The first robin of spring

[jhetley]

Of course, a few hours ago it had been the last robin of winter. They winter-over in this area, eating bugs and berries instead of freeze-dried worms.

Beware, though, the _winter_ robins around here are Canadian Imperialist Spy Robins, who think they_have_ gone south to warmer climes.

Went up to the University Forest ski trails, in the faint hope that they had groomed the crusty snow. Lazy swine had not. Skied anyway, with slushy granular slop out in the fields and sun patches, and icy crust in the woods. If we don't get fresh snow, I may be hanging up the skis and poles until next winter. Time to pump up the tires on the mountain bike, vehicle of choice on the tattered remnants of so-called road that Maine spring offers.

1.5 hours, 7 miles +/-

Comments

[wcg.livejournal.com]

Canadian Imperialist Spy Robins

Descended, of course, from United Empire Loyalist Robins who migrated to Canada back in 1776.

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

Actually, some of them are Acadian Robins who escaped deportation. You can tell by the accent....

[wcg.livejournal.com]

L'il red-breasted Evangelines, eh?

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

You'd be red-breasted too, if you started exposing delicate bits to the weather 'round heah.

[edschweppe.livejournal.com]

Red-breasted? Are you sure those aren't the titmice?

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

Well, do they have tufts on top of their heads?

[edschweppe.livejournal.com]

Not if they're up in Maine; Tufts is down here in Massachusetts ...

[iamjw.livejournal.com]

I've *tried* explaining to them that, while Maine may well be our easiest target (after all, who's really going to notice if you suddenly start saying "eh"?), it's not, in fact, as far south as we would like. Have gone so far as to point out warmer climes on the map but they keep trying to use the paper to make nests.

As far as Spring goes, well, it's snowing here. Accompanied, however, by the sound of running water as it melts fairly quickly. I saw the first Canada Geese back from points south (now *there's* a bird that undertstands south), which is my personal harbinger of Spring. So the rumours appear to be true and winter will in fact end some time this year.

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

"it's not, in fact, as far south as we would like"

I think that technically I'm north of you....

[iamjw.livejournal.com]

See? That's why the real advance troops are the geese. Sure, robins are cheery and all but they just don't seem to get the concept.

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

Are you _really_ sure you want the geese fronting as Canada's Borg ("...you will be assimilated...")? Nasty hissy things that crap all over the lawn? I participated in a goose roundup once, had to wear a leather jacket and pants and welder's gloves. And such _language_! Not Canadian ambassadors at all.

[iamjw.livejournal.com]

Ah, but that's the point. That's why they're the advance troops. When you're up to your whazzits in goose poop you'll be more than happy to accept the neighbourly help those nice Canadians will offer. Next thing you know you'll be eating poutine and gratuitously adding "u"s to your spelling books.

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

All I'm sayin' is, "Canada" geese give Canada a bad name. Tasty, though....

Canada Lynx would make a good ambassador corps. They have ear tufts. They have whiskers.