Chapter 17

Sometimes, I wish I knew more "facts" about the American Robin (a bird). He/she is a migratory bird who is supposed to be the herald of Spring. When you see your first Robin, it is a sign that Spring is here.

A few years back a woman told me that her husband, a learned "birdman" said that that was a myth, that Robins don't migrate, that they stay here all year round. I know that I have seen them, hiding in the bare bushes, during the winter months (as I walk around town).

Being told that, that Robins don't leave and come back at the beginning of Spring, was devastating. The Robins being the first sign of Spring was part of my childhood.

However, recently, I read on-line that Robins DO migrate. I've also read it in books.

Here's a thought - what if the state I live in, is one place where the Robins go to? Perhaps Birds, like humans, don't follow "the rules"all the time.

The Robin is a vivid bird - black feathers on his wings, and his head, and his back. His chest, and belly, is covered with beautiful orange feathers -picture a man wearing a black suit, and a BRIGHT orange vest/shirt. He is proud - he raises his chest.

That's the Robin.

Yet, I've seen Robins, with dull brown feathers, and a washed out orange chest and belly. They are like frail imitations of what I believe a Robin looks like. What is that? I think those are older Robins. However, I don't know! What I do know is that Robins are not just one shade of black, and orange - they aren't all big and proud. They don't follow the rules.

I just read in a book that Robins forage during the day (look for food), and then get together in groups at night. This passage insinuated that Robins are alone while they look for food.

My response to that is - Oh yeah?

The other day, I was walking in a park and I saw HUNDREDS of Robins flying around! They were feeding, oh yes, but they were doing it in groups. They would rise as a group, soar in the air, and land on another patch of grass. Some of them would break away but they always came back to the group.

They sing - beautifully.

Ever have a Robin try to stare you down? They do it. You just have to look at them, REALLY look. They'll spread their legs apart, cock their heads and stare HARD at you. I can almost hear them say, when they do that...

"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT!"

It makes me laugh that. I've called them the JDs (juvenile delinquents) of the bird world, ever since - birds with an attitude.

Hmm. Makes the concept of "the bird who breaks the rules" more - real.

My sister's name is Robin. Each time I look at the American Robin (the bird) I smile, and say hello. I'm usually thinking of my sister, then.

Not that my sister "has an attitude". That's more my role.

Hmm. Maybe that's why the American Robin (the bird) makes me laugh.

I like them. I can identify.