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Question
QUESTION: when robins find and eat worms , how do they find them? I
thought one time i head heard they can hear the worms? I've
seen them tilting their heads back and forth like they are
listening ?
ANSWER: I have heard that they listen too, but I have also seen that position rebutted. Birds turn their heads to see as their eyes are on each side of their heads. Worms are often close to the surface, especially when the ground is wet from rain, dew or watering.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: so would that be your "final answer"? they can see the worms?
I do know when it rains or i sprinkle the worms come up to
the top and that is the area the robins will hunt in. I guess
i didn't think the worms came that close to the surface to
be able to be seen?
I don't know how dry it is where you live, but I have lived in 10 states and often after a rain or even dew you can find worms dead where they have come out of their burrows and have been trapped on a hot sidewalk or driveway when the sun came up. Also you will often see Robins pulling a worm out of the ground where they have been able to grab one end of it and Robins are not diggers. Worms do come close to the surface.
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Answers by Expert:
Bluebird Bob Walshaw
Expertise
I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.
Experience
I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.
Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance
Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World
Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.
Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.
Past/Present Clients
Many
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