Seeing Robins?

Flocks of robins are a reminder that the cold snap won't last. Spring is around the corner!

American Robins and Cedar Waxwings feasting on holly berries.
Photo: Lorraine in Townsend, GA (01/07/2023)

Robins Foraging in Late January and Early February

Report your sightings of American Robins and help document where robins are present at this time of year.

Robins Symbolize the Return of Spring

Some American Robins migrate while others remain in place throughout the winter months. Regardless of whether you have seen robins all winter long or not, most likely you still think of American Robins as harbingers of spring. In mid-February, the song of the American Robin can brighten the day and give hope for the return of spring in the northern U.S. and Canada. Be sure to watch where robins are active on our maps.

Reporting Robin First Heard Singing

As the daylight hours get longer and temperatures continue to rise, you may hear the robin song in your backyard any day now. Please take a moment to hone your listening skills so that you can accurately identify the robin territorial song.

And please remember to report to Journey North in the Robin (First HEARD singing) category when you do, like Rebecca in Windermere, FL: “. . . I heard the male singing such a beautiful sound.” (01/27/2023)

Also Please Continue to Report Flocks of American Robins

During the winter months from September to mid-February, American Robins usually travel in flocks, also known as waves. Journey North observers have reported flocks as small as three while others have reported flocks as large as 200. Food availability and weather greatly influence robin behavior. When one source of food (nuts, berries, or fruit) becomes depleted, American Robins move to another location.

These waves of robins have been reported from coast to coast in the U.S. by our observers.

Jack in La Mesa, CA: “. . .This will be the third year there has been a large flock of robins passing through my yard. A running stream is probably the attraction. Not too many streams here in SD.” (01/28/2023)

Mary in San Diego, CA: “Flock stopped off mostly in one large neighborhood tree, smaller groups of ~10/tree in several nearby smaller trees, lots of twittering for ~10-15 min (that I noticed, might have been going on longer). . .” (02/01/2023)

Jim in Howell, MI: “Probably 25-35 robins around 3:45. . .” (01/27/2023)

Jennifer in Minneapolis, MN: “. . .At one point I counted over 20 congregating in and around 1 tree but also noticed more in the surrounding trees flying back and forth with the group. They have been feeding on the few berries remaining on a tree/shrub and nestling among several trees. . .” (02/01/2023)

Christian in Arlington, VA: “. . .seeing clusters foraging here and there on the ground, but I have never seen so many flying all at once or landing in groups on tree branches like they were.” (01/23/2023)

Please report your flock observations to the Robin (WAVE seen) category on the Journey North Sightings page.