It’s easy to overlook what’s always around. Take the robin, for example. The American robin is ubiquitous. Once a welcome sign heralding spring’s arrival, now we see it year round in coastal Maine. We seldom focus on it as we seek a fleeting glance of more exotic birds–orioles, tanagers, warblers, etc. But take a look — notice that rich, ruddy breast, the white lined eyes, the streaked throat. Listen to its song! Robins truly are beautiful birds!
Yesterday morning, as I wandered by the riverside park, I saw a robin hopping along the ground. I lingered and watched for a while. (One of the joys of summer is having time to linger and time to notice.) Every so often it stopped and cocked its head toward the ground. It seemed to be listening! Each time it would turn its head, pause, then straighten up, peck at the ground or move along. It was fascinating!
A dim memory stirred. Did I remember reading that robins can actually hear the earthworms stirring underground? Later, a quick google search confirmed it. Robins use sight and hearing to find worms and can actually find worms solely by listening when needed. I also read that robins can eat up to 14 feet of earthworms in a day! Yikes! Now all I can think about is slurping spaghetti.
Nix the comfort zone 
Love the slurping spaghetti image! That is perfect. I cannot forget the birds by me – they are squawking like crazy on my walks this month! Thanks for sharing
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14 feet is crazy, right!?
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Hal Borland has a worthy successor. I bet you have 365 nature columns to be seeds of your own Twelve Seasons of the Moon (updated for 2021). Hal began collecting his observations in 1943.
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I’ll have to start counting! đŸ™‚
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They really are beautiful! Thank you! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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Since we have them around all the time, it’s so easy to overlook them!
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A fun and informative post! Thanks!
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Thanks!
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The robins that were all over the neighborhood in spring are gone. They don’t stay around here. Too hot. I’m glad you featured them and taught me something new. Slurping spaghetti.
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