Spring comes late here and no my lens is not dirty those are snowflakes in the beginning of April. But the subject of this post are the Robins we see in the tree. The cats were going nuts, chattering and obsessed to look outside so I wondered what was all the comotion. Normally it's the Magpies, they live here year round and tease the cats but not this time, it was a bobbin of Robins!
They were migrating back to Canada from Mexico and the Southern USA. Our tree was the perfect resting place. This is my office view, it's nice to see some nature and not just a snowy streetscape.
The detail is all in the feathers. This Robin looks chonky but it is just puffing up to keep warm.
I was taking the photos through the window so as not to disturb the birds. I'd like some to hang out here and build a nest but with two cats who enjoy spending some time in the yard, it's probably not going to happen.
We don't feed the birds since it causes a mess. Some of our neighbours do and it attracts pigeons. You can also end up with migrating ducks in your yard. The snow melt causes Alberta to have millions of ponds providing the perfect spot for all sorts of waterfowl to take a break on the great Spring migration.
I can't help but think as I work that these birds did it right. One day we will be like the birds and migrate yearly. Retirees in Canada who go south for the winter are called snowbirds. Phoenix, Palm Springs and Mexico seem to be the most popular destinations.
I get teased that one day, I'll get a huge zoom lens to go birding. It does seem like an interesting hobby once one gets bored of taking photos of scenery and points of interest. We've done a few trips to Central America which has a lot more interesting birds than just Robins and Magpies.
Asides from Robins and Magpies we also get a lot of sparrows. There are dozens of other types of birds here but they are more rare or one has to go into the parks to see them. Large crows, chickadees, jays and blackbirds are a frequent sight along with pigeons. If you go by a pond there are always a few types of ducks and in the fields there are grouse or ptarmigans.
We're just happy to see some signs of life beyond the hare, sparrows and magpies who don't go away for the winter. Thanks for reading.
