American Robin
  
Migration Update: April 27, 2010
Please Report
Your Sightings!

Robins moved into Alaska in full force this week! Exactly where have they arrived and who is still waiting? This week, while your returning robins are busy collecting twigs and constructing nests, we challenge you to do a little "collecting and constructing" of your own.

This Week's Report Includes:

 

 Image of the Week

Photo: Wayne Kryduba

Where will the robin build its nest?

The Migration: What's Happening Now

What's Happening Now
Robins crossed great stretches of Alaska during the past week. Many observers greeted their first robins while others were still waiting. What geographic features seem to influence when and where robins travel?

Robins Reach Homer!
Students at Fireweed Academy in Homer, Alaska, were waiting and waiting and then came the news:

"On Friday, April 23rd, the 3rd-6th Graders came storming in with sightings, songs and earthworms to boot! So the robins have arrived in Homer, Alaska and are singing—and we are singing too! Happy Spring to all!"

Still Waiting Nearby in Voznesenka
Just 20 miles away, spring arrives about two weeks later than in Homer, says Stan White.

"The climate in Homer is tempered by the open waters nearby. Our village doesn't get the warming influence of the water, so our spring is behind. I did hear Varied Thrushes singing this morning. Robins can't be far behind!"

Early Bird Expected Soon in Shageluk!
Here's the latest news from Innoko River School:

"ROBINS HAVE BEEN SEEN IN MCGRATH ALASKA! McGrath is about 90 miles from Shageluk. We usually see robins anywhere from one day to several days after they arrive in McGrath, depending upon the weather. We'll let you know the SECOND someone sees or hears our first American Robin. Meanwhile, you can keep up on the arrivals of our migrating bird by checking out the Innoko River School website."

Many Alaskans greeted their first robins last week and others were still waiting.


Robins reached North Pole, Alaska, on Sunday.

 

 

"We'll let you know the SECOND someone sees or hears our first American Robin," says Joy Hamilton of Innoko River School.

 

Unusual Sightings
Two observers reported unusual sightings recently and even sent photos. Take a look!

An albino robin returned to a backyard in Virginia.   A nest had six eggs—and two mother robins—in Kentucky
 

 

SINGING Robins
(Map/List)


Map Questions
Which stages of the nesting cycle are people observing now?

Explore the Nesting Cycle

Concept Chart
What questions do you have about the nesting cycle of robins? Use this concept chart to organize your questions about each stage of the cycle. Then take our research challenge!

Research Challenge
In the same amount of time it takes for robins to collect twigs, construct nests, and raise babies, how many facts can you collect about their nesting cycle? As your backyard birds work to ensure a new generation of robins, construct a nonfiction selection by weaving together the facts you collected. Pass on fascinating facts about the nesting cycle of robins by sharing your writing project with others. Use the links below to get started:


Concept Chart
Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts

Will you take a few minutes to complete our Year-end Evaluation? With your help, we can we document Journey North's reach, impact and value. We need comments like yours to keep the program going and growing.
More Robin Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Robin Migration Update Will Be Posted on May 4, 2010.

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