Sitting on my sofa on a chilly February morning, I look out my picture window and see my apple tree full of big fat robins. The first thing that pops into my head is that spring is just around the corner. I remember being in elementary school and learning and singing about the Red Red Robin that was a sign of spring, and soon we would have spring flowers green grass and rising temperatures.  Initially I was excited, we have had a pretty dismal winter so far, and quite frankly I was looking forward to warmer weather, and spending more time outside, then my bubble was burst, I was told that these big fat robins are actually Canadian robins. I didn’t know there was a “Canadian” robin so I set out to do a little research.

Canadian robins are bigger and darker than the birds that we normally see here in New Hampshire. Wildlife biologists and birdwatchers say that robins are fairly common winter residents in New Hampshire. Robins are short-distance migrants, they lack the urge to fly far south each fall and are not overly 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. 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.

Apparently, New Hampshire may be balmy compared to northern Canada. While the Canadian robins are visiting us and enjoying the “warm” weather, I am no longer going to take their appearance as a sure sign that spring is right around the corner. So for now, I suppose I will listen to Punxsutawney Phil and plan for a longer winter, I will keep the long johns handy, the woodstove stoked and keep my eye out for a crocus peeking through the snow.