A long winter like this one, or a late winter storm as birds are migrating north, are hard on the birds we call harbingers of spring. They must deal with snow, cold, and winds that can blow them off course. Ice storms can lock up all the food on trees and the ground. Robins that have been here all winter may have eaten most of the food. It's a good time to put out bits of fruits, suet, berries and mealworms for hungry birds as this long winter transitions to spring.
"Blizzard conditions. Ten or more American Robins in our mountain ash trees, and 35-50 mph wind gusts!"
Pat in Manchester-Shortsville, New York (March 12, 2014)"It's March Madness here for sure: 69 degrees yesterday and rain overnight, bringing a small earthworm up on our driveway. Now it's dropping to 10 degrees with rain changing to snow!"
Judith in Carmel, Indiana (March 12, 2014)Photo: Wido Hovill
