The American Robin is one of the most familiar backyard birds in North America, but every encounter brings new details about its life cycle. In my Arkansas yard, I’ve been following a nesting pair that is still active as of September 6. Watching their behavior this late in the season has been a reminder of how adaptable these birds can be.
Wildlife Notes: Nesting Behavior in September
Most robins finish raising their broods by midsummer, yet this pair is still hard at work. In the first photo, an adult robin stands proudly with an earthworm clutched in its beak, clearly destined for hungry nestlings in a nearby tree. Seeing such determined feeding behavior this far into September suggests either a late clutch or replacement nesting after earlier attempts.
Robins are resourceful parents, and earthworms are a staple for their young. The bird’s posture, head slightly tilted and worm dangling, is a perfect snapshot of the effort that goes into raising the next generation. Observations like this highlight how robins adjust their nesting cycle depending on food availability and local climate conditions.
Wildlife Notes: Molting and Feather Changes
In contrast, my second photo shows another robin with noticeably short tail feathers. This bird was not gathering food for any nestlings, and the shortened plumage is almost certainly due to molting. Robins typically molt after the breeding season, replacing worn feathers with fresh ones before migration or winter residency. The patchy, uneven look may seem awkward, but it’s a normal stage that ensures the bird has strong feathers for survival.
Photography Notes: Capturing Feeding and Molting Moments
Both photos were challenging for different reasons. The worm-feeding image required quick timing, since robins often hop and tug at the ground before pulling up their prize. A fast shutter speed and good light were essential to freeze that moment.
- First image (Robin with earthworm): Canon EOS R5 Mark II, RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lens, ƒ/8, 1/1000 sec, ISO 1600.
- Second image (Robin with beetle, short tail): Canon EOS R5, RF 200–800mm lens, ƒ/9, 1/400 sec, ISO 2000.
The higher ISO values in both cases allowed me to capture detail in natural light without motion blur. The long focal lengths provided a safe distance, keeping the robins comfortable while still filling the frame.
Tips for Photographing American Robins
- Look for patterns: Robins feeding young will repeatedly visit the same spot. Position yourself where they forage.
- Work with light: Early morning or late afternoon gives softer shadows and helps isolate subjects against dew or grass.
- Use patience with molting birds: They may be less active, offering a chance for still shots, but don’t crowd them.
Closing Thoughts
Watching American Robins in September gave me two very different stories: one of persistence in feeding a late brood, the other of a bird quietly renewing its feathers for the season ahead. These everyday visitors remind us that even common species have fascinating rhythms, worth noticing and recording.