The American Robin - a covert operative?

If you watch enough television you will eventually come to the conclusion that America, the United States that is, has eyes everywhere.  Their various government organizations, the FBI, CIA, and Homeland Security, all have their ways of obtaining information.  We may reasonably expect that there are moles, weasels, and even rats at work around the globe as part of their intel-gathering networks, but whoever would suspect the charming American robin?

The first indication of their involvement in surveilling their northern allies comes with the fact that the robin is American.  It flies freely across the border and has no restrictions on its movement.  Furthermore, we Canadians welcome this foreign national because we see it as a prelude to spring and enjoy its colourful breast feathers and familiar song.  But have you ever stopped to consider where these winged spies actually live?  That's right - right outside your home.

Robins are so familiar to us because they live in such a close association with humans.  We provide rich lawns for them to forage for worms and other foods, gardens for the gathering of berries, and grow trees such as mountain ash and holly that provide an abundance of fruits.  They build nests near our homes; who has not seen a robin's nest or is not familiar with the beautiful blue colour of their eggs?  They are everywhere we are and are, no doubt, hard at work gathering data for the homeland.

It is estimated that there are some 320 million robins living in North America.  That's almost 10 for every single Canadian.  These crafty birds have not only entered our lives with our blessing, but they have also increased their numbers to ensure that each one of us is thoroughly monitored.  If one flies off, it's only because another has secretly taken its place.  You are being watched.

I photographed one such bird as it was in the process of observing me (above photo).  I wasn't sure, but was that a tiny transmitter I saw strapped to its back?  Their seeming random movements are actually well-planned forays meant to keep a watchful eye on us northern folk.  

Although I have grave concerns over the intrusion into our privacy, I have comfort in knowing that we Canadians have been playing the same game with our brothers to the south.  Only we have chosen a far more patriotic and intelligent creature to do our bidding.  Canadian geese - the true masters of covert intelligence gathering.  

Spying, it turns out, is a game two can play.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com