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American Robin Migration Update:
February 15, 2005
Winter Robin Round-up Results: Where Robins Have Been
Where are robins found in February? And what are they doing? Thanks to Journey North observers across the U.S. and Canada, today's maps and observer comments give colorful snapshots. Thanks to all who joined the 2005 Winter Robin Round-Up! You've told us that robins in February are found from Florida to Canada, with more along the east coast and fewer in the middle of the continent—where conditions are drier and fewer fruit trees provide food. You've seen waves of robins (groups of 3 to hundreds) from coast to coast. And 3 robins in states south of the Great Lakes have even been heard singing! One astonished observer gives us this lovely word picture:
Even with all these sightings, one thing tells you that very few robins have returned to their summer breeding territories. You'll find the answer when you keep reading! IMPORTANT: The maps in today's Web report are snapshots in time for February 14, but a click on the maps links you to the latest maps on our MapServer. Those maps look different because they are almost instantly updated as observers report data. Where, When, and How Many? Challenge Question #1 After exploring the photo studies and comments in today’s report, you’ll be prepared to send us your answer to
Robin Migration is Tricky to Track The results of our Winter Robin Round-UP may leave you wondering: With so many over-wintering robins, can robins REALLY be considered a sign of spring? The 3 robin maps help to answer this good question. How? Today's nearly empty song map shows that robins are not yet defending their breeding territory. Robins returning to breed and nest are indeed signs of spring. And "Song" will be the clearest pattern we expect to see as we track this spring's robin migration. While this map shows WHERE robins were found in early February, it does not show HOW MANY were found at each place. Scientists would say the map shows robin DISTRIBUTION but does not show robin ABUNDANCE. The fact is that, even though robins are already spread across a large portion of their range, we're about to see huge masses of them move across the continent. The abundance of robins is about to shift dramatically from south to north. When robins are back on their territories, they'll start to sing! So. . .look to the "First Robins Heard Singing" map for the clearest picture about when and where robins are switching from winter feeding and flocking behaviors to spring migratory restlessness and territoriality. These instructions will help you track robin movements this spring. First Robin of Spring? SONG is the Key How can you track the migration if robins are already around? How can you tell the over-wintering robins from the first robins of spring? SONG is the key! Winter robins do plenty of calling and chattering. But when they switch to their true song, the difference will be clear. Robins announce their own arrival. Remember: "Song" will be the clearest pattern we expect to see as we track this spring's robin migration. Listen to robin vocalizations to help you sort calls from songs: Teacher Tip and Link to Photo Studies: Cultivating Keen Observers
Observation--the first and most important step in the scientific process--is at the heart of inquiry. We encourage Journey North participants to become keen observers in their own “backyards.” Use our wealth of engaging photos to build students’ observation and thinking skills with strategies in this terrific new lesson: Now you’re set to put observation and thinking skills to work with this gallery of winter robin photos:
Although some American robins head for Mexico or Central or South America to find the food and conditions that will get them through the winter, many stay in the southern half of eastern North America. Indeed, some robins stay pretty far north because a plentiful supply of fruit will keep them going until spring. “Round-up” robins were seen way up in New Brunswick, Canada. In Portage, Michigan, an observer reports waves of robins from 2 to 50 since the end of January. The Christmas bird count in Duluth, MN broke all-time records for robins in December. On the other hand, the Christmas Bird count in Presqu'ile Provincial Park (Ontario) found just 44 American robins—-the lowest number this decade (the reflection of a poor wild food supply). Monica in Oshawa, Ontario, said on Feb. 12: “Are the birds all crazy? Early February and we've got owls from the north and robins and red-wings from the south!” Still, most of the robins you "rounded up" are behaving as expected during mid-winter; they are feeding, flocking, and flying. A few comments follow. What surprises you? What questions do the comments raise? What are the robins looking for? Santa Fe, TX (Feb 1) “All week there have been thousands of robins all around. You can hardly see them until they start to throw the leaves up in the air. It looks like a miniature army looking for something.” Benton Harbor, MI (Feb. 1) “I counted 14 of them in my tree in the yard. I did not observe them feeding on the ground or elsewhere - they just seemed to be hanging out. . . I don't recall seeing Robins around here in late January or early February.” Beresford, NB, Canada (Feb. 4) “Temperature was 30F overcast with no wind at 1:45 pm (Atlantic time). The robin was spotted in a cluster of white spruce. He was perched on the top part and was quite agitated due to the presence of 8 blue jays.” Tampa, FL (Feb. 4) “I saw about 100 robins atop and around the main library in Tampa, Florida. . .These are the first Robins I have ever seen in Florida. I'm not a new birder; just have not seen robins down here.” Bonita Springs, FL (Feb. 4) “We have witnessed wave after wave of robins here today. It is an amazing sight. As we walked up to our house this afternoon at 5:00, we saw a carpet of robins disturbing all the mulch around the flowers and bushes.” Boca Raton, FL (Feb. 5) “There were probably about 200 robins and they were only here on Saturday. The weather was a little cloudy, but about 70-75 degrees. The sprinklers were on and there were puddles in the parking area. They were having a lovely time bathing, drinking, and eating berries from the palms and other trees in the area.” Pickering, Ontario, Canada (Feb. 5) “I have never seen so many Robins at the same time. It must have been a flock of approximately 50-75 birds.” Naples, FL (Feb. 5) “When I arrived at work at 8:00 AM the grounds of the Government Center were covered in a blanket of Robins. What an amazing sight to see. This is the first time I have ever witnessed flocks upon flocks of Robins here in Naples, Florida.” Tarpley, TX (Feb. 7) “I counted 98+ robins in my yard.” Cheshire, CT (Feb. 7) “We have seen several waves of winter robins within the past 3 weeks. In the last several years this has become more common for us to see winter robins. Ten years ago we did not see them in this area.” Pittsford, NY (Feb. 8) “Eight Robins-- Will they be ok? Is it too cold for them? We have a lot more winter ahead! They were very active and robust looking.” Corpus Christi, TX (Feb. 11) “I have seen a robin in my yard off and on since January. I’ve lived here for 10 years and never noticed a Robin before. It was a nice surprise to see her/him.”
“Wherever I see robins, I am seeing waxwings. They are on the same berry search,” says Shirley in Florida. The Home School Science class in North Texas also reports seeing Cedar Waxwings with the “robins that seem to be everywhere.” Sort some fascinating facts with a Venn diagram to show how the two species are alike and different. Why are they okay with hanging out together in flocks? It’s all here: Help With Your Questions When robins start moving, how do you know which ones are your "own" local robins and which are migrants? It's usually impossible to tell by their appearance unless they have been banded or color-marked, except for one lucky thing. What is it? See: How to Respond to Today's Challenge Questions:
1.
Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-robin@learner.org The Next Robin Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 1, 2005.
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