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European Robin (14)

Erithacus rubecula

Brian Morin

Canada (Québec)

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Details: male, adult, outside normal range

Montreal - A Canadian first, at least as far as we know. Discovered a few days ago, it is anyone's guess how long it has been in Canada but at least part of its journey might have been as a hitchhiker on a ship. It is a short distance from the shipyards and such shipboard assists have occurred for a variety of birds in the past.
The bird was actively feeding on sumac berries and a few wild grapes. I had a few seconds to grab shots under very difficult conditions – beside a sea of observers and shooting through a chain link fence. I called it a male based on the bright rather than muted colour of the face and breast. It was heard singing several times, confirming it is a male.

Date uploaded: Jan 10

Comments (6):
Chris: Amazing shot. I’m curious to know more about the experience. I’m assuming there were dozens, if not more people? Was the bird generally staying in one yard, or moving up and down the street? Somebody posted there are a lot of cats in the area…hopefully this bird is not feeding on the ground. As you mentioned, it’s interesting that the location is generally close to the Port of Montreal. I wonder what events lead to this location and if a storm and/or ship was involved.
Brian Morin: I don't think weather was a factor at the end of the trip, earlier on perhaps and I wouldn't suggest that this all happened recently for the passage. The proximity of the shipping port, almost down the street, suggests a possible link for part of the trip. There were about 80 people spread out along the street with people coming and going. The weekend total for observers was at least 200-250 and possibly closer to 300. Parking was becoming an issue and we waved and smiled to the officer when the car drove slowly by. She smiled back. It is not ground feeding, only in trees and bushes which is good. It spent most of its time in a scrubby area across the street and behind a fence so not much time near the houses. In recent days this was the hottest game in Eastern Canada.