When you see a American Robins, you might think, “Spring!” But these very common birds are around all year long in much of the United States. While some in the north do migrate southward, in many areas, they stick around if there is food to be found.
Their behavior changes in the spring, which is probably why we tend to notice them more as the days start to lengthen and the weather warms. I thought today, the first day of spring, would be a good day to share some interesting tidbits about robins.
Looking to find Brown-Headed Nuthatches in Maryland? This past weekend, Jim and I went out in search of one. Now, if you live in the southeastern US, you might be thinking, “Ho, hum. I see those all the time. What’s the big deal?” But here in central Maryland, it is not a nuthatch we see often. They don’t stop by our house and aren’t usually found in our local woods. So we had to go just a little further afield to find one.
Every day as dusk approaches, Northern Cardinals gather in my yard. A lot of Northern Cardinals. I see between eighteen and twenty-two most evenings. Twenty-six have shown up for the party in recent weeks. While other birds are winding down their activities and heading back to their preferred snoozing spots for the night, cardinals are busy filling up on safflower until well after darkness falls. I call it “cardinal cocktail hour.”
