Leucistic robin spotted again

She’s back! Lucy, the leucistic Robin, has found her way back to Fonda for the sixth year in a row, reports Fonda photographer Marilyn Schmitt. “She must have arrived late last night or early this morning and she was hungry, totally focused on catching worms that were brought to the surface by our recent rains.”

Marilyn thinks Lucy is setting somewhat of a record. According to research, bird banders have found that only 25% of young robins survive their first year. The longest known lifespan of an American robin in the wild is 14 years. The average lifespan is about two years.

“So it seems that this feisty little gal knows how to take care of herself!” says Marilyn. “Maybe this year her nest building will be successful.”