They're everywhere, by J.C. Kavanagh

 

The Twisted Climb - Book 1 of the award-winning series

They're everywhere now. Robins, that is. They made the trip from lands in the southern U.S.A. and Mexico, flying several thousand kilometres in order to eat, nest and mate here in the spring/summer climate of southern Canada. I have about a dozen that come back every year - or their babies do. According to the National Audubon Society, robins live an average of two years, though some have been tagged and tracked for up to 14 years. According to a North American bird-tracking system, in 2019 there were 370,000,000 robins, the highest recorded, followed by red-winged blackbirds, the European starling, mourning doves, then house finches.

The American Robin

You won't find a robin in your bird feeder - their preferred diet is found in the ground - grubs, insects and worms, or berries. They sing and chirp with apparent delight at dawn and dusk. You'll find them 'running' across your lawn, pausing with head inclined as they appear to listen for their next meal. 

Living in a rural area has given me the pleasure of watching many Mama Robins build their nest (males are not invited for this task). Between April and July, robins will lay between three and five eggs, called a 'clutch,' and the eggs are famous for their light blue colouring (Robin Egg Blue). Mama Robin will lay up to three broods per season, building a new nest for each brood. 

At my home - Mama Robin feeding her brood.

According to Wikipedia and the Audubon Society, robin eggs will incubate for about two weeks. Once hatched, Mama Robin devotes herself with food delivery - specialty of worms and crushed insects for the wee ones. Papa Robin assists with the meal prep, and also removing baby-bird-waste. It only takes another 14-18 days for the baby robins to be robust and ready for their first steps and flight. It has been a joy to watch the young robins finally leave the nest, hop around and then fly to the nearest tree. 

I'm hoping that a new brood graces my property again this year. So far, I've counted six hopping robins.

Be kind and loving to one another, especially this Easter weekend 🥰

Until next time, stay safe everyone!

J.C. Kavanagh, author of 
The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2) voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada 
AND 
The Twisted Climb, 
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart 
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