Rare European robin spotted in Montreal

A rare European robin has been spotted on this side of the Atlantic and it’s becoming a wee celebrity.

On Rougemont Avenue in Montreal, dozens of photographers and birders have been showing up for days.

Last week, Sabrina Jacob was putting out her garbage can when she saw a rare bird.

“I watch birds, so I was like, ‘I don’t know this sound.’ I just looked up, and I don’t know this bird either. He came straight up in front of me for two seconds and I took the video,” said Jacob.

She’s been seeing and photographing the robin every day since.

The hearty little bird usually lives in Europe and can be found as far as northern Scandinavia.

When Jacob shared her images of the bird, people started flocking for a glimpse of the creature.

“It’s nice to see the bird. We love the bird, but it’s not a chase for us, it’s more like spending time with the bird,” said Jacob.

Fruit trees and green space in the area mean photographers like Lori Bellerdine have been able to take pictures everyday – but it’s a waiting game.

“Apparently that’s where he likes to hang out. So, we’re just waiting and hope to see if he shows up or not,” she explained. “It just comes out for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. If you’re not there at the right time, then you miss it.”

How did this bird come here? Bird behaviourist Joel Coutu believes proximity to the port of Montreal could come into play.

“It’s possible that he hitched a ride and crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Other possibilities are the weather conditions as well. Lately in Europe, we’ve had these cold fronts. In Paris, we’ve had snow,” he said.

Northern winds could have pushed him here, he adds.

“I doubt he was carried in some luggage in a plane and released here, and it’s possible he’s been here for a while. He could have been here for weeks or months, and maybe he did come during migration in the fall,” Coutu said.

Some birders said they never thought they would see a European robin – something they might not see again, at least not in their backyards.

During dark January days, Jacob’s discovery has brought a lot of joy to her neighbourhood.

She hopes he makes it through the winter and sticks around come springtime.