A harbinger of spring: the robin

With the arrival of spring comes the appearance of many “benchmark” species announcing the changing season. Among the earliest arrivals signaling winter’s end is the American robin (Turdis migratorius).

Robins, members of the thrush family, appear right on cue near the middle of March for this region. To be sure, there are a few robins that do not go south and winter in this region and areas as far north as Canada. These robins find winter habitats near water, and a food source, such as a stand of berry or fruit producing plants. But the bulk of the robins seen in the region do migrate for the winter. During their spring arrival, they will frequently come in a wave, so that there will be many robins in an area for a day or so. Robins feed on earthworms (their favorite), berries and fruit. Research involving nesting robins found that one young robin in the nest ate the equivalent of 14 feet of earthworms in a single day.

Robins nest in the spring and may have two to three broods during the breeding season. The eggs are a light blue. So well known is this color that a crayon manufacturer has a crayon color named “Robin’s Egg Blue”.

Unlike many thrushes, robins do well in an environment that has been modified by human activity. They like our backyards and their arrival tells us that it is that time of year to get out the rakes and gardening tools.