Date: 01/29/2006

Number: 1

Each year, usually between February 2 -4, hundreds of robins descend into a large holly tree in my backyard. They pick the tree clean of berries and then move on, not to be seen or heard from again for several weeks. This year the birds came slightly early. They arrived January 29th. A few loud noices sent them flying to large trees quite a distance from my home, only to return in large swooping groups. It was an unusually warm day so we were able to open the window only a few feet from the tree and listen to the flapping of their wings and their beautiful song. Many were able to hover like a hummingbird for a few seconds. Long enough to pick the berry off of the end of a branch. A blue jay landed in the middle of their convention, squaking loudly. I assume to try to scare them away, although I have never observed a blue jay eating the holly berries. The squirrels were quite distraught, since they have been leisurely enjoying the berries since Christmas time. And now there is nothing left. It took 20 minutes for the robins to pick the 30 foot tree clean. We felt such wonder and gratitude in being able to share in this awesome event.

Havertown, PA

Latitude: 40 Longitude: -75.3

Observed by: Lynda
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