Robins in east Texas

[Guest]

I've been seeing several Robins the last 4-5 days here in east Texas. Makes me think that spring is right around the corner.

[Gobbler T]

robins may be a sign of spring in some states but if it were true everywhere, the temps would never fall below 85 here!

It ain't nothing to see 25-75 in your yard at one time here year round. They look like flocks of black birds. There were 28 in my yard Wed morning.

In Columbus MS they are as common as a sparrow. I considered building a nest box for robins a year or so ago but obviously they don't need it.

[Bill Pec]

Same here in Virginia, Gobbler T, robins stay all year. The sighting of robins may not be a sign that spring is approaching in many areas, but in some areas they do show up near spring time. As children we were taught they signaled the coming of spring and that is what many of us still think of when we see robins in the winter. Even though it "ain't so " in many areas that is what flashes through many minds . I know better, yet every time I see a robin in late winter, like Mcleod55, I say to myself "spring is coming". True of not it just makes us feel good.
Where I lived, in New Jersey, as forecasters of the spring robins were among the last signs. Not counting more daylight hours I still look for the following signs as early indicators of the harbingers of spring:
Groups of male grey squirrels pursuing a female through the trees in January. (Mating season. Spring must be coming)
Dead skunks on the road in late winter. Again, mating season.
Woodpeckers drumming on trees early in the morning.
Huge flocks of purple grackles heading north in February.
Turkeys gobbling.
For me, the above events provide hope that spring is coming at an earlier date than waiting for the arrival of robins. What do you look for as early signs of an approaching spring?

Enjoy,
Bill

[Guest]

Nice post Bill.

[Bill Pec]

Oops, I meant robins, not robbins. I corrected the error.
Bill

[Joe Zorn]

Tony.
i have a book about building nest boxes for backyad birds. But there are plans for many kinds of birds and even butterflys.

The very first one is a nest box for the American Robin. It looks like a feeder to be honest. Completely open on one side. I have no idea if it works or not, but if you're interested I'll scan it and the article and email it to you.

Since you have that many robins, it might be useful.

[Laverne]

We keep an eye on the deciduous trees. When their buds start to swell it means Spring is close to bursting out all over.

We've got a stupid peach tree that has been blooming for the past month. Obviously, this peach tree is no indicator of Spring. But, the Ash and Maples are thickening up.

We don't usually see Robins around here at all. If the Robins show up, it's a good indication that the weather is gonna get worse. I don't think they come this far south unless bad weather drives them down here.

I watch the trees and when I really see a hint of green I know Spring has sprung...

[Gobbler T]

Nice post Bill.
Oddly enough I like the gobbling one the best!
The only other thing I can think of would be the dogwoods here. That also means the crappie are bedding.

Joe, I know the nest box your referring to. Thats the one I was considering. It does look like a feeder.
But thanks for the offer.

[Joseph]

I took a look at the map for Robin's winter range. It is most of the USA. Oddly enough though, it seems you don't see them much until right before spring.