There’s something magical about spotting the first robin of the year. For me, it usually happens on a soft, cool morning in early spring. The snow has all melted, the ground still feels like it’s shaking off sleep, and then—there it is. A cute little furry red and warm brown bird, hopping through the grass with surprising confidence, like it never left.
Robins always feel like the first true sign that the seasons are shifting. But have you ever stopped to think about the life that little bird has already lived—or what’s still ahead of it?
Let’s take a walk through the robin’s life, one wingbeat at a time.
Read more:
It All Starts in a Cup of Twigs
A robin’s nest is a small, sturdy thing, tucked safely in the crook of a tree branch, a porch light, or even a hanging flower pot (robins are surprisingly suburban-friendly). Mama robin builds it with mud and grass, and it’s shaped just right to cradle her eggs—usually three to five of them.
Those eggs incubate for around two weeks, while she keeps them warm. During that time, dad is nearby, standing guard and keeping the food supply steady. When the chicks hatch, they’re tiny, featherless, and totally helpless—basically all beak and begging.
Read more:
Growing Up Fast (Because You Have To)
Robin chicks grow fast. Within two weeks, they’re flapping their tiny wings and teetering near the edge of the nest, ready to fledge. It’s a terrifying thing to watch sometimes—like witnessing a toddler try to ride a bike downhill. But nature has its way, and most robins take that leap.
They don’t fly well at first. They sort of flutter-hop, clinging to low branches and calling out for food while their parents keep feeding them for a while. But soon enough, they’re catching bugs and finding their rhythm.
Teenage Feathers & Finding Their Voice
By late summer, young robins have grown into sleeker versions of themselves. The red feathers comes in more vibrantly, and the cheerful cheerily, cheer-up, cheerio song starts to make an appearance.
Robins are social, curious, and a little scrappy. You’ll see them pulling worms out of the lawn with an almost smug determination, or puffing up their chests to chase away a rival. Many robins start families the very next spring.
Read more:
Flying South (& Back Again)
As autumn rolls in, some robins migrate. But not all. Some stick around if there’s enough food—berries, mostly. The rest head south, often unnoticed because they’re quieter in winter. They blend into the background, biding their time.
Then, in March or April, they return. Just like clockwork. That same robin (or maybe its child) might even show up in your yard again. There’s something deeply comforting about that rhythm.
Read more:
A Life Measured in Seasons
Most robins live 2–3 years in the wild, though some make it to 5 or 6. It’s not a long life by our standards, but it’s one packed with purpose—nests built, songs sung, sky explored.
For me, robins are reminders that life keeps moving, that there’s beauty in every season, and that even the smallest wings can carry the weight of time gracefully.
So the next time you see a robin tugging a worm from the earth or singing its heart out on a telephone wire, take a moment to think about its journey. There’s a whole story tucked beneath those feathers.
Read more:
- Raindrops & Robins: Where Do They Hide?
- Tea With A Robin: Notes From The Garden Fence
- When The Robin Sleeps: A Perch, A Feather & The Moonlight
- From Birds To Pages: How My Birding Journal Tells A Story (With Examples & Free Printable Colouring Page)
- The Joy Of Birdwatching: Connecting With Nature One Bird At A Time 🪶
Journal Prompt:
Have you noticed robins in your area lately? What’s your earliest memory of spotting one?
- A Quick & Easy Step-by-Step Tree Drawing for Beginners
Want to learn how to draw a tree without feeling overwhelmed? Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a simple creative break, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through an easy step-by-step method to draw a classic tree — no fancy tools or skills needed — it’s just one I made digitally on my phone whilst waiting for an appointment! Step 1: Draw the Tree Trunk Start with two slightly curved vertical lines. These … Read more - Sketching Quick Bare Trees: A Quiet Winter Ritual
There’s something quietly poetic about the silhouette of a bare tree. Without its cloak of leaves, the tree stands—honest in form, revealing every branch and limb like veins under translucent skin. For nature diary keepers, sketching these skeletal trees can be a gentle way to connect more deeply with the landscape and sharpen one’s eye for structure and simplicity. Here’s how I approach quick sketches of bare trees when I’m out walking with my notebook … Read more - The Beginner’s Guide to Nature Journalling
Welcome to the Stillness In a world that spins fast, where screens flicker and notifications demand constant attention, the quiet rhythms of the natural world offer something profoundly rare: stillness. When we step outside, even for a few minutes, we begin to feel it—the slow turning of the seasons, the subtle shift in light, the breeze that brushes past without expectation. This guide is your invitation to slow down.To notice. To reflect.To reconnect with the … Read more - Meet the European Robin: A Fact-Packed Guide to This Beloved Bird (With A Free Watercolour Illustration)
The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is one of the most recognisable and beloved birds in Europe. With its red feathers and cheery song, this small songbird has become a symbol of winter, frequently appearing in festive imagery, holiday cards, and even folklore. Despite its common presence in gardens, parks, and woodlands across Europe, there is much more to the European robin than meets the eye. This guide will explore the fascinating world of the European … Read more - From Birds to Pages: How My Birding Journal Tells a Story (With Examples & Free Printable Colouring Page)
Birdwatching is more than just an activity—it’s a passion, a deep connection with nature, and a way to capture fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. Over the years, I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to truly appreciate and immerse myself in this hobby is through journalling. My birding journal is not just a collection of names and dates—it’s a narrative that tells the story of my experiences, growth, and the world of birds … Read more - Tea with a Robin: Notes from the Garden Fence
By A Humble Observer of Feathered Folk This morning, the garden was draped in its usual misty shawl, dew clinging to the grass like tiny stars from the sky. I settled on my favourite bench with a mug of tea and a biscuit of questionable structural integrity, when — as if summoned by the steam — he appeared. The robin. He perched on the fencepost with the confidence of an old friend dropping by unannounced, … Read more - The Sleeping Habits Of A Robin: How Many Hours Do Robins Sleep For (With A Free Sleep Log Template)
European robins (Erithacus rubecula) are one of the most beloved and recognisable birds across Europe, known for their red feathered chests and cheerful songs. But aside from their charming appearance, there’s much to learn about their daily behaviours, including their sleep patterns. If you’ve ever wondered how many hours a robin sleeps, and how you can observe and document this aspect of their life, you’re in the right place. Read more: How Many Hours Do … Read more - Robins & Their Favourite Foods: From Worms 🪱 to Berries 🫐 (With Free Printable Hand-Illustrated Art)
Robins are one of the most familiar and beloved birds in gardens and parks. Their vibrant red feathers at the front and cheerful song signal the arrival of spring for many people, but what really brings them to your backyard? The answer is simple: food. Robins are omnivores, and their diet is both varied and seasonal. In this post, we’ll explore what robins eat, from their favourite worms to seasonal treats like berries. Read more: … Read more - Where Do Robin Fledglings Go When They Leave the Nest? 🪹
As spring blooms and the sound of birdsong fills the air, one of the most exciting events in the lives of many bird enthusiasts is the appearance of robin fledglings. These young birds, often seen fluttering awkwardly around the yard, represent a major milestone in the life cycle of a robin. But once they leave the safety of their nests, where exactly do these fledglings go? Read more: The Great Leap: Leaving the Nest When … Read more - How Robins Choose Their Sleep Spots: Insights Into Their Night-time Behaviour 🌜
Robins are one of the most beloved and recognisable birds, often seen hopping around backyards, parks, and gardens. With their vibrant red-orange chests and cheerful songs, they’re a favourite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. But have you ever wondered where robins sleep? While these birds are quite active during the day, their night-time behaviour is just as fascinating as their daytime activities. In this article, we’ll explore how robins choose their sleep spots, providing insight … Read more
