Got Mud?

In this late spring, many robins are still traveling to the places they will nest. In all categories, most of the reports came from Canada. The breeding cycle is underway in places where robins are on territory. Singing robins were reported as far north as 61.68, in Palmer, Alaska, and nesting became the leading category of reports.

• "I heard a robin singing a dawn song today. I didn't see it, but the song is unmistakable."
  Palmer, AK (April 18)

• "The first nest is completed... waiting for the eggs."
  St-Alphonse-de-Granby, PQ (April 21)

Song or Wave? Winter or Spring?
This late spring has caught robins in the storm zone of colliding seasons, raising questions about what we see:

• "Walked into the parking lot after school and heard the singing. Glanced across the back alley and counted 27 robins sitting in two trees! Spring is sprung, BUT it's still snowing here! Saskatoon,, SK (April 16)

• The trees were again filled with Robins on April 14 and all were singing. The weather was nice but two days later winter returned with winter storm warnings, snow and cold temps (again).
  Lewistown, MT (April 14)

With Earth Day coming, let's dig into the robin food chain and find out what writer Rachel Carson revealed. You'll see why we—and all birds—are forever thankful to her!

• A Food Chain Mystery

• Journey North Annual Evaluation