I snapped the photos for this American Robin painting after a rogue April snow shower. The bird was puffed up, looking cold and perhaps a bit annoyed that the winter weather fought its way back for a few more days. Mid-Michiganders joke that you can have all four seasons in one day, and it often feels like that. Although the bird appeared miffed, it posed for many good photos!
People have often told me that they just saw their “first robin of spring,” which is an interesting observation, since many robins actually overwinter here. They switch from foraging alone in yards to eating berries in larger groups. For the most part they do seem to disappear from mid-Michigan in early winter, and in the spring they become more visible as they return to lawns in search of earthworms and other food.
Robins don’t get enough respect. Although common, they really are quite beautiful. I try to take the time every now and again to really study them through binoculars and appreciate their colors.
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