The early bird gets earlier: A phenological shift in migration timing of the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in the State of Wisconsin

Climate change is driving a shift in the timing of spring events around the world, and this global phenomenon is manifesting itself on a smaller scale in the state of Wisconsin. We analyzed the timing of spring arrival of the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) from 1990–2010, using data from an extensive citizen science database Project FeederWatch. We found a significant trend toward earlier arrival, including a -13 day shift towards early spring arrival since 1990. Additionally, annual variation in statewide minimum winter temperature was significantly related to first arrival date. Volunteer citizen science programs such as Project FeederWatch and eBird have proven extraordinarily important, even indispensible, for the success of modern broad-scale avian ecological studies. Continued contribution by dedicated volunteers in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest to Project FeederWatch
and other citizen science programs is essential in helping scientists better analyze and understand changes in avian community and behavior throughout the region.

Jones, G. M., B. Zuckerberg, A. T. Paulios. 2012. The early bird gets earlier: A phenological shift in migration timing of the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in the State of Wisconsin. The Passenger Pigeon, 74:131-140.