https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/209179059
These somewhat blurry photos are of a few American Robins, or Turdus migratorius, that were in a family member's yard this afternoon. I thought that they were super cute and I realized that I had not given birds any attention thus far on iNaturalist! They looked like they were eating berries or something off of a tree that was near to where I was standing. The only issue was that my dog scared them away before I could take better photos. In a post from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's website page titled "Alaska's Backyard Birds: American Robin", the author explains that "robins entering Southeast Alaska in early April and arriving at Shageluk, Alaska, almost 700 miles north on April 26.". On top of that, the robin migrates in the summertime and the span of its all the way up to the Brooks Range and out to the Aleutian Island chain (Bird Viewing: Alaska's Backyard Birds--American Robin). The timing of the arrival of the robins makes sense, though, because if I remember correctly, they usually have been in the Ketchikan area for a few weeks at this point. In the past, I have seen robin nests in some trees at this same yard. It may be worth checking out again to see if there are more.
Also, in my research for this post, I found a very helpful website for bird watching purposes titled “Cornell Lab All About Birds”. It has slides of different close-up images that are really helpful for identification, maps of the species’ migration and sightings, as well as an area with different bird sounds to help identify them. I will link the website below.
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=birdviewing.backyardbirds&species=thrush
Works Cited
“American Robin Overview.” Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds, www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_robin/overview. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
“Bird Viewing: Alaska’s Backyard Birds--American Robin.” State of Alaska, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=birdviewing.backyardbirds&species=thrush#anchor. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Comentarios
My dog would also scare them away, he behaves like he wants to play with them, but he would more likely shake them violently if he ever managed to catch one. The Labrador breed was intended to be trained as a bird hunting companion for hunters, which is part of why they like to steal toilet paper still on the roll because it is a similar mouthfeel to carrying a bird.
From our map project I learned the Brooks Mountain Range is way farther north than I have ever been and I am slightly astounded that these small birds even go that far North. I also stumbled into the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a citation source on the Belted Kingfisher that I had gotten pictures of.
Hi Daniel,
Thank you for the response to my journal entry. I also learned about how far north the Brooks Mountain Range was from the map assignment and was also shocked that they travel so far North. I didn't mention it in my post, but I did hear a rumor from my parent's neighbor that these particular robins stick around the area that my parents live in year-round. So, according to the neighbor, they don't migrate, but do have a nest in the spring time. I bet that a Labrador would love to eat one of the birds! Luckily, my dog did not but it is always a possibility.
Elizabeth
That sounds like such a delightful experience with the American Robins, even if it was a bit brief due to your dog's enthusiasm! It’s always exciting to catch a glimpse of wildlife, especially birds as lively and familiar as robins. They really are charming, I saw something similar but not sure if its the same bird species , do they even come as far as Juneau ? I need to research on that.
It's fascinating to hear about their migration patterns too, especially how far they travel across Alaska. The timing does indeed seem right for them to start showing up around Ketchikan. It would definitely be worth it to check for nests again in that yard; you might get lucky and spot a whole robin family settling in for the season.
Also, thanks for sharing about the Cornell Lab All About Birds site. It's such a great resource for any bird enthusiast. The detailed slides, migration maps, and bird calls are incredibly useful for learning more about not just robins but all kinds of bird species. I'll definitely check it out and maybe add some birdwatching into my next outdoor adventure.
Keep up the great observations and thanks for sharing your findings. Can't wait to hear more about your birdwatching adventures!
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