Remember that you can click on any photo to enlarge it.
The wind is blowin’…the snow is snowin’… That’s how that old song goes and it is sure true today. We are experiencing what folks from Maine fondly (okay, maybe not always fondly) call a “nor’easter”! Looks like most of the state will get 10″ to 15″ of snow by the time this storm blows by.
But wait…doesn’t the sighting of a robin tell us that spring has sprung?! …that winter is bidding us farewell?! Well then, spring must be here—or at least it is spring in Lisbon, Maine. Our daughter sent me these photo’s on January 26th. Night-time temperatures were well below zero and daytime wasn’t much warmer. But here you have it…robins in Maine in the middle of winter.
After doing some research, I found that wildlife biologists and birdwatchers say that robins are fairly common winter residents in Maine, especially along the coastal regions. It seems that robins are really short-distance migrants when they can get away with it. They lack the compulsion to fly far south each fall, despite the fact that everyone thinks that they fly south. Who knew that robins are opportunists and not all that ambitious.
In the winter months, robins are likely to stay in large flocks where there is an abundance of fruit. They seek crabapples, mountain ash and any leftover berries that they can find. People plant ornamental shrubs that also produce fruit for all birds and to help robins survive.
Robins can survive for several days if inclement weather prevents them from feeding because they carry fat reserves on their bodies. However, they may go further south if an ice storm or blizzard prevents them from finding food. 
Some of the robins that are seen in Maine have come south from northern Canada. Canadian robins are bigger and darker than the birds that we normally see here in Maine (these robins do appear to be both larger and darker). I guess that Maine may be balmy compared to northern Canada!
There you have it. If you live in Maine and see a robin in your yard in January, don’t put your long johns away quite yet! Spring is just 51 days away.
Great photos, I especially like the first one – Robin with berry in its mouth! Looks like they are getting quite a feast! I didn’t know that the Canadian Robins were larger and darker.
These are great photos! I can never get such clear shots of birds. Are you taking part in the great bird count next month?
Photographer was Tracey. I am just seeing ordinary birds here. She saw both red and yellow grosbeaks in that same tree yesterday. She should be the one to do the bird count.
Oh! Thanks. I was beginning to wonder. This Jan. and Feb. I have seen flocks in the Portland area. Don’t remember this from past years.
Guess the berries and food in southern Maine must have been really good this year. Makes us think that maybe spring is right around the corner (smile).
No robins spotted here on the coast yet. However, our deck feeder is hosting a whole flock of mourning doves! Keeps the cats quite entertained!
I’m watching a robin here in Windham as I write this. I was prompted to goggle “robins” and “Maine” because I couldn’t believe what I’m seeing. We have a bird feeder but robins never bothered with that, seeking the worms and whatever insects on the ground or in the bushes.
Lots of jays, chickadees, starlings, and doves come by for chow. I haven’t see the cardinal in a couple of weeks.
My first thought was, ohhhhhh an early spring. But after reading the postings here, I took my winter coat back out of the cedar closet.
Have a good day, y’all.
Yep, I wouldn’t put my winter coat away quite yet, Meme!
Robins in brewer maine for 3 weeks now. I have never seen this before. They are plump.
We can still hope that spring is springing, Belinda.
Be sure to join in on the Great Backyard Bird Count which starts tomorrow (see my post today).