Ode to Robins

A herald to Spring

The Robins are back and spring is nigh. Not that the Robins ever left. They are just out in the open now, instead of hanging out in roosts trying to stay warm in heavily forested areas or other areas where the berries are plentiful. By Robins, I mean, the American Robin, Turdus migratorius, as opposed to the European Robin, Erithacus rubecula. Although both species have orange breasts, that is where the similarities end. There have been few sightings of the European Robins in North America, but the American Robins are the most common bird in North America and their populations appear to be growing.

American robin photo by Alex Eberts https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222821411

It’s thought that the Robin is the harbinger of spring due to their breeding season coinciding with the start of spring as the ground begins to thaw. The males will leave the winter roosts and become more territorial, then the females will join them. If you wish to learn more about robins here are some links: Audubon and Wikipedia

I have certainly noticed them out and about the last 2 weeks. I’ve had one greet me as I arrive to work the last 2 days of this week.

The weather has been warm for a few days but now back to snow this week. Ah, the fickle weather of the end of winter and start of spring.

Here’s a bit of a poem for you all.

Ode to the Robin
By J Thiel

There you are again
greeting me this early March
morning. Your song 
an added joy to the day.

You herald spring 
with your call
and thirst for worms
as the ground thaws.

You’re not the first bird
I’ve seen this year.
The Junco’s and Cardinals
Don’t stay so hidden in the snow.

However, your openness
to reveal your orange breast
when the weather shifts
gives hope that I might soon do the same.

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And here is a poem by Louisa May Alcott

To the First Robin
by
Louisa May Alcott
 	
Welcome, welcome, little stranger,
    Fear no harm, and fear no danger;
We are glad to see you here,
    For you sing, "Sweet Spring is near."

Now the white snow melts away;
    Now the flowers blossom gay:
Come, dear bird, and build your nest,
    For we love our robin best.

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Unrelated to Robins and spring, I would like to share a song I am currently enjoying.

What is interesting about this song by Doechii is that she uses the music to the song “Someone I Use to Know”, which is a song I cannot stand. So when Doechii’s song begins and I hear the beginning’s of “Someone I Use to Know” I get a little upset and want to turn it off, but then Doechii’s lyrics and voice come in and I think, this is a great song. As my winter depression starts to lift, my anxiety increases so this is a song I can relate to and appreciate. Maybe you will enjoy it too.

Thanks for reading this. Hope you are able to find some sparks of joy throughout your week. Please comment on any joys you have noticed as spring arrives, or anything else you would like to share.

or if you are reading on of my posts for the first time and would like, please

I hope you are all well. My flu bug has pasted by, but it was a rough one. Seems everyone has been sick lately.

Until next time,

J