American Robin
  
Migration Update: May 3, 2011
Please Report
Your Sightings!

Roller coaster temperatures in the North keep robin spotters waiting. Four of our Northern Observation Posts have yet to see and hear robins. Meanwhile, robins in many places are raising the next generation. What three things can newborn robins already do? Thanks to all citizen scientists who have helped tell the this spring's migration story.

This Week's Report Includes:

Image of the Week

Image: Sandra Bedford
What can they do?
The Migration: What's Happening Now

What's Happening Now

On May 1st a Nevada observer reported exciting news: I have been observing robins' nest in a palm tree for over a week. Eggs hatched 4-30-11. It is getting warm and male stands over nest, wings spread, shading female." In this week's report you'll learn more about nests and babies appearing where robins are already home.

In Nipawin, Saskatchewan, a first robin just arrived May 1: "Probably about one month later than 2010. Weather lately is cold , windy with some snow showers—worms probably still frozen!" said the observer. In Gowganda, Ontario, a first singing robin report came April 30: "He's late, but at least he's here." But robins still aren't home in the farthest reaches of the breeding range.

Early Bird is Late to Shageluk
"Well, the geese, swans, and juncos are here but still NO ROBINS as of Saturday, April 30. Wow, I wonder what's up with that?" wrote teacher Joy Hamilton from Innoko River School in Shageluk, Alaska. What's the latest spring robin reported in Shageluk, Alaska in the past 15 years? You'll soon know the answer, but first:

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 the robins return this year, it will be the 15th year students have recorded arrivals. What can you learn from their observations? Take a look!


Image: Dorothy Edgington
 Make discoveries!

 

If Mama Robin laid her first egg on April 27, when will her babies hatch? Learn more here.

Which Northern Observation Posts have still not seen their first robin?

Robin migration map: First robins heard singing

SINGING Robins
(Map/List)



Map Questions/Journal
Explore Facts About Newly-Hatched Chicks

Be a baby robin expert. Collect and organize facts about baby robins using this week's photo gallery and charts:

ABC’s of Baby Robins
Altricial, brood, clutch: these words are related to baby robins. 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. Then share your words and facts in creative ways: an alphabet book, tongue-twister sentences, a jeopardy game, or anything that will get your friends and family on board with baby robins—and YOU as the expert!

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 robin's nesting cycle.

 

Annual 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.
Please Report Your Sightings!
The First Robin You
See

Robins migrating in Waves
The First Robin You
Hear Singing

Your first sighting of Earthworms


Wayne Kryduba
Checklist: Spring Phenology of Robins
More Robin Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

Robins still aren't home, so…
The FINAL Robin Migration Update Will Be Posted May 10, 2011.

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