Red Breast

This is the American Robin, also called robin-red-breast, a common bird throughout the United States and much of Canada. The Latin name is Turdus migratorius, a name always makes me want to giggle; and also a name that is a bit misleading since robins don't actually migrate. People often mistakenly believe that there are no robins in the winter in the northern reaches of the US, but in fact we have robins all year - they just tend to hang out in forests in the winter months where they forage for wild berries. In New Jersey, where I live, robins can be found feeding on the berries from our native red cedars, often with flocks of cedar waxwings.

Unlike the European (or Christmas) robins which are in the chat family, our robins are in the thrush family and are the largest of our native thrushes, averaging 7-11 inches (20-28 cm) in length. They are commonly seen in the spring in lawns, foraging for worms. In urban areas, they are known to nest in close proximity to human dwellings, sometimes even on a windowsill or door wreath. In more rural areas, like where I live, they nest in woodlands and are much more wary of humans. For that reason, seeing them is always a bit of a special treat to me. And being able to get close enough for photos is blip-worthy.

Four other photos from today posted on Flickr, starting HERE

It is shaping up to be a crazy week for us. Big reorganization going on at Hubs' workplace and one that will affect us directly. Whether that effect is positive or negative remains to be seen. Suffice it to say, however, that it will be a stressful week. One way or the other though, we will be fine.

I think I may continue blipping things in the red theme for the rest of this week - my own little nod to heart disease awareness. Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States - a sad statistic.

Be well, people.

xxoo,
Debbi