I have never seen this before...

[oldsoldierfadingfast]

that I can remember.
I live in SW VA, on the border with NC. It is sunny and bright but 27 degrees here now and predicted to go down to 11 tonight. Will not be above freezing until Thur.
As I just looked out a south facing window, I saw my front yard and pasture filled with Robins.
Where can they go as the temp. drops.
I am really upset and worried for them. Robins have always been my harbinger for spring and today sure ain't spring!

[Docreed2003]

1. We're having frigid temps here in TN as well

Yesterday I bet there were 50 Robins in our yard.

[brush]

2. Much too early for robins. Something's wrong there.

[jmbar2]

3. I'm on the Oregon coast - no snow or ice predicted, but LOTS of robins today as well!

[GoreWon2000]

4. Our warming planet is causing this

As the polar ice cap continues to melt, gravity is pulling all of that melt southward which is blocking the warmer water currents from coming up from the south that moderate the temperature.

[question everything]

5. There are many Robins in Minnesota in the winter. They appreciate the heated water bath.

[Johnny2X2X]

6. Feed them

Birds go South more for food than temperature. They will be fine in freezing temperatures as long as they can find food for their bellies.

[oldsoldierfadingfast]

10. I try to feed them...

but, the crows keep a very close watch on my yard, front and back.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

7. Robins can stand very cold temperatures as long as there's food available. They'll be fine.

Some stay in the northern states and Canada year round.

[oldsoldierfadingfast]

12. Thank you...

This is encouraging to me.

[carpetbagger]

8. Typical wintering American Robin behavior.

They do well enough in the cold, 11F for a few nights shouldn't do much. Usually the ones up north in winter are a bit more solitary, but moving in small and big flocks through fields and woods is what they do down here in Texas, and iirc at least as far as Oklahoma and Georgia.

Edit: a bit disconcerting to see this further north of you hadn't seen it before. Could be chance, could be local land use changes, more likely climate change and range shift, I suspect they've been lingering up North due to mostly warm weather .

[Think. Again.]

9. As we have been warned...

...for the past 50 years by Climate Scientists, the CO2 emissions we continue to release from burning fossil fuels is causing atmospheric temperature changes that are severely affecting the delicate ecological balances our planet has achieved over millions of years.
These imbalances and the changes they are causing are happening at a rate of speed that natural counterbalances can not possibly keep up with.

These imbalances are occurring in every aspect of our ecology, from weather patterns, to water cycles, to animal and insect seasonal habitat and migration, and more, and these balance disruptions will continue to cause even more planetary chaos as the atmospheric CO2 concentration continues to build.

You're lucky you're seeing any Robins at all, we have already lost 73% of our non-human species population in just the last 50 years:

https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/2024-living-planet-report

[wishstar]

11. I've seen flocks of robins land here in WNC in mid-winter for decades

despite temps well below freezing, especially in my yard and neighbors because we have numerous holly bushes loaded with berries. But I have often wondered where they are flying in and out from during December until spring.

Between robins, squirrels, cardinals, and occasionally bears too, all of the holly berries are usually gone well before spring but this year the berries are unusually abundant. Good for the wildlife as our temps have been much colder than normal since before Thanksgiving.

[doc03]

13. I remember going to work one morning in 1977.

It was -9 this morning, the world isn't ending. It's winter!

[WestMichRad]

14. I see large flocks robins every winter here in Michigan

Hanging out in the forest… Even in the coldest times. They feed on berries and other fruits: crabapples, autumn olive, buckthorn berries, mountain ash, sumac….

They’ll be fine if they have a food source.

[Renew Deal]

15. The American Robin website says they'll be fine.

"Robins have survived blinding blizzards, ice storms, and nights as cold as 30 below zero without human help"

https://journeynorth.org/unpave/robinwinter.html

[Srkdqltr]

16. We have had -20 here in southeast Michigan. Not often, thank goodness, but it isn't exceptional.

Some of the younger ones have no real weather memories.

[Cirsium]

17. Northern Michigan

We had -30 a few years ago.

[Srkdqltr]

19. Of course you did. Hell froze over too.

[Cirsium]

20. It is 9 degrees there right now

"Hell is a little town on it's way up. We hope you will make Hell your next travel destination. We are surrounded by 400 acres of beautiful campgrounds, biking and hiking trails, a chain of lakes and channels, recreational areas for picnics, and so much more! We back up to the Potawatomi trail, and to the beautiful Pinckney Recreation Area. Bring your family for a little bit of Hell on Earth."

https://www.gotohellmi.com/

I am closer to Paradise.

"Paradise Michigan is a quaint little town situated in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with plenty of activities for visitors and locals alike to enjoy! From outdoor activities to unique museums, this historic town offers something for everyone. Here are 12 fun things to do in Paradise Michigan that will make your visit unforgettable! From kayaking and fishing to exploring its rich history, you'll never be bored in Paradise Michigan. So come and enjoy all that this charming town has to offer!"

https://quartzmountain.org/article/things-to-do-in-paradise-michigan

[Srkdqltr]

21. Went to a cool quilt shop in Paradise mi. Also there is a series of detective books set there.

He'll is neat. Just a small place.

[eppur_se_muova]

18. Meh, I saw robins on Jan 1 in Pittsburgh one year.

Also saw them picking the ground for berries in Toledo in the middle of Winter -- no other birds around.

Apparently, robins overwinter in some surprisingly cold places.

That "first robin of Spring" thing doesn't hold up well.

[oldsoldierfadingfast]

22. Thank you...

to all that replied. You have relieved my worries for the robins. Now, I can go back to feeding the crows, esp. the one with only one leg.
To Cirsium and Srkdgltr - I really so much enjoyed the dialog between the two of you. Made me laugh.