Robins

Whenever my mother would spy the first robin of the year -- usually in late February or early March -- she would jot the date down in her journal. And tell her children the good news. Robins, of course, are an early harbinger of spring. These small red-breasted birds are migrating through the island as I write. I noticed the first few yesterday, and this morning several are flitting around in the cedar trees outside my window.

The forecast for tomorrow calls for temperatures in the mid-60s, so I guess those robins know what they're doing. Spring can't be too far behind.


This month's Ocracoke Newsletter tells about island customs relating to death & dying. You can read the newsletter here.