Tag: Robin

Monday (24-March-2014) — New Jersey

Backyard Spring Nature in New Jersey.

Another sign that spring is here. There were hundreds of robin in my backyard today. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 600 mm f/4 VR lens (ISO 100, 600 mm, f/4, 1/320 sec).

I grew up in Minnesota, and the return of Robins was always a sign of spring. Here in New Jersey we have a few that stay for the winter, but with the large number that showed up today I think these are from the group that migrate (maybe some of the ones that I saw down in Florida back in February at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge). When I was in the 6th grade, we moved from Minnesota to Florida. In Florida, the Robins would arrive in the late Fall and leave in the late Winter. Before they left, they would all get drunk on fermented China Berries (couldn’t even perch or stand up and walk straight). I don’t know how they found their way back home as they migrated north. The reason I bring up seasons and migrations is that there was a SAT question where you had to relate Robins to Seasons. If you grew up in the North, Robins related to Spring — but if you grew up in the South then Robins related to Fall or Winter. What was the right answer?

Another Sign Spring is Coming -- Hundreds of Robins Were In My Backyard Today. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 600 mm f/4 VR lens (ISO 100, 600 mm, f/4, 1/320 sec). (David J Mathre)
Spring is here. Robin in my backyard. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 600 mm f/4 VR lens (ISO 100, 600 mm, f/4, 1/320 sec). (David J Mathre)

Thursday (06-February-2014) — Florida

Gone to See Florida 2014 Road Trip Day 6. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Winter Nature in Florida: Red-breasted Robin viewed from Black Point Wildlife Drive. There was a noisy flock of Robins in the trees, but only this one would allow me to take its picture.

Lone Robin on Vacation in Florida. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 300 mm f/4 lens (ISO 1800, 300 mm, f/4, 1/1250 sec). There was a noisy flock of American Robins in the trees, but only this one would allow me to take its picture. (David J Mathre)
Lone Robin on Vacation in Florida. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Image taken with a Nikon Df camera and 300 mm f/4 lens (ISO 1800, 300 mm, f/4, 1/1250 sec).  (David J Mathre)

Saturday (06-November-2010) — New Jersey

Backyard Autumn Nature in New Jersey.

Turkey Vulture soaring. The Turkey Vultures population has increased significantly since the state quit picking up the road killed deer. This is both hunting and rutting season so we have many deer running across roads and being hit by automobiles. Robin feasting on fall “bittersweet” berries. I don’t know if this robin plans to winter, or is feasting before flying south. Finally, some fall mushrooms.