Paul,
One day as I was looking out my kitchen window, I observed an interesting scene going on in my backyard. A bunch of robins were on the ground underneath a crab apple tree eating. Along came a squirrel that decided to join them. The robins didn’t seem to mind – they just kept on feasting away. Two blue jays flew into the tree and as soon as the squirrel realized that they were there, it ran up the tree and chased the blue jays away. One of the blue jays circled around and flew back onto a branch behind the squirrel. Again, as soon as the squirrel realized it was there, it turned and chased the blue jay away. I’ve heard that blue jays are bullies, so I’m wondering if the squirrel was trying to protect the robins.
Also, I’ve noticed that the robins look like they’ve either gained a lot of weight or are pregnant. What do you think?
Wendy Woodman
Dear Wendy,
Thanks for sharing what you observed about the drama of wildlife in your back yard. I am sure the squirrel would be pleased to know that you thought its behavior might be to protect the robins. However, I believe the interaction you saw between the blue jays and the squirrel would have been the same even if the robins were not there. Blue jays and squirrels have always had a quarrelsome relationship. The loud, boisterous blue jays and the crafty, clever squirrels have been accused of stealing acorns and other edible loot from each other’s caches. Their pushy behavior and poor manners at bird feeders have given them both a bad reputation.
The antics they displayed under your crab apple tree are typical of their ongoing feud over food and territory. Their domineering personalities result in the clashing of feather and fur as they try to out wit each other.
One of their redeeming qualities is that some of the acorns and nuts they stash away in the earth are never retrieved and this helps in the propagation of new trees.
As for the robins, you noted they have “either gained a lot of weight or are pregnant.” I am assuming you saw these robins here in mid-winter. In the 2009 Audubon Society of New Hampshire’s Backyard Winter Bird Survey, a total of 1,255 robins were counted, the highest on record. The speculation is that they are an influx of robins from Canada or are local birds not going as far south as usual. If the robins you saw are early migratory arrivals coming north to escape the snow storms of the south, it should be noted that a common trait of migratory birds is that the males come first, so your robins would not be pregnant.
Robins are the largest birds of the thrush family. The ones that winter in New Hampshire eat fruit, berries and insects, and it’s a pleasure to see they look in good health.
Thanks for your questions and continue to enjoy the drama of wildlife in your backyard.
Paul Basham
Paul Basham, our local nature columnist, is taking your nature-related questions. Noticed some funny-looking plant life? Getting backyard visitors? Send your questions to news@theconcordinsider.com with “Nature 101” in the subject line. Photos welcome!
