Robins in Snow

Robin in a Snowy Holly Tree © 2013 Claudia Danforth Ward

Yesterday as we were truly beginning to appreciate the results of Blizzard Nemo, I was gazing out our bay window looking at a world that was mostly devoid of bright color, and then I saw them - robins. I first noticed their bright orange breasts and then I notice their motion. Robins were everywhere flying frenetically in, out and about our neighbor's 25-foot holly tree. What was the attraction? The bright red berries on the holly tree.

I always thought birds migrated south in the winter but apparently that's not always true. Robins in particular will stick around if there's food. As their usual food supply - earthworms and insects - is not available in cold weather, robins will eat fruit throughout the winter and this holly tree was laden yesterday with not only snow and ice but thousands of bright red berries - a feast for any robin or scores of them.

I was mesmorized by these creatures yesterday and couldn't stop watching them dart to and fro - thrilled with this cornucopia of food.

  

Photos and Slide Show ©2013 Claudia Danforth Ward
Music: Going Hunting by George Fenton - Soundtrack "Dangerous Liaisons" 

UPDATE: Within 24 hours of the end of Bizzard Nemo and my sighting of the robins next door, the holly tree has been picked clean of its bright red berries and the robins have moved on. Wow!

Holly Tree Sans Berries, Birds, and Snow

Comments

[Ally de Groat]

thank you for the wonderful slide show- what a frenzy of feeding that must have been.
very cool!

[Barbara]

Wow! They worked super fast for that dinner. Terrific photos!!!!! Stay warm with your wonderful soups.

[Sally Ward]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!! I would not have come inside :)