Harbingers of Spring

Flocks of robins are everywhere on the island, a sure sign that spring is approaching, even if weeks away.

Michael Judge, in _The Dance of Time_, observes that "Spring .... dances over the distant hills, taunting those who have kept faith in spite of all appearances. ..... River ice melts, and robins return." He is speaking of March, but for us on the Outer Banks robins make their appearance in February. We're happy to see them again.

Some of you may know (and most may be shocked to learn) that many old-time Ocracokers would catch and eat robins. You can read all about it here, http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news090104.htm#top, in the last several paragraphs.