October: Feeding on the Fly

October 7, 2021 by Team Journey North

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

“Robin with leucism. Several other robins at our bird bath but this one seemed to be ignored by others.” Comment & photo: Bonnie in Madison, WI (09/22/2021)

October is Here

Fall migration peaks in October. Most American 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 the 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.

Brian in Topeka, KS: “Quite a few flying overhead and in the park across the street. And quite a few in my yard feeding on Poke Weed berries.” (10/01/2021)

Scarlett in Waterloo, QC: “During a morning walk, I first spotted four poking around a flower bed. We had a day of rain yesterday, which made for quite the feast! Turning the corner, another four in the next flower bed and a little further up the street, six hoping around a puddle.” (10/03/2021)

Keep Observing and Reporting 

This fall migration season, report your observations of American Robins. Don’t forget to share photos!