Consider the Robin

As I walk down the path towards the puddle, I disturb a small flock of Robins.

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I have been thinking a lot about Robins lately.  It started when I tried to sketch a Robin from memory.  I chose the most familiar bird I knew, but as I began, I realized I had very little idea of what Robins really look like. My image of a Robin was similar to the photograph above: red breast, black head, just enough to identify it.

So I started to examine them closely and actively to catalogue what I saw. They became my favorite bird to watch. image

This is my list:

  •  Broken white ring around its eye
  •  White and black striping under its throat
  •  Yellow beak with slightly darker tip
  •  Blackish head going into grayer wings (females had grayer heads)
  •  Brick red stomachs (juveniles had spotted breasts)
  •  Upright stance

Here is a photo of another very common bird. Take a look at it in all it’s glory.

imageTo enlarge the photo just click on it.

Well, I know you’re dying to find out the answer to the question I posed in the previous post– “Who am I?“.  I asked what baby was nesting in the hollow log. ANSWER:  Norwegian rat  (that’s the most common species in NYC) Congratulations Emily, you guessed it!

To read all blog entries just press this link: https://aviewfrommypuddle.com/

13 thoughts on “Consider the Robin”

  1. Wow, I never looked at a blue jay nor a robin that closely. They are beautiful, thank you for opening my eyes for me.

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  2. Thank you for this very detailed appreciation of the American robin. I agree it is all too easy to take for granted birds that we see frequently and not appreciate their nuances. I so appreciate your approach to bird watching!

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