Countdown To Spring A Bird A Day - Day Two

By Kimberly J. Epp

Here in Canada, another sure sign of Spring is the reappearance of the American Robin.

However robins do sometimes overwinter, and are actually very hardy birds. In the winter, they switch to a diet of berries and will only migrate when no food is available. As the weather warms up, and insects and worms begin to show, robins are again seen on our lawns.

American Robin wetting her whistle at my bird bath. Sitting outside and observing the birds, I would often have up to 7 different species in an hour - each taking their turn. Ensure you put put a bird bath this Spring, and change the water daily. There is nothing more calming than watching the birds in your yard. - Photo by Kimberly J Epp

When they do migrate, some migrate as far as Guatemala. North America has a stable population of robins, at about 320 million.

Mating begins when food sources are plentiful.

When you hear the robins singing, it means the weather is warm enough for them to be active - and that Spring has officially arrived!

Most robins have 3 to 4 blue eggs in their clutch. They may nest up to 3 times in a season. It takes two to six days to build a nest, and one robin may build up to 30 nests over their lifetime.

Always remember to give nesting birds space, and keep your pets inside.