Some volunteers reporting second nests

Robin migration has wrapped up, with young robins hatching and fledging and some Journey North participants even reporting second nests being built.

Journey North contributors have been enjoying watching robin nests develop. Robins frequently lay their eggs close to humans and don’t tend to be the shyest birds, giving backyard birders a glimpse into the process of building the nest, laying eggs and then watching offspring leave the nest for good.

“Amazing how quick these 3 developed,” wrote Maryanne in New Holland, Pennsylvania on May 20. It’s my first time with a bird’s eye view of nesting. Pun intended!”

Maryanne had previously submitted photos throughout the birds’ development, from the first hatch a week prior.

“I… try not to disturb parents but I had a feeling some eggs hatched. I noticed different behavior on the mother the day before taking this photo but it was also raining. I think first egg hatched May 12, 2024, ironically it was mother's day!”

Nesting began in April. On April 24, Maryanne wrote, “Robins started building nest in April and I have documented their full day to day nesting in my hanging flower pot.”

Jacquelyn in Wausau, Wisconsin also tracked the process through Journey North reports, reporting three eggs by May 6, two more by May 9 and eggs hatching by May 17.

Some Journey North participants are even reporting second broods of the season, like Phil in Muncy, Pennsylvania, who wrote on May 28, “Third egg of second brood. One egg per day so far. First brood was three eggs.”

Linda in Republic, Missouri reported a second nesting on May 26 and Gwynne in Ypsilanti, Michigan, submitted a photo on May 21, writing, “Baby Robin left the nest. Four eggs were laid, but this was the only baby to make it. Mom Robin is working on nest #2.”

Other behaviors have also been reported by Journey North users, such as birds moving in waves.

It’s been an odd season, Scarlett in Waterloo, Quebec writes, saying on May 2, “It's been a strange winter and spring, with February highs of 20 C and cold temperatures that followed. We have seen Robins since mid-February, and don't really know how to report first sightings this year. We have since observed waves of 15, dueling males and frolicking pairs.”

Keep reporting

Keep your observations coming! It’s wonderful to see people reporting their sightings throughout the spring, tracking nests from start to finish. Remember that you can submit sightings of nesting behavior, robin waves or any other behaviors you see, from singing to foraging.

Click here to record your sightings. From the same link, you can also record sightings of barn swallows, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, orioles and more. Any other species that Journey North doesn't explicitly track can be recorded under "All Other Signs of Spring."

Thank you for your contributions to Journey North!