Robins pairing off too soon?

[Slarti]

We had 2 Robins at the feeding station, this morning and no trouble between them. So in my understanding this makes them a pair.

Isn't it a bit early for them to be pairing off?

Slarti

[Breelander]

Isn't it a bit early for them to be pairing off?

Apparently not.

In a mild winter, robins start courtship in January...

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildl ... sting.aspx

Watch out for the female begging for food like a fledgling, she's testing the male's suitability as a provider of food for her offspring - probably about the only way you can tell the sexes apart.

[sg31]

Isn't it a bit early for them to be pairing off?

Apparently not.

In a mild winter, robins start courtship in January...

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildl ... sting.aspx

Watch out for the female begging for food like a fledgling, she's testing the male's suitability as a provider of food for her offspring - probably about the only way you can tell the sexes apart.

No, she's just greedy and is checking if he's stupid.

[bungeejumper]

Thanks for the prod, all. It's time I got those nesting boxes installed that I got for Christmas. Granddaughter will be disappointed if they're not occupied by Easter. Yes, they do seem to be hoofing about in pairs.

Birds have been going crazy for the suet balls in the last few days. It's been a while since I've seen so many woodpeckers. (Yes, including the lesser spotteds who I mentioned a while back.) Looks like they're definitely getting themselves into shape for the spring season. Let's hope the little fella who was hammering away at a concrete post last year has learned by now how to do the right thing in the right place?

BJ