Winter has sprung? Robins return to Central Florida
Roger Simmons,
Across most of the country, the return of American Robins signal the start of spring. But not so in the Sunshine State, where things are usually the opposite of everywhere else. And based on what I saw Tuesday night, winter is coming.
Robins are not normally found in our part of Florida except in the winter, when they arrive here from their northern homes. While visiting the UCF Arboretum at sunset on Tuesday, a flock of several dozen Robins arrived.
It was amazing to see them flying in the sky, singing and moving along from tree to tree. It’s the first time I have seen so many Robins at once.
The males and females essentially look the same. Both have the distinctive orange bellies but the males’ heads are little more black and the females’ are more gray. And then there is the one I photographed that is either a juvenile or has leucism.
An American Robin looks regal after arriving with several dozen others at the UCF Arboretum in November 2023.This fluffed up male American Robin poses at the UCF Arboretum in November 2023. Males have black heads.This American Robin at the UCF Arboretum in November 2023 may be a juvenile or leucistic.An American Robin, part of a flock of several dozen, checks out a pine tree at the UCF Arboretum in November 2023.An American Robin strikes a pose near sunset at the UCF Arboretum in November 2023.With a buddy looking on, this American Robin looks back at the UCF Arboretum though its legs. Taken in November 2023.American Robins are know for the black and orange bodies, and their frequent singing. This one was spotted at the UCF Arboretum in November 2023.A group of American Robins descend on the UCF Arboretum in November 2023.A group of American Robins rest in a tree at the UCF Arboretum after several dozen arrived near sunset in November 2023.The sun sets behind a group of pine trees at the UCF Arboretum in November 2023.
I saw my first Eastern Towhee at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge back in March, but I’ve seen many more send then at the UCF Arboretum. The scrub bush landscape there is perfect for these colorful orange and black birds.
