Other Friendly Robins Roly was not unique.  As mentioned elsewhere on this website, robins interact well with humans. Below are three more examples from Betty Cussen, Dylan Mackey, and John Miller : Betty Cussen kindly sent these photographs of "Robbie" as he was affectionately known. He arrived in her garden in July 2002 as a young fledgling and became very tame. He was keen on maggots, which she placed in a shallow dish in her garden. Betty bought him some buttery shortcake biscuits and also placed a few pieces of cheese with his maggots. Robbie would eat a tiny amount of cheese, but preferred the maggots !   Click on a thumbnail to view larger photograph Robbie eyes his next meal on the doorstep. Robbie on the seat in the garden. A young Robbie just beginning to acquire adult plumage. "Baby" Robbie looks coy as he  hides behind his food dish. Robbie stands proud beside his food dish. Robbie getting ready to tuck in ! Robbie ready for another meal !       Photographs courtesy of Betty Cussen © copyright (must not be reproduced without permission). Dylan Mackey gave me permission to feature this picture of his resident robin known as  "Bob" who would feed from his hand. This particular robin loved meal worms, and became bolder as time went on. After several months, Dylan was able to produce a video which is available for download from his site (subject to copyright). See Dylans excellent pictures and video of this tame bird on his website: http://www.digidylan.co.uk/pics_robin/robin_index.php     Photograph courtesy of Dylan Mackey © copyright (must not be reproduced without permission).

		John L Miller kindly sent me this photograph of his resident robin, who has been around since Christmas 2002, when he first started taking food from John's hand. Keen on finely chopped toast crumbs this little chap is very inquisitive and has been known to perch under the bonnet of John's car whilst he was working on it! Quite often when John is working on his car or doing a spot of DIY, this friendly robin comes along trying to get his attention for more food, such as perching upon his toolbox! In the summer of 2003, John was at his front doorway bare footed when this cheeky little bird started pecking his toes to gain his attention. John's robin, who he refers to as "Robbie" (another one!) feeds from his outstretched hand without hesitation. John took this photograph of "Robbie" in his garden.
	Photograph courtesy of John L Miller © copyright (must not be reproduced without permission).

Marco Dinetti from Italy sent these two photographs. This one is of a visitor to his garden in Italy, note the similarity with our own UK bird. The one shown below is of a study which was carried out on the species in his home country. The study was performed in urban parks in Leghorn. Mapping of the winter population was taken and it was found that Robins prefer territories with vegetation such as Oak and some evergreen trees. Some of the Robins were ringed with coloured metal rings and it was found that they re-occupied their previous territories in the following years. Click on thumbnail to enlarge   Photographs courtesy of Marco Dinetti © copyright (must not be reproduced without permission).