SPRING? It’s always going to be an interesting conversation when the first thing a caller says is “You’re going to think I’m crazy…”

Ron Housler of Lantz Corners called us Monday to say, “I saw a robin on Saturday.

“I don’t know what it’s doing yesterday or today,” he said, remarking on the cold, biting wind and blowing snow that plagued the area early in the week.

Ron said the male bird was in the tree by his garage. “It’s probably frozen today,” he added.

We checked with Phipps Science and Education blog to see what they had to say about robins in winter. We were surprised to learn that not all of the harbingers of spring actually migrate.

According to the blog, “South of Canada, most American robins can be found year-round, though in the colder months they are more likely to be roosting and less visible.

“American robins also happen to be rather versatile creatures and will adjust their diets according to available food sources; taking advantage of bird feeders and fruits that remain on trees and shrubs throughout the winter, and then returning to their diet of protein rich invertebrates as the weather begins to warm throughout the spring and summer. The American robin’s versatility also allows it to inhabit varying environments across a vast range.

“These birds can be found in cities, suburbs, farmlands and open areas across North America, with their distributions spanning from coast to coast and as far south as Mexico and as far north as Alaska!”

From the Audubon Society: “A very familiar bird over most of North America, running and hopping on lawns with upright stance, often nesting on porches and windowsills. The Robin’s rich caroling is among the earliest bird songs heard at dawn in spring and summer, often beginning just before first light. In fall and winter, robins may gather by the hundreds in roaming flocks, concentrating at sources of food.”