Palmer robins are back!

We appreciate Robins because they are the hearty voice of our spring. But elsewhere, Robins are both underrated and undervalued. They are just one of many birds…not too glorious, not too big, somewhat common, not extroverts nor flashy. However their song and red breast is their both their identifier and crown. In Palmer, they are silent or elsewhere for many months. So their local return is heralded as significant.

Where Do They Go? — A study from Denali Park showed that three tagged robins traveled to Amherst Mass and Washington DC for the winter! That’s a darn big trip for anyone and for a little bird, it’s a big journey. They fly in groups for protection from predators. And they land in flocks, called “rounds” of robins. Which is why last week in Palmer, we saw many robins clustered together. Surely they were exhausted but they still greeted us with their song. Now, that they are rested and nourished, they leave the pack and double up and are actually not so social. They are intent on eating, nesting, and propagating now as territorial pairs. I read that they are not necessarily monogamous, unlike loyal swans or geese. But for the single season they are mated.

Symbolism—Robins generally live about two years although some 11 year old robins have been identified. Our robins probably don’t live that long because of the huge migratory travels they find necessary. Symbolically Robins represent good luck, happiness, and rebirth. They are considered the tiny messengers from passed relatives. You have probably heard the old phrase, “When robins appear, loved ones are near.” Norse mythology claims that robins were protectors from storms and lightning.

Why are Palmer Robins friendlier than other birds?—Again, I dug deep for an answer which might be that they are loyal to their food sources. In fact robins are known to follow large mammals to increase their food. Human’s freshly turned soil and raked lawns offer up worms and insects which rate high on the robin’s menu. This means that Robins come confidently closer to our living spaces.

Why do Palmer Robins seem so joyful?—Well, of course it is because they live in Palmer! But more important is that they are optimistic birds because of their adaptability and resilence. Robins’ high profile jubilance is in their song and sharing music is a healthy thing in all our lives. Robins seem grateful for the sun and rain and morning and frankly, gratitude always courts good karma. Robins are compelled to communicate in our community and that too brings joy.

Lots of Wonders in Palmer Skies and Earth-side—This past weekend’s airplane gathering was fine. Kites, drones, helicopters, and planes joined all the migrating birds. Thousands of people visited the event and many were airplane enthusiasts. But many didn’t care what the subject or theme of the event was….they were just thrilled to have something interesting to do and to walk around and look at things and socialize and visit food trucks. In addition to the airshow, there was the sweet car show, live music show, and the Palmer Invitational Track and Field Event. It felt great to be out and about in Palmer.

This Week In Palmer—The First Friday Fling is this week! Plus we have the Alaska Vintage Market and Food Truck Fest at the Alaska State Fair this weekend. The May Faire is at Birchtree Charter School on Saturday. There is a motorcycle blessing Saturday afternoon at the Harley Davidson shop and the race track opens up this weekend. The Butte is open now on both sides. Trails are dry in the parks and the bikes are out. Mother’s Day is Sunday and everyone has or had a mother; so do something to honor her, wherever she is. In Palmer there are lots of gatherings and celebratory meals for moms—so yeah MOMS!

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222