First Robin of Spring
By Corey • March 22, 2009 • 18 commentsThough it is a myth, of course, that American Robins are not around in winter, I still enjoyed my first robins of spring yesterday in Flushing Meadows Park and Kissena Park in Queens. They were around in numbers, feeding on invertebrates found in both grassy and disturbed areas. Their tut-tut-tuts when disturbed were music to this birder’s ears and as welcome as the bright sunshine that shone down all day long. And while I saw some rather large flocks this winter I still appreciate seeing good old Turdus migratorius in springtime acting in a manner more fitting the stereotypical view of robin behavior. Though some say the European Robin is the real red, red robin we all know that the American Robin is the cool red, red robin…
Here’s hoping we all see many robins this year, regardless as to what species of robin it is! And let’s also hope that they keep making more robins so there will always be some to see!
This post has been submitted to Bird Photography Weekly #30. Go check it out!
Tags: digiscoping, robins, spring
• Squirrels raiding your bird feeders? BUST THEM! •
My state bird and a personal favorite! I did see several wintering robins this year but the first one I see in the yard in spring is always a thrill.
I saw a lot of Robins this winter here in Oklahoma. They come in flocks (10-20)and land on our property. Do they travel in flocks?
Hey Corey, great captures of this iconic bird. I love watching the robins and hearing their sweet songs in the springtime here. The fourth shot of the bird standing on the rock is exceptional. I’m looking forward to seeing many more in the coming months.
@WisconsinBirder: It’s great to see them foraging in the yard, isn’t it?
@Tamatha Smith: They sure do travel in foraging flocks in the winter, settling down to feed for the day when they find something good to eat and roosting near each other at night.
@Larry Jordan: Thanks! I was pretty pleased with that shot myself.
The robins are back for spring! I was birding at Kissena Park and there was a large flock of robins on the lawns. The same thing today.
for the second year in a row a robin has started flying towards my deck glass doors and attacing the window with her beak. goes on all day……what is this about?
Hi Julie – are you sure it’s female bird, because my guess would be that at this time of year the sun is shining straight onto your windows and the Robin is seeing its reflection and in a bit of a ‘rising sap’ hormonal state is also ‘seeing’ a rival and is repeatedly trying to drive it away.
Can anyone explain the strange springtime behaviour of a robin which flies continually into my front window and back to a tree just in front of the window? It has happened for the past couple of years without fail, and I simply don’t understand it! It starts early in the morning, and until I realize what it is, it sounds as if someone is incessantly tapping on my front window! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
@Lewis: Odds are that the bird is seeing its reflection and thinking it is a rival bird. If you put up a couple decals on the window (or otherwise reduce the reflectivity) it might break up the reflection enough that the robin will be convinced that it has driven his rival away.
Corey – Thanks for the advice! I’ll try that and see what happens. Best wishes…
I’ve been informed by a “Medium” that a robin pecking at your window suggests that the bird is a “Angel Friend Guide” and wants you to consider what your thoughts or actions are when it strikes the window. I was informed that the bird knows what you are thinking.
I hope he/she didn’t charge you for that piece of advice Dave? I guess your medium isn’t much of a birder because Corey gave the answer a few comments above, and that’s the right one…What makes me so certain – because birds all over the world have been doing the same thing to reflections in water, mirrors, windows, metal doors etc etc for many, many years. Sorry to be a mythbuster.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN A BABY BIRD AND NEST HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT OF A TREE?
@Deborah: DON’T YELL AT IT IN ALL CAPS! But, seriously, try to put the nest back, and, failing that, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
I just saw robins on my neighbors gutters yesterday. They were looking down at the four feet of snow and thinking what the hell.
@Sheila: Can you blame them?
I was needing to know what i could do to stop the robin from pecking on my windows. Please if anyone knows anything that i could do please let me know.
@Kaleb: Some birds attack their own reflection becasue they think they are attacking a rival. Try putting temporary stickers on the window, or anything else that will break up the reflection. In a day or two the bird should get it and quit.