The other day as I took my walk, about 70 or 80 robins were scatttered over the front lawns of my neighbors. (They each have 5 acres, so their lawns are huge.)

The robin was the first bird I learned to identify as a child. I think I may have even learned the poem about "Little Robin Red Breast".  I remember a children's book (probably a Golden Book) about a robin. 

Anyway, I've learned that the robin is from the thrush family. That doesn't really tell me much. It only brings back memories of a TV program called "Man from U.N.C.L.E." Anyone remember that? THRUSH was the enemy spy organization. I was a junior higher in love with Illya (David McCullum).

Ahem. Back to the subject. When the robins flock together in groups like I saw, they're vegetarians eating various kinds of berries and such. During mating season, they become carnivores and eat bugs and earthworms. I guess the extra protein is needed for mating.

Another time when I was on a walk, the robins seemed to fly along the road with me. If I were to analyze them, I would say they were suffering from A.D.D. They flew from the trees to the ground, and then back up again, and then to the fence post, then to the tree again, then back down to the ground. The whole flock of them were chattering and flying and swooping and chirping. It was really fun to watch. I'm just glad I don't have to babysit them!