American Robin: May Backyard Bird, Regina, SK

The American Robin was one of the first after-winter arrivals in my Regina, Saskatchewan, backyard. I love robins in spring, when their feathers are all still crisp and mating-flashy-new.

There are several pairs of American Robins in our neighbourhood now, swooping and chasing each other — but so far, in my yard at least, no signs of nests.  (Several years ago, they nested in our apple tree. It was a little alarming the first day the young fledged — what with rain and neighbourhood cats!)

American Robin - a sociable bird that usually looks cross.   © SB 

While some American Robins live year-round in the U.S. (and parts of B.C. and the Maritimes), others only winter in the south and then migrate back north to the rest of Canada (and Alaska) for summer and to breed.

So for us, these are spring birds, and their appearance is a welcome sign that winter is over.

What is this? American Robin.

Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Photo date: May 21, 2013.

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