Although Robins are often known for their preference for worms, their diets are quite diverse. Research indicates that American Robins primarily consume fruits during the fall and winter months, while their spring and summer diets consist more of insects and worms. Interestingly, birders can sometimes observe robins appearing tipsy in late winter and early spring, due to the fermented berries they have eaten. Migratory robins are capable of covering vast distances, with records showing that some have traveled as far as 3,000 miles, from Iowa to Alaska, during their spring migration.
According to some recent estimates, the American Robin population stands at 310 million. But these ubiquitous songbirds went through a rough patch when DDT use was rampant in the mid-1900s. Robins were among the first avian species found to be affected by the use of this pesticide, and scientists recorded mass mortality events as a result. After the 1972 ban on DDT, their populations quickly recovered.
Thank you for visiting this cache and enjoy the birds on the trail!