The First Robins (and a Little Surprise)

Today’s fascination is brought to you by… robins.

Not the round, wormy-bellied kind I expect to see this time of year. These were different. A little lean. Almost like they showed up early and are still figuring things out. It caught me off guard enough to stop and really look.

One in particular—its chest a true, vibrant red. Not the usual soft rust tone, but bold. It perched right in our apple tree… which, just two days ago, finally started to bud.

The moment felt like a little natures announcement. Winter loosening its grip.

We’ve actually enjoyed the tree in its bare state. With nothing in the way, it’s been the perfect stage for our two hummingbirds. They zip from feeder to branches to who-knows-where, all day long. Bunny watches them from the patio doors like they belong to her. We call them her “nature pets,” and she takes her job very seriously.

Sometimes I’ll be sitting at my computer, back to the window, and I’ll see them before I hear them—tiny shadows flickering across my screen. Quick little flashes of movement. It makes me smile every single time. (There’s one out there right now. I just caught its shadow again.)

And then today—the robins.

Slower. Not darting like the hummingbirds, simply steady. Even in their leanness, they felt sure of themselves. Like they know something is on the way, even if it’s not fully here yet.

You might be surprised to learn there are actually different kinds of “robins.” The ones visiting us here are American robins, often seen as a sign that spring is beginning to stir. If you’re curious, you can learn more about them here: Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

But what stayed with me wasn’t the timing. It was the contrast.

Lean birds.

A budding tree.

Speedy motions.

The hummingbirds still flitting through bare branches like it’s mid-winter.

All of it happening at once.

There’s something kind of wonderful about that—how different stages can overlap without needing to be sorted out.

Nothing fully finished. Nothing fully begun.

Everything in it’s perfect timing.

Hugs & Smiles,
Joy & Bunny

A little reminder to scatter joyfulness today.