Continuing with our theme of rule breakers in nature, I would like to take a look at some rule benders not breakers this week. Science tends to look at things as black and white, static or dynamic. We try to draw hard lines between subjects or concepts in science that helps us to better compartmentalize which helps our minds organize and understand. This might work in science, however in nature this kind of thinking and organizing only goes so far before you run into one of the rule breakers or benders.

The reason why it doesn’t work in nature is because nature doesn’t stay the same. It’s always changing and adapting to the changing environment. The next time you are out in nature, take a look around to see it for yourself. Trees grow changing grassy fields into woodlands, animal and bird species change and adapt to the ever changing environment. This ability to change and adapt or to explore new possibilities or niches is why nature is so successful. Which is where the rule benders come in.

The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a classic example of a nature rule bender. The robin is one of the most conspicuous and well known species of bird in North America. And what is it known for? It is known for its migration. In fact, it is so well known for its migration that it species name migratorius means migration. Many look to the returning of the robin as the first signs of spring. So why is this bird a rule bender? Well, not all robins migrate. Each winter, in northern states where winter is alive and well such as Minnesota, (where I live) I estimate there is about 1 percent of all the robins don’t migrate. In mid continent states I would estimate only half of the robins migrate and in southern states most don’t migrate at all. In fact they are joined by the robins from up north for the winter.

The other day I was out photographing in zero degree temperatures and with light snow fall when a flock of 30-40 robins flew over my head. I always like to see this kind of thing because it illustrates how nature is dynamic and not predictable. These birds were not having any troubles handling the temperatures. As long as they can find enough food to eat they will make it through the winter just fine.