Although some people might think the marauding crowds of nosy robins are a sign of spring in Rockville, this might not be the case.

Each year my family looks for the arrival of the flock of robins in our front yard. These winged friends throw a loud and dirty party for a few days each February. Yesterday they arrived to celebrate Valentine’s Day and we all wished each other “Happy Robin Day!” This morning they ate with increased merriment and I caught part of the commotion on video.

Last month the Baltimore Sun Maryland Weather blog posted some information on these robins which we see in mid-winter.

Robins, it turns out, are strongly migratory birds, but they breed all over North America. So, there are populations that breed well to our north, for whom Maryland’s coastal plain is “South.” Those that breed here likely migrate in October to the southeastern states, and along the Gulf of Mexico. They return in March and April.

The article quoted David Cursom, director of bird conservation at Audubon Maryland DC:

The groups people are seeing now are part of the wintering population that are moving around. As the weather fluctuates between cold and mild, the robins move accordingly to find food.

I’ve written about the robins in the past for Rockville Central, but couldn’t resist reporting on their arrival in my garden again this year. The warm weather in the 60’s by the end of this week might not mean it’s officially spring yet, but together these occurrences give me hope that we are nearing the end of the cold spell.

… Flowers.

This little hydrant has some friends for the summer!

On a cold and snow covered day in February, masses of American Robins descended on the trees in a complete frenzy, just like a riot. Over the course of three days, they lived in the trees on our property and ate every berry while a squirrel screamed at them. Our toddler and infant son spent hours looking out the window at the commotion. We decided that the robins must have been very hungry and could not get to the worms due to the snow.

However, this phenomenon happens every year in February. This was the week! The berries were numerous and now they are all gone.

Since both my kids were home sick, I spent the week in the house and could keep close tabs on the activity. The robins always start at the top of the tree and work their way down. They don’t mind being together in close proximity to each other. Our vehicles and the ground are covered in droppings. They make a big mess! The squirrels didn’t get upset until today, when the berries were almost gone. I guess they are willing to share but not lose all of the food.

When I went outside, several robins would fly down at me as a warning to keep away from their stash. The loud noise from all those birds filled the air. Hundreds of birds dashed this way and that.

Do the robins do this to other holly trees in Rockville during the winter? Have they been to your neighborhood? Do you expect them to visit?

You can report robin sightings to Journey North.

Even with the weather, this hardy stuff seems to keep hanging on. Well, it was a few days ago. Anyway, this pathway reminds me of the coast of Mendocino, California, and a place called Sea Ranch where I spent a weekend once.

(With apologies to Mazzy Star.) Not entirely blue, but I just wanted to use the title! Some of our readers will know why.

Here is the info:

Enter the Second Annual Washington Gardener Photo Contest and have a chance of getting your winning images published! Whether your take the photos in your own backyard, a nearby public garden, or while visiting friends and family in their local gardens, there are so many wonderful photographic opportunities to be found in our region. Let’s show off the best in DC-area gardening!

This year we have added a new entry category for a total of three classifications:

• Garden Views: Beautiful, dramatic, or unusual perspectives of a garden landscape, including wide shots showing the setting. Subject can be a private or public garden.
• Small Wonders: Tight close-up images or macro shots of a single flowers, plant parts, fruits, vegetables, etc. Subject can be photographed in a private or public garden.
• Garden Creatures: Images of insects, birds, frogs, domestic pets, etc. in a private or public garden setting.

This contest offers an opportunity for all levels of photographers to present their best shots of gardens in the greater Washington, DC area. Contest entries will be judged on technical quality, composition, originality, and artistic merit. More than $500 in prizes will be awarded!

For the full details and entry form, see this page (PDF).

Better hurry: You can only submit photos between January 1 and January 19, 2008.

My eye is always drawn by this little decoration.