News — gifts for bird lover

8 Interesting Facts about Robins

The robin is a common garden visitor and was crowned Britain’s favourite bird back in 2015.

Boxwild Sells the perfect gift for those who love Robins: Robin Bird Seed Gift Box

Here are 8 interesting facts about these famously red breasted birds:

#1 Robins enjoy a varied diet of seeds, fruits, insects, worms and other invertebrates. They can be quite bold when searching for food, making friends with gardeners and looking out for worms in soil that’s being turned over.

#2 Despite the fact that they’re so widespread, a robin’s life expectancy is just 1.1 years. This is because mortality rates are high in the first year of life. A severe winter can have a terrible effect on the robin population. Bird tables with a regular supply of food can help.  

#3 They may seem small and sociable but robins are aggressive when it comes to their territory. Males are quick to drive away intruders, fiercely attacking other males and sometimes even fighting to the death.

#4 We don’t really know how the robin came to be a symbol of Christmas. But we do know that robins can be found in our gardens all year round. They’re one of the only birds in the UK which can be heard singing on Christmas Day.

#5 Robins have been helping scientists with their research into magnetic fields. It’s thought that a specific substance in the birds’ eyes allows them to actually see the Earth’s magnetic field. This helps to explain how migratory robins from Northern Europe find their way south for the winter.

#6 Robins usually build their nest on or near the ground. They make use of sheds, kettles, boots, coat pockets and farm machinery – whatever nook or cranny they can find. They use nest boxes too, but only if they are open fronted and placed in a secluded location.

#7 Both male and female robins sing for most of the year. They take a break when they’re moulting and want to remain inconspicuous. Their song also changes throughout the year. In the spring, their song sounds powerful and lively. During the autumn it takes on a more subdued tone.

#8 Robins are active in the dimmest of light. They’re one of the first bird species to start singing in the morning and one of the last to stop in the evening. They can sometimes even be heard singing in the night, particularly if there are streetlights nearby.

Welcome robins to your garden with a well-stocked bird table or ground feeder and you’ll be treated to beautiful song all year round.  

Boxwild Sells the perfect gift for those who love Robins: Robin Bird Seed Gift Box

Best Father’s Day Gifts for a Birdwatching Dad

In 2018 Father’s Day falls on Sunday 17th June. So now’s the time to start gift-hunting. If your dad is a keen birdwatcher, there are some great presents out there. Show him how much you care with these Father’s Day gifts, all perfect for bird-obsessed dads.

Binoculars
Any birdwatcher worth their salt will own a pair of binoculars. But find out whether your dad’s pair offer the best magnification and lens size. You could treat him to a state-of-the-art pair of birding binoculars to take his hobby to the next level.

Bird Feeding Gift Box
Let your dad enjoy his twitching hobby from the comfort of his own home. With a bird feeder gift box he can attract a wide variety of birds to his garden. You could even set up a bird seed subscription so he receives seasonal seed blends throughout the year – it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Bird Watching Day Out
Why not book a trip for two to a local wildlife reserve? Your dad will be able to spot a wide variety of bird species and enjoy some quality time with you to boot.

Bird of Prey Experience
Perhaps your dad would like to get up close to some of the biggest birds in the UK. Take him on a bird of prey experience (there are tons of options around the country). Depending on where you choose, he could have the option to fly eagles, falcons or owls and learn all about these top avian predators.

Camera Equipment
If your dad likes to photograph the birds that he comes across, he might appreciate some new camera equipment. A new tripod, a new lens or just a fancy new camera case could be just the ticket.

Birdwatching Books or Apps
There are plenty of great books out there for birdwatchers. Many offer a comprehensive guide to identifying birds in the UK. And if your dad is a little more tech-savvy, you could treat him to a birdwatching app for his smartphone instead. These interactive guides offer recordings of bird song, bird identifying tools and the option to record bird sightings too.

Whether your dad is a budding birdwatcher or a dedicated twitcher, he’s sure to love one of these fantastic Father’s Day gifts.

Boxwild features in Country Life magazine

Boxwild "Best Buy" in Independent - Gardening Gifts for Mother's Day

We are over the moon to see that Boxwild was featured as the "Best Buy" in the Independent for Gardening Gifts for Mother's Day.  You can see the article here:

http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/gardening/best-mothers-day-gardening-gifts-for-gardeners-ideas-baskets-a6898331.html 

Video: Take a look at Ben unboxing the Bird Feeder Gift box

Ben created an unboxing video of the Bird Feeder Gift Box so you can see what is inside.  It is the ideal gift for a bird lover for Christmas or Birthdays.