Slowed by Wintry Weather

Robins hunkered down this week as a blast of winter returned, delivering harsh winds, snow and ice in many places across their range.

Robin in the snow by Wade Snyder — Slowed by snow and cold, many migrating robins are still traveling to the places they will nest. Image by Wade Snyder

Image of robin and text report your sightings

April Snows

The calendar says spring, but some robins are returning only to find blankets of snow and cold temperatures. Fortunately, robins are larger birds that generally have more fat reserves. In harsh weather, the need to eat to maintain their body heat can draw hungry robins to bird feeders or other foods not normally on their menu.

“Crazy! Twelve robins swarmed the yard near the bird feeder. Last night there was an unusual snow/sleet storm - enough to cover the ground, so the bird feeder is very popular today,” wrote Natasha from Williston, Vermont on April 15th.

“Over the weekend we had a winter storm. High winds, sleet, ice, snow! Today I saw at least 40 robins all along the sides of the road,” wrote Darlene from West Bend, Wisconsin on April 16th.

Singing in Spring

Despite wintry conditions, robins are singing in spring:

“At dusk.. during an ice storm. Couldn’t see him, hiding at the top of a blue spruce…but he was singing his heart out,” reported Michael Mossman from Pickering, Ontario on April 14, 2018.

“Heard singing this morning from 2 robins at separate, but nearby locations. Winter has had its grips in pretty good…until today,” wrote Tedd from New Kensington, Pennsylvania on April 12, 2018.

Even during a slow week for migration with record snowfalls, robins are still en route to the northern end of their summer breeding range and nesting activity is being reported where robins are on territory.