The little red-breasted birds are a welcome sight in UK gardens but they don’t just have to be a common sight in the winter
Robins are usually seen more in the winter months(Image: Getty)
Robins are a joyous sight in the garden during the colder months. It’s so associated with the festive season that many may believe that they are a bird only sighted in the winter time.
However, they are present across the country all year round but can find it difficult to source food in the summer months. Earthworms, which are robins main supply of food, will burrow deeper into the ground in the drier conditions and so they are harder to find.
That means gardeners may see less of the sweet red-breasted birds as they search for food supplies in wooded and other shaded areas instead.
But experts say that householders can help to give them a better chance of survival and attract them to their gardens all year round by planting one particular tree.
The serviceberry tree yields fruit during the summer months and is therefore attractive to robins, says All About Birds..
And Wild Ones agrees saying the tree is a ‘four-season winner’ that is both a favourite for native landscapers and bird lovers alike, reports Wales Online.
Its website noted the tree boasts a “froth of delicate white blossoms in early spring, luscious blueberries by June, apricot to reddish bronze fall colour, and silver-grey bark for winter interest”.
It added: “Birds descend in droves to feed on ripening serviceberries… [lots of] species of birds have been documented feeding on these delicious fruits. Without question, serviceberries are one of the top plants for birds.”
Nevertheless, if you also maintain a bird feeder, remain vigilant as bushes, trees and even floral borders can offer ideal concealment spots for cats.
Most birds won’t feel secure if a feeding station sits too close to ground level or adjacent to any vegetation, where they feel more at risk.
The serviceberry tree is a great addition to the garden for robins as it produces fruit in summer(Image: Getty)
Positioning a bird feeder next to plants can stress birds out and make them less likely to return to your garden, while also potentially damaging your outdoor space.
Placing a bird feeder near your flowerbeds or crops could expose the greenery to bird droppings, which can increase the risk of bacteria, disease or other germs infecting plants.
It’s advisable to place your bird feeder in a shady spot in your garden to keep birds cool, but ensure it’s far from plants and even fences and sheds to prevent cats from reaching it.
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Robins also enjoy fruits, sunflower seeds, crushed peanuts, but they particularly love mealworms, so stocking these will help to attract them to your garden and keep them coming back too.
Providing robins with a reliable food source now increases their chances of staying healthy and surviving once the colder weather sets in.
And taking the time to assist them now will help to ensure your garden becomes a favourite haunt for them.
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