Robins do have a tendency to return to the same place to nest each year. This behavior is known as site fidelity, and it is quite common among many bird species, including robins.
One reason why robins choose to return to the same nesting site is because they are territorial birds. Once they establish a territory, they will defend it from other robins and other bird species. By returning to the same area, they are able to maintain their territory and ensure they have access to the necessary resources for nesting, such as food and suitable nesting materials.
I have personally witnessed this behavior in my own backyard. Every spring, without fail, a pair of robins would return to the same tree near my kitchen window to build their nest. It was fascinating to watch them gather twigs and grasses, meticulously constructing their nest. They seemed to have a strong attachment to that particular tree, as they would often perch on its branches during the day, keeping a watchful eye on their territory.
It is worth noting that while robins may return to the same general area to nest each year, they may not necessarily use the exact same nest. In fact, robins typically build a new nest for each brood they raise. This is because the nests can become soiled and infested with parasites over time, so it is more hygienic for the birds to build a fresh nest each breeding season.
Another interesting aspect of robin nesting behavior is that they can have multiple broods in a single year. Depending on the availability of food and other environmental factors, robins can have one to three broods within a breeding season. Each brood requires a new nest, so it is not uncommon to see multiple robin nests in the same area during the summer months.
To summarize, robins do exhibit site fidelity and often return to the same general area, yard, or even tree to nest each year. This behavior helps them maintain their territory and ensure access to necessary resources. While they may not reuse the exact same nest, they do build a new nest for each brood they raise. Observing this annual nesting ritual can be a delightful experience and a testament to the remarkable behavior of these beautiful birds.