Robins, one of my favorite spring birds, have once again returned to Jeffrey Woods adding both color and song.
There’s just something about these plump little creatures with their puffed-out, orangey-red breasts that make me smile.
As a child, I loved hearing robins chirp at my bedroom window on spring and summer mornings and then again as I ran home after an evening game of hide-n-seek with friends.
(Hide-n-Seek: A non-video interactive game that uses large muscle groups, fresh air, aerobic fitness, social skills and strategic planning.)
(Hide-n-Seek: A non-video interactive game that uses large muscle groups, fresh air, aerobic fitness, social skills and strategic planning.)
Though I must have known these birds weren't the same robins year after year, these plucky little flyers became treasured childhood friends as they greeted me every day and kept me company as the day turned into night.
It’s amazing how certain sights and sounds can evoke memories of a long ago (but never-forgotten) past.
Decades later as I became busy with children of my own, the return of this iconic springtime bird always triggered joyful memories and new opportunities to share nature’s wonder.
During evening summertime walks, my kids and I would often watch these busy birds flit from branch to branch searching for the best nighttime roost. Because robins usually bed down well after other birds, we sometimes played a game of “Wait & Listen” for the very last chirp of the night. (Another non-video interactive game.)
Decades later as I became busy with children of my own, the return of this iconic springtime bird always triggered joyful memories and new opportunities to share nature’s wonder.
During evening summertime walks, my kids and I would often watch these busy birds flit from branch to branch searching for the best nighttime roost. Because robins usually bed down well after other birds, we sometimes played a game of “Wait & Listen” for the very last chirp of the night. (Another non-video interactive game.)
And while spring is still a freeze or two away, chirping and scurrying robins have already brought a most hopeful song to Jeffrey Park & Woods.
PS: Other recent bird sightings have included gaggles of geese, covens of crows, bunches of buzzards, lots of woodpeckers, hooting owls, quacking ducks, hungry hawks and a huge flock of beautiful bluebirds. Additional high-flyers have been seen and noted in the form of boys playing Frisbee and children flying kites. (See below.)
PS: Other recent bird sightings have included gaggles of geese, covens of crows, bunches of buzzards, lots of woodpeckers, hooting owls, quacking ducks, hungry hawks and a huge flock of beautiful bluebirds. Additional high-flyers have been seen and noted in the form of boys playing Frisbee and children flying kites. (See below.)