A rare European robin sighting has captivated bird enthusiasts in Montreal, drawing crowds from all over the country. The small bird, typically found in Europe, was first spotted by Sabrina Jacob, an amateur birder, who stumbled upon it while taking out the garbage.
Jacob was taken aback by the unfamiliar chirp and, with the help of a friend, identified the bird as a European robin. She managed to capture a brief moment of the bird on her phone, sparking excitement in the birding community.
After sharing the photos online, confirming the species, the European robin became a sensation, with skeptics questioning the authenticity of the images. Despite the doubts, the bird has become a local celebrity, attracting birders from places like British Columbia.
Visitors gather quietly along the street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare bird without scaring it away. Toronto birder Jean Iron described the experience as unforgettable, expressing a sense of awe at seeing the European robin in person.
The mystery of how the bird made its way to North America remains unsolved. While theories suggest it might have been carried by a storm, experts like York University professor Gail Fraser admit there are no definitive answers.
As winter approaches, concerns arise about the bird’s survival in the Canadian climate. Fraser remains optimistic, citing the European robin’s adaptable nature and diverse diet as potential factors for its survival.
Sabrina Jacob continues to care for the bird, hoping it will gather enough strength to migrate to a more suitable winter habitat in the future.