I haven’t been outdoors much this week, but I have been hearing parts of the American Robin spring song at times when I have needed to go somewhere.
Adult American Robin with a crabapple in the snow – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO500, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I pay attention to everything nature-related. I always have. To hear portions of the spring songs of American Robins made me wonder why they would start singing parts of their spring song this early in winter.
Maybe it is because down here in the Salt Lake Valley, it has been unseasonably warm for this time of the year? We’ve only had skiffs of snow when it has fallen, and temps have been warmer than normal. It was 54°F here yesterday and 56°F the day before.
I don’t remember ever hearing parts of the American Robin spring song this early.
By this time last year, we had plenty of snow down in the valley, but last year was a fluke—an absolute gift of moisture in the mountains and the valleys, but it was still a fluke as far as the record amount of snowfall went.
I don’t know if the robins are singing portions of their spring song because they are already getting ready for spring, or if they know that spring will arrive early in 2024. All I know is that hearing even small parts of their spring song caught my attention this week. At first, it delighted me to hear it; then I grew concerned.
Why would I be concerned?
Water: We need winter snows for water in the reservoirs and the Great Salt Lake. If spring comes early, we won’t get what we need. If we don’t get the snow we need, the Great Salt Lake won’t get the water it needs. Yes, I am concerned.
Life is good. I’m still not feeling great, but I am feeling a bit better today, at least I got enough sleep the past two days.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Robin photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful Portrait. Robins are such beautiful and iconic birds. I remember seeing them in our yard in Philadelphia when I was very young. Even after all these years the memory is still quite strong. Thanks Mia.
As for water issues – I gotta say that our heavily anticipated “super wet” El Nino year has been a dud so far. In fact, several weather forecasters are starting to say this El Nino may fizzle out. How lovely.
I have not seen as many robins at a couple of locations they usually spend the winters here in Salt Lake. The trees are still full of pears too, so no birds of any kind have been by yet. The robins wintered over in the rehab will sing all year. It’s lovely to listen to but made me sad. Stuck in a cage till feathers grow or wings heal. Non-flighted birds can’t be in larger enclosures until they can fly well enough, if they flop around they do more feather damage, taking still longer to molt and regrow.
I am sorry you are still not back to feeling well, hope you will be back to adventuring and photographing soon.
Our summer has been odd. We were threatened with a long, hot and dry summer – which parts of Oz are receiving with the consequent fires. Here in my city we have had some of that and rather a lot (praise be) of precious moisture. I do notice such changes (as do the birds) but like you I worry.
I am very glad you are feeling a smidgeon better.
Fascinating! Hopefully people will record songs this year and upload to eBird. Will there be changes in seasonal songs? If so how will they change…???
We have some small flocks of robins devouring our holly berries. I hope they leave some for the waxwings. The crabapples are entirely depleted. I did hear a snippet of their song now and then, but mostly single calls and a few run-on trills. Freezing nights but no snow yet, but the heated bird bath provides water for the birds and squirrels.
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