October 4, 2014 / Leslie

Weekend Birding: A Flock of Robins

Birds, Migration, Nature, Photography, Photos, Robin

The American Robin is such a common backyard bird that it is often overlooked or taken for granted. Earlier this week a flock of about 40 or 50 robins choose my yard as a rest stop and stayed for three days. I rarely run for the camera when a robin stops by because I see them all time, but this large flock got my attention and were kind enough to pose for a few photos.

Why do robins form a flock?

Robins are migratory birds, but their behavior does not fit a set pattern like some of the other song birds that always head to the same roosting grounds for the winter.

In September robins leave their backyard nesting territory and begin to form winter flocks. The size can range from a few birds to thousands of birds. Why do they do this? There is safety in numbers. It’s easier to spot predators and to find food with more eyes. Occasionally other fruit-eating species such as waxwings or blackbirds will travel with the flock.

Where do robins go in the winter?

Robins can tolerate the cold and some flocks will stay in the northern states if food remains available. Robin migration is complex and doesn’t follow a typical north-south pattern. Some flocks will wander farther than others, usually in search of food. I often see them during the winter, especially in parks and nature preserves that have native, berry-producing plants.

Why did the flock choose my yard?

Robins don’t eat seeds or come to bird feeders. In the winter they switch their diet from insects and worms to fruit and berries. The main attractions in my yard are the bird baths – robins love water – and the berries on the Eastern Cedar trees. I have other berry-producing shrubs and trees, but the cedar tree is like a neon sign for the birds.

I don’t use pesticides and landscape with a lot of woodchips and mulch, which translates to lots of insects in the soil. Other ways to help birds during migration and through the cold months are to not prune back flowers and vines, and leave a few small areas ‘messy’ with leaves and clutter. This provides food and shelter.

A youngster takes a bath

I have four bird baths and one small pond in my backyard plus a birdbath out front. One of them is heated, and that stays out year-round. The birdbaths were very popular and there were often birds waiting in line to jump in (seriously, there was).

To accommodate the crowds I put out several temporary baths using the bottom saucers from my potted plants. This is an easy and inexpensive way to provide water for the wildlife without the expense and bother of a birdbath.