October: Feeding on the Fly

Fall migration peaks in October. Most robins fly south, but some stick around — and move around — during the winter months.

American Robin in back yard. — “After I took this on 2020-09-13 for the next two days I could hear a robin close by in a neighbor’s yard. Not sure if the same one or not? Since about the 15th no sightings or sounds.” Photo: Tina (09/13/2020; Nebraska City, NE)

Image of robin and text report your sightings

October is Here

Fall migration peaks in October. Most robins fly south in winter; however, some stick around—and move around—in northern locations where food can be found. The robins that stay will have the advantage of first choice of best territories in spring. Meanwhile, migrating robins find plentiful berries all along the journey south. Robins don’t migrate on a particular route but fly in flocks, looking for food. Down feathers grow under outer feathers, adding extra insulation against winter’s cold.

Jeni in Madison, AL: “Significant increase in number of robins in my yard the past few days.” (09/28/2020)

Diana in Martinsburg, MO: “Today, I’ve seen a small group of robins (rough count 15-20) feeding on the many pokeberry bushes I have on my property. I made sure there was plenty of water for them; and sure enough, I saw a few of them bathing shortly after.” (09/28/2020)

Keep Observing and Reporting

Report your robin sightings. Don’t forget to share photos!