Northern Observation Posts
Make Predictions about First Robins at Northernmost Regions
Overview
Some robins migrate to North America's far north to breed. Because
fewer people live in the more northern regions, we have
volunteers at official "Northern Observation Posts" (NOPs) that watch and report robin's arrival.
Predict when robins will arrive and sing.
Use
the NOP
Log to record your predictions about when reporters
at Journey North's Northern Observation Posts will (1) see the FIRST
robins and (2) hear the first robin SONG.
Revisit and revise predictions.
As you follow migration news, check the red NOP stars on the migration maps that feature the Northern Observation Posts.
You may want to revise predictions as
the season unfolds.
Discussion Questions
- How did your predictions compare with the actual dates of first robin sightings and songs at the NOPs?
- What factors might have influenced the actual dates?
- Did you notice any pattern in the time span between the first arrivals and first songs? If so, how would you explain it?
Temperatures in Canada |
Snow
and Ice Cover |
Last
Years' Migration Data |
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What are the temperatures at the Northern Observation Posts today? As you track these over the next few weeks, you may want to revise your predictions. |
As
you look at these current snow-cover maps, ask: |
When did robins arrive at the NOPs last year? When did they start to sing? Do you think they will follow the same pattern this year? Why or why not? |
|
Do robins follow temperature?
One hypothesis says that robins migrate along with average temperatures of 36°F. Before making your predictions, look at temperatures in the northern regions of North America. The map of global temperature shows average monthly temperatures throughout the year. Looking at it closely can help you make more accurate predictions about the arrival of robins at the Northern Observation Posts.
