Date: 01/20/2014

Number: 200

I really don't know how to report these robin sightings [from people who've reported on ASKbirds listserve; see sample reports below] but we clearly have quite a few overwintering. I did enter a single robin in the database for Jan 3, I think, but I had another report of a flock last week without date and numbers.

My husband compiles 6 Christmas Bird counts in our area and here are the numbers for the last 3 years:

2011/2012 - 254

2012/2013 - 31

2013/2014 - 694

We had a very good year for fruit and berries. 

Sample report (1/20/14): "When I walked outside this morning around (theoretical) sunrise, I heard several robins, then saw three or four. Then, a dozen flew over, followed by a flood. A hundred or two more flew over, and another hundred settled in bare trees to our north. They came from the northwest, some settling the neighborhood, and some continuing on. At midday, the noise of feeding robins filled the air, although few were visible from the drive. At dusk, scattered robins could be found around our block, and handfuls were moving back to the northwest. I found a dozen working in and out of a fruit tree nearby, and evidence of feeding under another fruit tree down the street. I'm curious where they might be roosting, and impressed by their quantity.

Sample report: "I've been seeing small groups of robins regularly (often 6 to 12 birds together; once I had 8 robins and a Cedar Waxwing moving together) where fruit can be found, and have been thinking they are over-wintering here. Fruit crops have been impressive, so they have what they need here. The big mass of birds is what looks unusual to me in this case."

Sample report: "I've had about 20 American Robins hanging

Alamo, MI

Latitude: 42.4 Longitude: -85.7

Observed by: Ilse
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