Garden Wildlife UK

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31904842

I can't make my mind up . I've said previously that my favourite garden bird is the Blackbird but is that a suitable candidate for a national bird?

As soon as I heard about it, my first thought was a robin.
It's the most easily recognised bird, it can be sketched quite simply and most people will have seen one in their garden.
It's all very well having a red kite or a hen harrier, but who can really recognise them?

If the sturk was on the list, I'd vote for them

Should be something majestic like the Golden Eagle.

I voted yesterday - went with the robin.

No sturks or sparrows made the short list .... many people over the pond aren't keen on these European invaders.

I like the blue tit and the blackbird but Mrs Blackbird looks different to Mr Blackbird.

If it ain't broke ....

Oh I've just looked at the link and see that it's David Lindo and the RSPB that have never recognised the robin as our national bird right little scamps, aren't they

What are we supposed to do with it once we've voted for one ?? What benefits will accrue once The Nation Has Spoken and agreed upon one ?? Why have we come this far and survived without one ?? Which countries are surging ahead of us because they have one ?? What's the POINT ?!?!?

It seems to be a 'private' poll by ornithologist David Lindo. Mr Lindo is described as a self-styled "Urban Birder"(aren't we all)
Its made the news because the rsbp picked up on it.

Anyway, it's the Robin

I'm not sure why the Red Kite or the Hen Harrier have been selected for the vote. The former is only common in a few areas and you count yourself very fortunate if you ever catch sight of a Hen Harrier. I'm tempted to vote for the Barn Owl as it is a majestic instantly identifiable bird for even the most novice lay person. While I accept the Robin and the Blackbird are easily identified they do not have the "presence" of the Owl.
Having said all that I agree with much of what Placi said because whatever wins will not end up on banknotes or the top of flagpoles or even the back of coins.

Oh wasn't the robin on the farthing?

Mmm always get that wrong - it was a wren

They could put it on a coin, though and Christmas stamps - jolly the place up a bit

Gaaawwwwd, the Cap'n agrees avec moi . It's worth it just for that.
I vote for the Barn Owl (grovel grovel).

They've just announced the robin has won