August 2005 Bird of the Month is seen on the Raleigh Greenway
Large red breast sticks out with pride!
It’s true the American Robin was named the bird of the month in August 2005 by the Smithsonian Institute.
And sure enough I got to see that robin. I’m sure it was the same one. It had to be the way it held its red breast out so far.
It was a prideful sight indeed as it sat there at the entry to the Buckeye Trail. You would think it owned the trail the way it guarded the entrance.
It’s rumored that the bird got its name by mistake. It appears that I am not the only one who can’t tell his birds apart. The Europeans apparently mistook the American Robin for an English Robin. Heck, they aren’t even related.
Except for Hawaii and some of the more remote U.S. territories, you can find robins in all the continental states including Alaska.
Robins it appears like people; especially people who like grassy lawns. It turns out that worms are one of their favorite foods and lawns are among the best places to find worms.
Robins are very pretty birds and they like to hop as they search for worms for themselves and their babies. This behavior has made them a favorite in songs and poems.
Some people call them Robin Red Breast.
Robins have few problems though in the last few decades they have suffered a little from lead in the environment. A few years back a new threat emerged in the form of the West Nile Virus. It seems that while worms are the Robin’s favorite food, Robins are among mosquitos’ favorite meals. With the introduction of this disease a lot of Robins have been stricken. In spite of these problems the Robin specie is increasing in numbers.
Of course this particular Robin was seen on the Raleigh Greenway; how could I possibly know that this is the one the Smithsonian meant to honor with its bird of the month award? Honestly I can’t be sure but I’ve always found that folks like it when you recognize them folks (and I include animal folks) appreciate the gesture. It wouldn’t do for me to go back and rip up the picture in front of the poor bird. No, I’m sticking by my original thought and as far as I and the bird in question are concerned, this was the exact bird that the Smithsonian intended to honor.
Given that the Raleigh Greenway System has been honored by the one and only August 2005 Bird of the Month with a visit to one of the most attractive trails which also has wide swaths of grass to feed our honored guest.
