Robins by the Thousands!
special drop-in event at the Jenni & Kyle Preserve on the Madison/Fitchburg border
The same event will be held on Oct. 21 to see the differences in robin counts.
An updated from Maggie and Bob (Oct. 14, 2023): Around 600 American Robins were moving to the roosting area earlier than we previously observed — starting not long after 5pm. Early movement may be because of weather. There were an estimated 1,000 grackles in the area! The picnic table benches were cold, we recommend bringing a cushion or blanket to stay warm!
A note from Maggie and Bob (Oct. 12, 2023): We’ve been scouting the American Robins’ west-to-east evening flight for the past week or so, and they are present in large numbers. From a trail in the Jenni & Kyle Preserve, we counted over 1600 on October 4th and over 2500 on the 11th (note: this is not our meeting place at the shelter – we can point out where it is). However, this year most seem to be roosting just to the west of the fishing ponds at Jenni and Kyle Preserve, so that means most are not passing in front of the shelter where we would be meeting. This year we’ve seen 200-300 robins passing by the shelter as they zip by low nearby. We've also been seeing thousands of grackles and starlings. (Last year most of the robins seemed to be heading east of the ponds, so we were able to see the large numbers, estimated over 3000, from the shelter.)
The robins’ movement to the roost has been starting around 6:00pm and ending around 6:30pm. We’ll still be there starting at 5:00pm, and we plan to be done by no later than 6:45pm. So come out for a great time to watch any birds that come by, and to enjoy each other’s company. We’ll be able to tell you about where the robins are coming from as the sun sets and where they seem to be settling down for the night.
--Maggie and Bob
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The natural world is full of hidden phenomena, secrets that only those who take the time to observe get to see. One of these phenomena has been occurring in autumn at the Jenni & Kyle Preserve where up to several thousand American Robins, a beloved and abundant species, stream into an overnight roost in groups of several to dozens. Peak numbers observed in 2022 were over 3000!
Join Maggie and Bob Honig, Master Naturalists and volunteers with Badgerland Bird Alliance and the Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area, as they reveal this occurrence. In this informal, drop-in event, Maggie and Bob will orient you to the movements of the robins as we all observe them and answer any questions that you may have. You will be able to see these large numbers of robins fly by and melt into the trees and brush for the night, while meeting fellow bird enthusiasts and learning more about the natural history of American Robins.
Important Details:
Between 5-7pm, Maggie and Bob will be at the preserve shelter next to the parking lot to orient you to the movements of the robins, their annual migrations, and why they roost here (no formal presentation). No need to stay for the entire event, though you are welcome to stay the full two hours.
Feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit in the small lawn area near the shelter. There also are some picnic tables at the shelter near the parking lot where we’ll be observing.
In the days leading up to the event, we will update this page with the time that robins are being seen coming into roost so you can plan your evening accordingly.
Parking is available in the small lot attached to the preserve, and along Post Road.
Bathrooms will likely be locked at this site, so plan ahead for bathroom needs.
This event is held during Birdability Week, a national week-long event that celebrates birders with disabilities and brings awareness around the need to make birding as a hobby more accessible. This event is similar to a “Sit” which accommodates folks with mobility challenges (but open to all!), with minimal walking.
Questions? Contact Brenna at bmarsicek@madisonaudubon.org or 608-255-2473
Co-hosted by Badgerland Bird Alliance and Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area
FIELD TRIP LEADERS: Maggie and Bob Honig
ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES:
Little to no walking
Field trip leader is adept at birding by ear and able to accommodate those with visual impairments
APPROXIMATE DISTANCE FOR WALKING: 0-.1 mile
RSVP REQUIRED? No
Cover photo: An American Robin feeding in October 2022. As the sun sets, these birds will move into overnight roosts such as the one at the Jenni and Kyle Preserve. Photo by Bob Honig
