Tag: Finger Lakes birds

Why Do Robins Snub Your Feeders?

A American robin perched on a bird feeder, holding a worm in its beak.

Hi Robin Watchers,

In Central New York, spotting a Robin in March is like texting your pals, “Spring is here!” Their orange chests and cheery chirps like Syracuse Orange fans. But don’t expect them at your feeder. Robins aren’t built for cracking seeds like cardinals. Their beaks prefer softer, squirmier meals; think earthworms, beetles, and caterpillars.

During breeding season (spring–summer), robins go wild for protein-packed bugs to feed their chicks. Picture them trailing you across your lawn, eyeing that nightcrawler under your flip-flop. If robins could talk, they’d yell, “Step aside, lady, you’re standing on my lunch!” If that were me, I would have fled to my porch, scraping worm goo off my shoe all the way. Gross! But robins love it.

Robin’s Favorite Snacks

Close-up of a cluster of silvery larvae with segmented bodies, some displaying small antennae, against a dark background.

Here’s what robins love

•  Insects: Caterpillars, beetles, true bugs, flies, sowbugs, snails, spiders, termites, millipedes, centipedes.

•  Worms: Earthworms and nightcrawlers are to Robins like The Owl house in Rochester is to vegans. In summer, robins hunt these in your yard or at Lime Hollow’s trails. No feeder needed—they’re nature’s bug repellent (Because even robins appreciate a good snack and a well-manicured yard).

Where do Robins go in the winter?

Some robins migrate to Texas or Florida for better grub, but many stay in Central New York, hiding in wooded areas like the Finger Lakes National Forest for insulation. I used to think they were snowbirds, like Central New York retirees fleeing to their favorite beach spots, but nope, robins grow extra downy feathers to brave the cold and stay right here in Central New York. In the immortal words of the Late, Great Johnny Carson, “I did not know that.”

Keep Birding, Beginners!

A small bird with a reddish-orange chest standing on snow, surrounded by twigs and branches.
A closeup shot of a European robin bird in a winterpark covered with snow

Got a robin tale? Drop a comment below—I’m begging you! Share your winter sightings or worm-chasing stories. Check mybirdingjournal.com for Central New York birding tips.

Sources:

What Do Robins Eat and How to Feed Them

Hummingbirds: Finger Lakes Brainiacs Who Never Forget a Feeder

Dear Hummingbird Fans,

On May 1, 2025, I’m buzzing like a Tom Thumb’s Ice Cream on opening day, my first Ruby-Throated Hummingbird hit my feeder before I could sip my morning coffee. This green-glitzed diva hovers with the grace of an acrobat. Happiness evolves watching these marvels flit just feet from my window. Their brilliance lifts my spirits. But her best trick? A memory so sharp it makes my ADHD brain look like a hyperactive squirrel, that thinks their sunflower seeds are in the hummingbird feeder. Say what??

Nectar GPS Masters
Hummingbirds plot nectar stops like an Amazon driver’s route from Syracuse to Ithaca. My backyard Ruby-Throat visits every salvia patch as though it’s on her Yelp list. Meanwhile, I forget whether I ate breakfast. They know a flower refills in 15 minutes, much like the patron at Foxy’s in Homer. Last spring, one little visitor seemed to ignore my shiny new feeder. Instead, she chose to swoop down near the Tioughnioga River. Here’s a tip for future success: keep your feeder in the same spot every May. Those feathered friends have your ZIP code locked in like bikers heading to Dinosaurs BBQ.

Do they remember us?

This incredible bird remembers every feeder and nectar source across the Finger Lakes region. It’s like she has this amazing mental map. A natural brainwave that astounds me every time she returns, reminding me how mind-blowing these hummingbirds are. Each flutter of her wings creates a mesmerizing display. I find myself absorbed in the mini-ballet dancer of nature outside my window. Every sighting feels like a springtime gift. It transforms an ordinary day into something truly special.

Here’s why these tiny geniuses rule my patio

Experts suggest hummingbirds remember when it was last there and whether it was worth the trip. That means the birds we watch might see us as Bru 64, serving up Guava Passion Fruit. There’s one adorable hummingbird that often buzzes around me. She zips so close that I can’t help but feel she might have a little mental list of ‘Weird Humans that feed me,’ with my face proudly stamped on it.          

Brainier than most birds
Did you know that their brains pack a punch, accounting for a whopping 4.2% of their body weight? It’s like having a mini Einstein in charge of my feeder. That fancy little part of the brain, the hippocampus, is an absolute genius at mapping out flowers. Far superior to my own attempts at navigating through Walmart on a busy Sunday morning. Scientists say their extraordinary memory is crucial for mating. It is essential for survival, too. For me, in my yard, it means they never forget the spectacular salvia patch from Valley View Gardens. It’s a favorite hotspot for bird-watchers. Gardening enthusiasts love it, too!

“Got a brainy hummer?” Share your best feeder story or a photo of your feeder setup in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.

Bonus: Keep your feeder steady for a week. Let me know if she returns with all the wisdom of a PhD graduate from Cornell University. Until next time, keep your nectar flowing and your memory growing.

PS: My favorite nectar recipe: 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of sugar. Heat the water until it reaches a boil, then add the sugar. Cool it in the fridge, and voila, you’ll have fresh nectar.