Country Diary 1951: Courting Partridges Top the Entertainment Bill
In Penrith, three days of fair weather with bright sunshine and melting snow, except on high ground, may have helped confirm the old tradition that birds begin to mate on St Valentine's Day. This saying, like many others, is of the "hitty-missy" kind, largely dependent on the weather conditions at the time.
Even during the harsh weather of the past few weeks, some pairs of blackbirds in the garden have been observed playing "tiggy" among the berry bushes, indicating early mating behaviour.
Partridge Courtship as Top Entertainment
For onlookers, partridges top the entertainment bill when they set out courting. The technique is nearly always the same. On the lee side of a "quick" fence, the male bird makes his advances by chasing his prospective spouse. However, she seems in no hurry to become engaged and evades him with the dexterity of a rugby footballer.
Then, seemingly, he gets tired of pursuing this female will-o'-the-wisp and retreats sheepishly, pecking the ground as though mating were the last thing in his thoughts. But this indifference does not suit the female, and she follows to within range of a renewed attack.
The performance may be repeated for an hour or so, until both birds get tired of make-believe and strut away together. This charming display highlights the intricate and playful nature of wildlife courtship rituals.
