American robins add lively, bright spots to dreary winter landscape

HENDERSON, Ky. - When the going gets tough -- and cold -- lots of birds head South. But as long as there is food to be found, American robins will bunch up and stick around.

It's not uncommon to see large flocks of the red-breasted birds flitting around parks and yards even in sub-freezing weather like we've had here in Kentucky this week.

Henderson photographer Mark Herron captured these beauties puffed up to keep warm, and feasting on berries left over long after the leaves had fallen. (Check out all of Mark's work at berkleygardens332 on Instagram, and also on Facebook at the page: Mark H Herron Photo Artistry.)

According to an article from Michigan State University, robins prefer insects and worms when the weather is warm and the ground is soft. But in winter, they often go for leftover fruits and berries on bushes and trees.

According to another birding website, journeynorth.org, you can help them survive by feeding them frozen or fresh fruit. "They'll go for apple slices, raisins, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cherries."

You can also buy mealworms for them at pet and bait shops.

"Winter is an important feeding time for robins. Food is more important than shelter. Why? Food fuels the robin's metabolism, giving it the fat and energy to feed, move, stay warm and survive."

As for attracting them to a traditional bird feeder stocked with birdseed, journeynorth.org says, "Most robins have simply never eaten at a feeder before, so they lack the experience to know what feeders are for. And even the hungriest robin would never eat birdseed."

Water is important too.

"Birds need to drink, and if possible, bathe even in the winter. (Dirty feathers lose much of their insulating properties, so a clean bird is a warm bird.) On pleasant days, birds will appreciate a bowl of water more than the finest food. You may notice that robins are usually found where at least a trickle of open water is available."