Please Report These Robin Observations!
First Robin
Report the first robin you see this spring. An early robin represents the leading edge of the migration.
First Singing Robin
Report the first robin you hear singing. Male robins sing when they arrive on the breeding territory. You'll know your neighborhood robin has arrived when it wakes you up at dawn and sings continually. The onset of song is so clear that tracking song the simplest way to track robin migration. Get ready by listening to the robin's true song. Lang Elliott
We define a wave as three or more robins. In northern areas, report waves of robins as a sign of peak migration. The first robins of spring are usually seen alone; waves of robins arrive later. In southern areas, report waves of overwintering robins. Robins are commonly seen in large flocks during the winter.
Even though they only travel a few feet, earthworms undergo a "vertical" migration each spring after the ground thaws. The appearance of the first earthworms is a welcome sign of spring, and is often closely tied to the arrival of the first robins.
Watch for signs such as the male or female flying with nest materials, or the female with mud on breast. Both gather nest materials but usually only the female builds. She may begin within a day or two after arrival. Nests usually take 2-6 days to build.
Image Sandra Bedford
Report Your Sightings
All robin observations are included on Journey North's real-time maps. Your sightings help shed light on the many mysteries of migration.
- Use this checklist to record your own observations as you watch robins throughout the season.
- Report your sightings.
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