Back to Nature: Robins

I haven't seen one yet, but I know other people have spotted robins that have returned for the summer. One of my favorite ski experiences had to do with a robin many years ago on the last day of the season. That year we did not have as much snow as we do this year, and there was a "land bridge" to get from the beginner hill to the main chairlift. I was skiing rather fast on the empty hill to make it easier to get over to The Green. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted something. We were both cruising along at an angle and were on a collision course. We both immediately straightened out our paths and soared along side by side for a second. I could see right into its eye and it watched me. After a moment it flapped its wings as if to say "So long!" and accelerated away. It was an amazing feeling to be flying along side by side with a bird, and I will never forget that moment.

Thanks to my brother Brian for taking this picture of the robin sculpture outside of the Hramiec Hoffman Art Gallery.