush on our patio next to a little-used
entrance door. This year, two robins built a nest there, about a metre off the
ground and close to the path. Three lovely little turquoise eggs were deposited
there and one or other of the parent birds sat devotedly on the nest. At first,
it would fly off when we passed through yet another door a little further away.
Then it would stay there, eyes fixed on our movement. Finally, even when we
passed forgetfully close, it remained at the parental station.
One morning we peeked into the bush to see what developments
may have occurred: … one egg missing, one dead newborn, on lonely abandoned egg
remaining. This was just after a loud kerfuffle in a neighbouring Rowan tree
between a robin and a grackle. There was no doubt in our minds what had
transpired, for this was not the first time we had witnessed the effect of
nests raided, of eggs stolen and of young birds carried off and ruthlessly
killed, the cadavers tossed to the ground.
Although we humans have the ability to act generously
towards those who are different from ourselves, too often we are that dreadful antagonistic
grackle asserting ourselves simply because we can. Sad.
