Posted by cheryl jefferies on February 18, 2007

Q: we have about 12 in of snow on the ground there are staving robins all over that has came back too soon is there anything that I can feed them that is easy to find this time if year

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Ohio

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Take a look at our unit on "winter robins" at www.enaturalist.org

Some Robins do not migrate but roam about the countryside looking for food during winter. Ohio is definitely in the geographic area where some do and some do not migrate. So, looks I believe that those you're seeing are not early migrants, just some stay-behind birds that came to your yard.

That being said, it can be difficult at times for them to find food, especially if the snow is really deep. They'll be eating mostly fruit at this time of year - berries they're able to find here and there. Try cutting up some apples, rasins, or any other fruits for them. There is a good chance, however, that they've already left your yard and may not return anymore this winter but it won't hurt to put out some foods. Hope this helps.

John Wiessinger ( February 18, 2007)