The robin Erithacus rubecula was named Bird of the Year in 2021. Since the robin is also an important part of the research work at the Institute of Avian Research, and especially of SFB 1372, we would like to use creative works (painting, drawing, crafting, photography, poetry – there are no limits to creativity here) to introduce the robin in more detail and draw attention to some special features of this songbird.

The robin is one of the most common breeding birds in Germany. Yet as soon as the migratory robins leave us in autumn, we often can only guess where they migrate to, how they find the right way, what dangers they face and what obstacles they have to overcome.

On this page, we would like to exhibit the submitted works about the robin – we are happy to add new contributions at any time.

We look forward to receiving further exhibits. Please send them either as a scan to corinna.langebrake@ifv-vogelwarte.de or by post in the original to:

Institute of Avian Research
– Robin –
An der Vogelwarte 21
26386 Wilhelmshaven

Please write the name, age or grade level, and place of residence of the young and older artists legibly on the back of the picture.

Have a look at the current contributions in our gallery:

In addition to the gallery, we also offer a talk for school classes in grades 1 to 6. The talk is interactive and lasts around 30 minutes. Afterwards, pupils can also paint robins under guidance; templates can also be provided.

Here is the information flyer for the school programme. If you are interested, we look forward to receiving an email.

One more note: By submitting the pictures, they become a gift to the Institute of Avian Research. They will not be returned and may also be used at public events of the IfV, NABU or the Wadden Sea National Park.

We hope that we will later be able to realise a real exhibition with the robin pictures; we will provide information about this on this page.