[mou] Where are the robins?

[John Lundy]

Friends,
I write an occasional blog for the Duluth News Tribune called The  
Wannabe Birder, the title indicating both my enthusiasm and lack of  
expertise.
In recent days, we've been discussing the apparent absence of robins  
in the Duluth area lately. Someone said he hadn't seen a robin since  
August 10. Someone in Proctor said the mountain ashes on her property  
are thick with berries, with no robins to eat them. I can't remember  
the last time I saw a robin, but I'm sure it was several weeks ago,  
at least.
Perhaps this is normal, and I just haven't paid attention before. But  
the observations of other folks leads me to think it might be a  
little out of the ordinary.
Can any of you real birders help me out with this question?
John Lundy
West Duluth