66. ~ Robin ~

When English people first came to live in America, they saw a bird that reminded them of the red-breasted robin that live in England. So, they called this bird a robin too. The red-breasted bird they saw however, really belongs to the thrush family. A robin sleeps in a tree by settling on a branch and tightening the cords in its legs. By doing this, it pulls its toes together and clamps them around the branch. Then, it bows its head and closes it eyes. When he awakes early in the morning, he unlocks his toes and lifts his body up. In cold weather, he ruffles his feathers up to make a little blanket of air which keeps the cold out. Then, he may even tuck his head beneath his wing. Robins are noted for their blue eggs and to many, they are the first sign of spring. They love to eat dew worms after a rain. They have an orange-red breast. They make a cheery trill sound. Robins battle for their territory by holding a song contest. The best singer wins! When they are first born, they are blind and featherless. Robins usually lay three to six eggs in their cup-shaped nest. They won't ust the same nest repeatedly.

Medicine:

Robin medicine says, win by using our gifts, and by avoiding aggressive physical conflict. Robins teach us to have hope in our heart. Robin medicine says not to be shy about showing off our talents. They tell us now is our time to be noticed for the good things we do. The robin teaches us that everyone needs and deserves to be recognized. They teach us to put a little spring in our step. The robin tells us to learn something new and avoid doing the same old thing, the same old way. The medicine of the robin reminds us to open our eyes and to sing forth with cheer a new song of hope! The message of the robin may also be to go ahead and enter that contest you have been thinking about.