Believe it or not, a few days ago I was musing this exact question. We always see a lot of robins welcoming spring, but this time of year they seem to have disappeared.
Then, by chance (or fate), I got my monthly informational email from the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) which very neatly answered that question, and assured me that they’re still around. They’re just doing what they do during the summer.
Specifically, the Friends wrote,
During spring and summer, robins are often seen hopping across lawns, searching for earthworms and insects. As summer progresses and the ground becomes dry and hard, their diet shifts toward fruits and berries, which are often found in wooded areas and shrubs.
Mid-to-late summer is also molting season for adult robins. They replace their worn feathers, which can leave them looking a little scruffy. During this time, they tend to be quieter and more secretive, helping them stay protected while they grow new feathers. As fall approaches, robins begin forming large social flocks. These groups can number in the thousands or even tens of thousands. Flocking helps robins locate food, stay warm, and watch for predators.
And when you don’t see them much in the winter, it’s not necessarily because they’ve migrated south — well, at least not very far south. Some might travel only a short distance based on food availability, while others migrate further. But rest assured, when the ground begins to thaw again and the earthworms and other insects wake up, they’ll be back, welcoming spring.
So, if you haven’t seen many robins lately, don’t worry, they haven’t disappeared. Look toward wooded areas and berry-producing shrubs, and you may find them gathering in large flocks.
More news from the Friends
Remember all of the work the Friends of Webster Trails recently put into improving the Hojack Trail? For several months through last summer and fall and into this spring, workers resurfaced the entire stretch between Holt and Drumm roads, improving drainage, and adding plantings, signage and benches.
They’re finally ready to show it off.
On Thursday, Sept. 3 from 4 to 5 p.m., the Friends of Webster Trails will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially introduce the improvements to the Webster community. The event will be held at the Hojack Trail crossing on Klem Rd. (just west of Park Vista Trail). The community is cordially invited.
This would be a great time, by the way, to take a quick hike on the Hojack, which is the FWT’s September Trail of the Month. The Hojack connects with several other trails, including the Michael A. Johnson and John Ungar trails, giving you the opportunity to extend your hike and explore more of Webster’s trail system.
P.S. YOU, TOO CAN BE PRIVY to these interesting bits of nature news and notices when you become a member of the Friends of Webster Trails.
If you’re a regular user of any of Webster’s 28 miles of trails, please consider showing them some love by becoming a member of the Friends. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $15 for an individual or $20 for a family) and the funds go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.
You can find out more about the organization and see an interactive map of all the trails at the Friends of Webster Trails website.
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(posted 8/29/2026)
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