Waiting for the Return in Siouxland, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City, SD

An American robin sits on a branch at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Monday, Sept. 27, 2021 in North Sioux City, South Dakota. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

As spring officially ticks closer via the calendar in Siouxland, I always anticipate seeing the American Robin singing and hanging out in backyards. To me, when the presence of robins occurs, it is a sure sign that warmer weather is here for the year until it’s time for winter to return.

An American robin sits in a tree top at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota Friday, March 4, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Robins will sometimes hang out in this area of Siouxland until the cold becomes too much. Many times I will find them south in the Omaha, NE area which isn’t all that far south, but evidently far enough and warm enough for the creatures. Winter is still on in this area even as I have relatives somewhat complaining about more winter in their neck of the woods, the Siouxland region seems to be a magnet for the snow and cold, and sometimes just the cold.

So, wishing a speedy return of the robin and the warm weather it will usher in and hopeful it is sooner than later.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

An American robin sits in a tree top at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota Friday, March 4, 2022. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)