Journey North American Robin Migration Update: Spring 2009

American Robin

Migration Update: March 10, 2009

Please Report
Your Sightings! >>

Today's Report Includes:

The Migration: Maps, Questions, Highlights
Report Your Sightings: What, Where, and How
Ask the Expert: Questions Coming In!M
Links: This Week's Robin Resources to Explore

Why is this robin hopping around at the edge of the snowfield?

Rain and snowmelt soften the soil for earthworms. This is most important during migration when robins switch their food item from berries to worms.

The Migration: Maps, Questions, Highlights

First Seen
(map/sightings)

First Wave
(map/sightings)

First Song Heard
(map/sightings)

Highlights: Robins Finally Finding Worms!
A few big waves are still moving through in the south. As soils warm up and the spring rains arrive, reporters are observing robins finding worms. There was a big warm up late last week, and Toronto had a high of 64 degrees. Robins were pulling worms from puddles.

In colder areas further north, robins are still relying on a diet of berries and crabapples. Birdbaths provide a welcome source of water, and entertaining viewing. One reporter shares her sighting:

“While getting a drink of water at 9:48 a.m., I looked out my kitchen window and saw a Robin at the birdbath. After drinking a bit it started to take a bath when a starling came for a drink. The Robin was not pleased and proceeded to scold the starling and chase it away. It's about 30 degrees and foggy here. We're in a 'winter storm watch' for late tonight and all day tomorrow. Snowfall amounts could range from 5-10 inches." Brownton, MN (03/09/09)