Date: 02/16/2011

Number: 1

I definitely heard the robin today. It was giving its true call right outside my open window. It is 53 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny here. After I opened your site and listened to the calls I realized it is across the field now giving the whinny call, perhaps in response to my cat sitting in the window. (Mieu was interested in the recording as much as I was, and is an avid bird watcher.) Last week I think I heard one short string of the robin call, but it could have been the catbird that lives here. Today was the robin as it called 7 or so times in a row. Catbirds usually do one call three times and then someone else, one right after the other.
There has been one lone robin here all winter, except for a few days in January when a large flock moved through. We have about 2 acres on a southwest facing riverbank covered in bush honeysuckle. They came and cleared off the berries. I thought our robin went with them but saw it later. Probably it is roaming, looking for food as our berries are all but gone.
Is there a way to tell males and females apart for bird watchers? I think robins are so handsome/elegant with the black satin applique' pattern down the back of their charcoal tuxedo. I first saw this when a robin hopped down the sidewalk in front of me for several feet. Since then I am on the lookout for them as a beautiful bird as well as a sign of spring and a great songster.
Happy Day!

Oregonia, OH

Latitude: 39.4 Longitude: -84

Observed by: Melitta
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