Watching the Robins

American Robins are so patient while seeking out food.  Have you ever observed them on your lawn? They stand tall and nearly motionless until they spot movement then hastily run a few steps and suddenly stop to peck into the grass or dirt.  This running and stopping behavior is a distinctive characteristic of the American Robin.  They often scatter into small groups on the lawn, usually during mid-morning and late afternoon.  

This year is the first that I've seen a couple of them take food from the feeders.  I've read that their diet usually consists of 60 percent fruits and berries and 40 percent insects, so perhaps it's the nut and berry seed mix in the feeders that attracted them.

They appreciate clean water in the bird baths, especially during dry spells.

During hunting breaks, they sometimes sit high upon the branches of the old oak tree and relax, or tidy up their feathers...

With spring migration rapidly approaching, these robins will soon leave and return to their breeding areas north from here.  I'm sometimes lucky enough to see young robins when I visit my daughter in Tupelo during early summer because a pair usually nests in an outdoor light box next to her back door.

Robins are among a group of my winter friends.  It's refreshing to watch them during a time when my yard is drained of colorful blooms and fresh green grass.  Blended songs and calls from the robins, chipping sparrows, goldfinches and my resident cardinals and chickadees fill the bland air with cheerful music.  Every living thing has its season and I'm fortunate to witness many of them.