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My yard was inundated by Robins this past winter — the American Robins became so numerous on our property that I began calling my backyard "Robin Hood!" (as in neighborhood).

The invasion began as a trickle at the end of December. A few robins began to sample our crabapples and serviceberries. Apparently the fruit was not yet ready for mass consumption.

However, the tiny blue berries of my neighbor's juniper bush were ripe. On December 29th, I photographed a myriad of the red-breasted birds feasting on the little gems! I was fortunate to catch them in the act, as they cleared out the berries in a day.

Then came the subzero temperatures in mid-January. My pondless waterfall feature was a very popular water source, until the largest fountain (above) began to resemble a glacier and we finally had to unplug the system.

By mid-February, apparently the crabapples were ready, because that is when seemingly all of the robins in the surrounding area moved in to my backyard (aka the Robin Hood)! They feasted on the miniature red fruits from morning to night, day after day for more than a week.

Others foraged beneath the trees gleaning dropped or fallen crabapples.

By that time, we had our pondless thawed and cleaned, and it was up and running again. I feared the robins would never want to leave their new neighborhood!

Unfortunately, with so many birds flying around, it is inevitable that one will strike a window. My husband revived this little feathered friend with a few drops of water, and my cat Truman kept watch until the robin was well enough to fly away safely.

We still have many robins, but with the trees stripped of berries, the vast majority have moved on... until next season!

Paint. Love. Repeat.