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| #2924 "Winter Robin" 20 X 16 oils on stretched canvas. Started at 11:00 am Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 |
This is another image taken by my friend, John Verburg, a naturalist and terrific photographer. John provides a tremendous source of inspiration during the winter when the windchill encourages me to stay within the Singleton Studio.
Robins are adaptable birds known for their bright red breasts and beautiful songs. The American Robin is one of North America’s most familiar and widespread songbirds. Found in forests, fields, parks, and backyards across North America, the robin is also the official bird of three states: Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Robin roosts can be huge, sometimes including a quarter-million birds during winter, although I have never witnessed such a dramatic gathering. In summer, females sleep at their nests while males gather at roosts. As young robins become independent, they join the males. Female adults go to the roosts only after they have finished nesting.
Robins eat different types of food depending on the time of day: more earthworms in the morning and more fruit later in the day. Apparently, the early robin does get the worm. Robin are vulnerable to pesticide poisoning as they like to forage on lawns...
The oldest recorded American Robin was 13 years and 11 months old.
- Song: Only male robins sing, and their song sounds like "cheer-up, cheerily". They sing to establish and defend their territories.
- Diet: Robins are omnivores that eat a variety of foods, including earthworms, berries, fruit, and insects.
- Habitat: Robins live in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and urban areas.
- Adaptability: Robins can quickly learn how to find food and shelter in new areas.
- Nesting: Robins build their nests using grass, moss, dead leaves, hair, and wool.
- Territorial: Robins are known for being territorial and fiercely guarding their nests.
- Symbolism: Robins have been a symbol of good luck, happiness, rebirth, and renewal.
- Folklore: In Norse mythology, the robin protects from storms and lightning. In Celtic folklore, the robin is known as the Oak King of Summer.
- Robins are also known for their running and stopping behaviour. They are early nesters, heralding the arrival of spring.
The robin is the largest North American thrush 1.5 times as large as a bluebird.
This painting was completed within the Studio in front of the wood stove listening to tunes... life is very good!
For this and much more art, click on Pixels or go straight to the Collections. Here is the new Wet Paint 2024 Collection. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2025.
Warmest regards and keep your paddle in the water,
Phil Chadwick
