Early birds seeking worms

We have been inundated with American robins this winter.  They are not unknown visitors to our property. But this year, we've seen scads of them.

Frequently in the last few weeks, we have looked out the window to see a crowd of them getting a drink at a birdbath or busily searching the ground for a delectable dinner morsel (according to Birds of North America, their diet changes by season: primarily soft invertebrates in the spring and summer, primarily berries in the fall and winter). When we walk down to the chicken coop, we often scare up a group that goes winging off through the trees.

"Hey lady, quit taking pictures and fill up this bath, would ya!"

I love their beautiful orange breasts and their gaudy heads, with dark hoods punctuated by white-outlined eyes (nature's eye-liner). I love their social nature. Like many teenagers, they prefer being surrounded by a noisy crowd of friends. They seem to be very wary. I barely tapped the window with my camera lens yesterday and the whole flock fled . . .  and has not returned.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds has a recording of the robin's cheery song and more information.

We had a crew of robins visit years ago; usually we just see an occasional robin. My bird book says their numbers vary from winter to winter. I’m so happy they’ve decided to hang in our 'hood this year!