American Robin
Migration Update: March 27, 2007
Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Today's Report Includes:


Photo W. Kryduba

Explore! What senses do Robins use in finding worms to eat? See how one scientist explored this question. Did he find an answer? >>
The Migration: Maps, Data and Questions

Robins: 1st SEEN
Map

Robins: WAVES
Map

Robins: SINGING
Map
Data for classroom mapping.

Map Animation: The map of Robins Singing will show the clearest pattern each spring. >>

Handout: Today's Robin Map Questions

Highlights: Something to Sing About!
The weather is cooperating, as the map's aqua dots show! Robins are singing as far north as Neidpath, Saskatchewan (50.13 N, -107.15W), where the observer heard "my favorite song in the world, a robin song!" On March 24 teacher Margaret Black in Orillia, ON exclaimed, "I have a robin on my lawn, singing his praises to the "worm gods"!

In Fairfax, VA, where "the robins have been making a racket for weeks now," they seemed to be spreading out and the first singing was heard March 20. In Arlington, VA, students at Claremont Immersion Elementary School stopped to watch a robin that was feeding. And from Hooksett Memorial School in New Hampshire comes the report of a female robin laying eggs!

Spring has arrived. . .even though teacher Mike Sterling writes from Anchorage: "I guarantee you there are no early migrants up here now. We're ending one of the coldest months of March I've seen in my 26 years in Alaska."

 

Male robins survey the territory!

 

Photos Laura Erickson
Journal: What Do Robins Notice?
 Explore! Recognizing a Good Territory From Above >>

The robins are singing for a reason. It's how they announce they're home on their territory! What might robins notice that WE don't usually see?

  • What are at least five things that a robin looks for as it flies above in search of a good territory?

Write your ideas in your Robin Migration Journal.

Photo Tom Grey
Compare: Robins, Rainfall, and Human Populations Compare! >>

Do robins and people go hand-in-hand? Last week we compared some maps and questioned our conclusions. What else might affect where robins gather in the greatest numbers? This week, a new map reveals some more clues!

  • Comparing Maps: Robins, Rainfall, and Human Populations >>

 
Predict: When Will Robins Reach the End of the Trail?
How many Northern Observation Posts (NOPs) — the 22 yellow stars you see on the robin maps — have now seen or heard their first robins? Read the latest news from those who sent reports:


Lesson: >>
Links: This Week's Robin Resources to Explore
  • Read and Think: Will a Robin Choose Your Neighborhood? Booklet/Slide Show for Kids) >>
  • Compare: Short-Distance and Long-Distance Migrants: Comparing Robins and Hummingbirds >>
  • View: New Kids on the Block - Claiming a Territory (Video and Viewing Guide) >>
  • Draw a Map: Robin Territory Study >>
  • Observe: Focus on Feathers: Journey North for Kids >>
  • Check: What to Watch For (Spring Phenology of Robins) >>
  • Mapping: How to Use Journey North's Live Maps >>
More Robin Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Robin Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 3, 2007 (data only).

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