Welcome to the first day of spring
My children reminded me last night that today is the vernal equinox which marks the first day of spring. It has been a severe winter here in southern Alberta so it is a little hard to believe spring could be arriving soon. Last Sunday I was photographing at Carburn Park – one of Calgary’s beautiful parks along the Bow River – photographing ducks, geese and gulls along the water.
Snow fell through the day, wind blew in from the north and clouds slid low over the city. I enjoyed the inclement weather for its photographic potential but I had no thoughts of spring as I went along for a few hours.
When I spied an American robin among the rocky shoreline, I have to admit I was surprised. It looked and felt like winter – particularly on this day – but robins are wonderful harbingers of spring and I happily welcomed their presence as a sign of that change. I dropped down to the ground and soon found that robin and seven others flitting about the rocks. They know more than I do about season change or else they wouldn’t be here. I hope you enjoy a beautiful spring!
Christopher Martin Photography 
That first picture is a good catch! Robins abound here in the Pacific NW and their raucous and repetitive songs seem to dominate the “song scape” this time of year–and can drive me a tad nutty in the early morning hours. But they are good birds, worthy birds, springy birds …I remind myself some moments!
April 12, 2018 at 7:59 pm
beautiful pictures of the robin, Christopher…
March 31, 2018 at 2:10 pm
Thank you so much.
April 1, 2018 at 3:11 pm
amazing photos
March 26, 2018 at 8:04 pm
What a unique and delightful find in such an unexpected spot!! Beautiful photos.
March 24, 2018 at 12:45 pm
Great photos! I’ve been hearing birds chirping early in the morning recently! Spring is definitely on our doorstep
March 22, 2018 at 7:25 am
Actually, many robins are year long residents, even in Canada! They rely on fruit instead of insects and worms in the winter, so their behaviour (and apparency) changes.
March 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm
Agreed! Along the rivers there are some that overwinter but in Calgary the numbers are relatively small in my experience. Either way, when I see them I think of spring and that’s aspect, them as harbingers of leaving winter behind is how I see them at this time of year. When I do see them in winter I feel a little sad for them as I believe it is a hard living during the cold, snow months.
March 20, 2018 at 2:51 pm
The winter is hard on us all 🙂
March 21, 2018 at 2:39 pm
No robins here in the Twin Cities of east/central Minnesota. A bit of snow today, perhaps they’ll fly in from the North next week! 😉
March 20, 2018 at 1:09 pm
I hope the weather breaks – you guys have suffered more this year than us in the west I think!
March 20, 2018 at 3:01 pm
Great photos! I love shooting on overcast days because of the diffused shadows. Well done!
March 20, 2018 at 8:51 am
Agreed – there is no better soft box! Thanks for visiting!
March 20, 2018 at 2:47 pm
How lucky you are! I grew up in Iowa, where the coming of the robins always was greatly anticipated. Their antics and their songs were an integral part of our springs and summers. Now, I rarely see them: only when a chance migration brings them through for a few days. I’m glad to see them here.
March 20, 2018 at 8:00 am
You are right – your perspective helps to weather that winter as it has dragged on.
March 20, 2018 at 3:02 pm