Tuesday 9 September 2014

Retiring Dispositions

Most wildlife is shy. Attention seeking is restricted to certain pushy species such as the Robin who has learned long ago that humanity has its uses.


While Robins are regulars at bird tables, Wrens show no interest at all. They move about like mice, quickly and close to the ground. Consequently it's not as easy to find out much about them. Books have been written about Robins including some detailed behaviour studies. Theories about Wren behaviour can persist for years before somebody manages to prove them wrong. It is simply so good at avoiding attention. Another bird that I had always thought shy and nervous is the Dunnock. I'm sure I remember from many years ago that Dunnocks would keep away from bird tables just like the Wren.


But not so. These days at least it attends the bird table along with the others. Maybe I was mistaken or maybe it has learned it pays to show more spirit.

The deer are an odd case: depending on where you are or their mood of  the moment (or simply which way the wind is blowing), you may or may not get close. 


Today they were wary and suspicious. All the better. That is totally natural behaviour for beasts whose survival over many thousands of years has depended on not trusting anything or anyone.


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