Date: 02/19/2001

Number: 1

Today I was collecting tree twig samples for a final exam I am giving to my students tomorrow. I was down in the Niagara Glen (a "wilderness" area near Niagara Falls, ON) and several dozen ROBINS were unhappy about my intrusion. I don't know if these were the overwintering ones but they were SINGING/Calling as I was passing through the area they were feeding/roosting in. They were actively feeding on the fruit of Common European Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) which still clings to the branches. There were yellow/blue dropping stains everywhere (hundreds of spots all over the place!) in the snow. Buckthorn is a natural laxative for humans so I imagine it was doing the same to the birds!!
It was wonderful to hear the robins' voices. There were two distinct voices: 1) the typical evening song, that often announces a pending shower, and 2) the typical robin "chirp". It made all the blues of the day (and winter) disappear.
Wanted to share it with you, and all the other Journey N

Thorold, ON

Latitude: 43.1 Longitude: -79.1

Observed by: Robert
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.