European Robin and Hydrangeas

Most North Americans do not realize that our robin is not the original robin. When our forefathers came from the British Isles and Europe to this continent, they, of course, brought many customs and names with them. One of the most loved birds of the countryside and gardens 'back home' was the robin.

Its grayish brown back and orangy red breast struck a familiar chord when these first settlers saw what is now known as the American robin. Both species are related as members of the thrush family, however, the American cousin is much more related to the European blackbird. In fact, it it the same genus. They behave almost identically.

The European robin is a diminutive bird with a build more like our chickadee. It has a very sweet, high-pitched song which is exceedingly loud for its small size. Since gardens are a favourite habitat, I decided to place this little fellow on a hydrangea blossom, giving him a sense of delicacy perched on the flowers.