Robin ( Erithacus rubecula )

I have been watching birds all my life and the current behaviour of Robins is something I haven't seen until recently.  Robins are naturally ground feeders so what is one doing sitting on the perch of a hanging feeder?

Over about a year Robins, well I assume the same one, has been developing a skill set to get food from the feeders.  To begin with it was a sort of hummingbird effort i.e. it tried to hover while snatching a seed from the feeder.  Slowly it progressed to feet touching the perch but still wings flapping like mad.  Now not only does it not flap but it stays for a few second.