Better forecasters than groundhogs? I'm seeing large numbers of robins, heading north since I'm on their migration route. Just seems to me that unlike groundhogs they have some skin in the game, they don't want to show up on their northern feeding grounds too early.
1
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
2 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.It turns out that not all robins migrate. As it says at that link, "They have been observed in every U.S. state (except Hawai'i) and all southern Canadian provinces in January." Those that stay behind for the winter gather in flocks and forage more widely for food, so you tend to see either none or a lot at once. In any case, it makes them less useful as harbingers of spring.
The first birds I consider to be a sign of spring here in Massachusetts are phoebes and red-winged blackbirds. Even before migratory birds show up, though, I listen for spring mating/territorial songs from winter residents like cardinals.
Behind-the-dog
Level 6
Feb 12, 2021
0
We have resident robins too, usually mated pairs. During migration there are many more and in flocks. I think our red winged black birds are all residents, small numbers and always in marshes. Basically any where you see them is also where there are stands of cattails.
Waaaaaay too early to see them here.
Lilac-JadeCanada
Level 9
Feb 12, 2021
0
Seems earlier than usual here, that's why I'm wondering if they're anticipating an early spring.
Recent Visitors 6
19dacar52
CA, USA
Behind-the-dog
Northampton,
Buttercup
WA, USA
OldGoat43
Born In Brooklyn, NY,
1950debris
UK
Photos 1,015 More
Posted by FrayedBearShared from New Zealand.
Posted by FrayedBearPesticides killing birds?
Posted by FrayedBearI just had to share this!
Posted by FrayedBearIt's taken about 75 years for Australian birds & mammals to work out how to use the imported cane toads for food.
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearGodwit travels 23560 klms from Alaska to Tasmania in 13 days.
Posted by FrayedBearPeregrine falcons in Melbourne Australia live.
Posted by EyesThatSmileMore bird humor…
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by OldGoat43 Not exactly a pretty bird, but he can fly like a pterodactyl.
Posted by InsectraA while back I posted pics of woodcock eggs in a nest.