Northern Arrivals

Observers in the northern breeding range are seeing — and hearing — more robins. Where robins are singing, nesting is next.

Male robin in Illinois on April 1, 2018 — “This robin was searching for food today at Lake Arlington,” reported Stelian Jurma from Arlington Heights, Illinois on April 1, 2018.

Image of robin and text report your sightings

Arriving, Singing, and Settling In

Robins are singing in more northern places, including Juneau, Alaska at latitude 58.4°N. In many places, the robins are arriving and settling in during wintry conditions:

Juneau, Alaska: “Four bright males were poking around a weedy lot about 2 miles from my house. Because we still have lots of very frozen snow, I don’t know when they will arrive in our yard," wrote Deborah Rudis from a Northern Observation Post on April 1, 2018.

Calgary, Alberta: “The robin seems early this year with still having two feet of snow on the ground and another 6 inches expected today. It didn't stop him from singing for all to enjoy atop the highest evergreen in the region," wrote Neil Neufeld on March 29, 2018.

Mahtomedi, Minnesota: “Heard the familiar song of the robin singing on territory this morning! Sang for at least 30 minutes. Snow and 14°F tonight. Hoping the robins sing in spring temperatures,” reported Cindy Schmid on March 30, 2018.

Signs of Nest Building?

If your robins are singing, look for signs of nest building. Both males and females gather materials but usually only the female builds the nest. When the first females arrive, you'll notice their plummage appears faded and drab in comparison to the male plumage. Let us know if you see a robin with a beakful of dried grasses or mud on her breast feathers.