Ecological Mismatch?
Scientists studying climate change watch for a mismatch between events that are driven by temperature (spring thaw) and those driven by photoperiod (migratory restlessness). These days, temperatures are varying more widely than normal. In contrast, climate change does not affect photoperiod; it's caused by the earth rotating around the sun.
Watch carefully to see how robins respond to temperatures this spring:
- If temperatures are warmer than average, will robins move north earlier than normal?
- Will their breeding habitat be ready?
- What if cold and freezing temperatures return?