American Robin
The American robin is a fairly common bird in southern Ontario. The male robin has a red-orange chest while the female robin has a subdued orange chest while the juvenile robin has a white chest (which gradually becomes orange-red) with dark spots. The robin warbles early in the morning and late at night and has a variety of pleasant vocalizations. The juveniles are quite dependent on their parents for food for the first month but seem to grow quickly and gain independence in two months. This summer, the parents have had two sets of fledgings; one set in the spring and the second set during the month of July.
The popular phrase, "the early bird catches the worm" refers to robins, as their favourite food is earthworms. Sadly, it has been very hot and dry this summer. Thus, there is nary a worm to be found in the grass; they have retreated deep into the soil to keep cool. I have never seen the robins eating from the feeders, which are filled with sunflower seeds, smaller seeds, and suet.
To compensate for the lack of earthworms, I place approximately 20 raisins on the ledge of the back patio every three hours or so each, starting at 6am. The raisins (and grapes) have proven to be very popular with the resident pair of robins and their youngsters, as well as other nearby robins.
Eating, Drinking and Bathing
This compilation video features various robins eating raisins (and a worm) from the patio ledge; drinking water from the bird's bath and engaging in vigorous bathing. All of these activities are undertaken several times a day, from early in the morning until approximately 7pm at night. The resident robins enjoy bathing daily and can put on quite a show as they splash about with great enthusiasm.
The video is hosted on YouTube because of its large file size. New segments will be added weekly.