Today is International Migratory Bird Day, and to celebrate, here's a portrait of Connecticut's State Bird - The American Robin. A member of the Thrush family, boy, they sure can sing- cheery carols in distinct patterns and pauses. Their songs have a beautiful liquid, fluid, musical quality that is charming and carries a far distance. They sing in earnest mostly before sunrise and sunset. Pictured is a male; (this one is particularly bright) the female looks much the same but for a very pale or dull reddish-brown breast. They are 10-11" (23-28cm) long and have a diet of worms,grubs, insects, and berries. They arrive from their southern winter home when these food sources are available, and are fondly thought of as harbingers of Spring. They have 2-3 broods each season (3-5 eggs each) and are VERY protective of their nests; "dive-bombing" predators is a common sight. I watched a female build 3 (THREE!) nests this year before she settled on the last one, and that's not uncommon. The mortality rate of the young is upwards of 50% in Conn., and the average lifespan is not agreed upon. It ranges from 2-10 years. They were an enchanting part of my childhood out in the country, finding their nests and watching the progress of the pastel blue eggs. And then watching homely, little babies grow, as if with magic, into lively, beautiful youngsters in less than 2 weeks. And then it would all begin anew.
Greetings! I'm from Connecticut (USA) Photography is one of my lifelong passions (others including gardening, woodworking, history, and being a part...
@lbmcshutter Thanks very much Megan........he is a very fetching fellow. Males as bright as this one get to be very choosey about their mates, and they get A LOT of attention from the females during that time. All my best, Les x
June 28th, 2012
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All my best, Les x