This time of year, I know to avoid the Museum's front entrance when I have Aldo the American Kestrel on my glove. The pair of robins that always nest right outside don't like seeing the predator too close to their chicks, so they dive-bomb us aggressively to chase us away. Curiously, another pair of robins nesting in the backyard don't seem to mind Aldo. They remain on alert, but but have yet to take any action against us.
When Emory the rat snake needed some outdoor time this week, I chose to let her explore the backyard where the friendlier pair of robins lives. But as she slithered through the grass, one of the robin parents perched nearby to keep an eye on this new predator in their territory. The bird chirped nervously and hopped in closer. I thought it was curious that this pair of robins that doesn't seem to mind a kestrel was quite concerned about a snake in their midst!
Commentaires