American Robin
  
FINAL Migration Update: May 4, 2010
Please Report
Your Sightings!

As the robins reach the end of the migration trail we celebrate the remarkable changes we have witnessed and we thank the people who made it possible—you! We hope you enjoy your backyard birds this spring and summer as the next generation of robins begins to grow. Please join us next season!

This Week's Report Includes:

 

 Image of the Week

Photo: Dorothy Edgington

Cute and cuddly?

The Migration: Robins Reaching the End of the Road

Look how far the robins have come in the three months that we've tracked their migration!

  • Robins have expanded across the North American continent as far north as Hudson Bay and Alaska.
  • Robins have changed their behavior from social flocking to territorial nesting.
  • Robins have changed their daily patterns of movement from nomadic winter wandering to sedentary summer nesting in a territory a few acres in size.
  • Robins have changed their diet from leftover fruit to the bountiful live worms and insects of North America's spring and summer seasons.

A Time for Celebration
For people, the return of the robin marks a time of celebration. As Stan White said when his robins came home to Homer, Alaska, last week:

"Robins are singing for us here in the mornings and that means we have come through another winter. Happy spring!"

Thank you citizen scientists!
We could not track migration without your help. Everyday people are collecting valuable data by sharing their observations. The students in Shageluk, Alaska are an example. When robins returned last week it was the 14th year they had recorded arrivals. What can you learn from their observations? Take a look!


This map shows how far north robins have spread in North America according to Journey North citizen scientists.


Graphic: US Fish and Wildlife Service
"Shageluk, Alaska, is in a cool spot because several flyways converge right around where we are," says teacher Joy Hamilton. (More...)

 

FIRST Robins
(Map/List)


Map Questions
Looking at citizen science data from Shagluk, Alaska
Explore Facts About Newly-Hatched Chicks

Collect and organize facts about baby robins using this week's photo gallery and charts, the ABC’s and 123’s of Baby Robins:

ABC’s of Baby Robins
Altricial, brood, clutch--how many words related to baby robins have you collected? List and organize key words on an ABC chart. Compare your completed chart with the sample provided. Think about creative ways to share your words and facts: alphabet book, tongue-twister sentences, jeopardy game, and more.

123’s of Baby Robins
How big? How long? How many? How much? Collect and organize numbers related to baby robins. Use the number facts and images from the photo gallery to create a detailed timeline of the nesting cycle.

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!

This is the FINAL Robin Migration Update. Join us next season!

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