Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Dog Wars

I'm very worried that the number of barking dogs in the neighbourhood may limit nesting.  I can't find any facts on bird versus dog, perhaps it won't be an issue.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Nest needs repair...

The robin nest left behind is not in good shape.  Heavy snow and teeter totter weather has caused extensive damage.  If fact this morning I could hardly see a twig of it left.

Spring may come...


You can view the video for this painting by clicking on this link: Settling Down
Robins often return to the same nesting site, they also can have 2-3 clutches of eggs in a year.  Our robins built a nest lower down in the tree, unfortunately the eggs and nest were destroyed, probably by squirrels (evil neighbourhood squirrels).  The robin cam captures the life in a second nest built by the same robins (I believe) higher up in the tree.  I hope that our robins return soon!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Note from my Mom re:Robin Cam

I got on the Robin Cam fine this morning.  Looks great!  Just wondered if you had noticed the little typo at about the seventh painting under your "Sources of information" where you have an "if" rather than an "it".  I think the sentence would read better if you said, "This will make it a more interesting research challenge".  I'm not sure I like at all the inference that 'older' or 'written' reference information is obtuse and dull-witted.  It is often carefully researched and quite accurate.  In fact, some of the older bird experts, such as Stuart Houston, are still considered among the most knowledgeable in North America.  You might get into trouble for making such an assumption!

Note I think my mother interpreted my use of the term obtuse as a negative, in response I have changed this post...thanks Mom


Thursday, March 3, 2011

Robin Facts

Golden: A guide to field identification 
Birds of North America

American Robin

Adult is orange-breated (head of female is paler than male's); breast of juvenile is spotted.


Builds a nest of grass and mud in orchard trees or shrubs or on buildings. 
 Song is a series of 6-10 whistled phrases of 3 or 4 notes, 5-20/min.


You can view the video for this painting by clicking on this link: Ya I'm lookin at you

Robin Facts

A Guide to Field Identification Birds of North America

American Robin turdus migratorius

A common well-known bird often seen on lawns searching for insects and earthworms.  



You can view the video for this painting by clicking on the link: Big Worm
In cold weather prefers moist woods or fruit-bearing trees.


Robin Facts

According to the
 'Birds: A guide to the most 
  familiar American Birds

The robin is the largest of the thrushes-a relationship seen in the spotted breasts of the young.  Homesick colonists named the Robin after a European bird with a much redder breast.