Red Wing and the Robin: Answering the Call of the Wild
Published on May 19, 2026
By Carrie S.
On Sunday, March 8, I received a visit from an old friend. I heard him before I saw him. A familiar high-pitched, shrill cry rang out as I poured my morning coffee. Just a few short moments later, there he was on my deck: beautiful black coat of feathers with a vibrant sweep of fiery red on the wing.
The Red-winged Blackbirds have been visiting my deck for years. The spring migration always brings them the second week of March, and this is a date I look forward to every year—a point of focus for when the days are dark and the cold runs deep.
Just a week later, he was joined by another welcome visitor, a pair of robins. Peeking in my window, they were clearly wondering where their raisins were. Naturally, I was only too happy to oblige. I’m so very close to getting them to eat from my hand—maybe this will be the year!
I can’t remember when I started to pay closer attention to nature’s rhythms. Jokes and memes online assure me that this is something that happens to most of us as we get older. What I do know is that engaging with the natural world around me has been an incredibly rewarding gift. It is ever present, a reminder of something deeper when the chaos of life overwhelms.
As spring wanes, experience tells me that my bird friends will not be here for long. But I will enjoy them while I can and look forward to experiencing the unique joys of each season as they unfold.
If exploring our connection with nature soothes your very soul, then I have some perfect book recommendations for you.
Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in your Own Backyard by Joan Strassman
Sometimes we all need a reminder to slow down. This guide encourages us to notice and appreciate all the spectacular birds on our own doorstep!
Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton
A wonderful tale exploring the relationship between a young, frightened hare and its rescuer.
The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl
Fifty-two fabulous chapters that follow the creatures and plants in the author’s backyard over the course of a year.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer blends scientific expertise and Indigenous wisdom to explore our reciprocal relationship with the world around us.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
Daily observations from a backyard birder, accompanied by wonderful original sketches.
Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard by Douglas Tallamy
A practical guide for transforming your outdoor spaces into flourishing wildlife habitats. If you’re looking for some grassroots conservation inspiration, this might be the book for you!
The Hidden Seasons: A Calendar of Nature’s Clues: Learn to see the Microseasons Hidden Within Each Day by Tristan Gooley
An invitation to observe the more subtle intricacies in nature; this astonishing book is a treasure trove of information.