Saturday, November 19, 2011

Robins, robins everywhere (plus a few house finches!)

When we moved to the high desert of New Mexico in June I figured I'd be saying "goodbye" to one of the most familiar of wild birds, the American Robin. I always associated the cheery bird with lush green lawns and worms.

Neither of those ingredients are part of my new world in New Mexico. I never saw a single robin.

Not until the beginning of November! One morning I looked out the kitchen window and there they were. I'm sure they showed up for the juniper berries or seeds or some thing. But they obviously appreciate the fresh rain water we collect in our barrels (uhm, 33 gallon black plastic garbage cans).



They are flying in in "herds"....up to a dozen at a time perching on the side of the barrel drinking in the water, while another dozen or so wait not-so-patiently on the ground and nearby on the round pen.



They've even been nice enough to share some of the water with the house finches...pretty in their dark pink feathers!

My nice New Mexico bird book says both species are year 'round residents in my neck of the woods. I'm looking forward to their company this winter.

4 comments:

clairz Saturday, November 19, 2011 8:55:00 AM  

Back when I was a school librarian, I was reading a book aloud that included signs of the coming spring, all of which made perfect sense to my New England self. The New Mexican kids I was reading to were totally stumped at seeing robins as a harbinger of spring. I'll never forget the sweet voice of one little girl, sounding so puzzled, as she questioned me about the inclusion of the robin in her abbreviated English: "Winter bird?"

Sandy ~~~ Saturday, November 19, 2011 7:29:00 PM  

Sooo cute Clair and so exactly correct. Here the robins don't migrate...up in WA and your New England they ARE spring!

Sara Monday, December 19, 2011 1:22:00 PM  

Hi Sandy!
I have nominated you for a Liebster Award.
Best wishes
Sara

Aragon greyhounds Thursday, November 22, 2012 7:08:00 PM  

I am jealous of your robins. I feed birds in California and robins are one bird I rarely see. Tons of House Finches and Goldfinches though.

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