Who Killed Young Robin

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.