If you’re a fan of watching robins in your garden, there’s a simple way to encourage them to visit, and it’s particularly effective in November. Just add one simple fruit to bird feeders

12:07, 10 Nov 2025Updated 12:07, 10 Nov 2025

Close up of european robin on tree trunkIt’s always lovely to see robins (stock image)(Image: Cris Cantón via Getty Images)

Many people enjoy spotting robins in their gardens, and there’s actually a straightforward technique you can employ to encourage them to return regularly to your outdoor space. They’re frequently seen during this period of the year and, with most people linking them to Christmas, it’s delightful to witness their visits throughout November and December.

According to Kingsyard Official, a firm specialising in bird feeder production, incorporating one basic fruit into your feeder can encourage them to gather in your garden this winter. What makes it even more appealing is that you probably already possess this everyday fruit in your home, making it quite achievable.

After all, it’s crucial to care for wildlife and tend to them as much as possible. This is precisely why you should steer clear of placing particular items in your garden that might cause them damage, with one being especially harmful to robins.

Nevertheless, if you wish to entice them, there’s a straightforward approach you can adopt. Kingsyard Official posted on Instagram: “How to attract robins to your feeders?

“American robins aren’t typical feeder visitors, but they love open ground and platform feeders. Try adding apple slices, raisins, suet, mealworms or peanut hearts to draw them in.

“As winter approaches, robins will be looking for fresh water. Consider setting up a heated bird bath to welcome these beautiful birds during the colder months”.

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Robins become much more noticeable throughout winter as natural food sources become scarce, making them more inclined to venture into gardens and visit bird feeding stations whilst foraging for sustenance. The reduced leaf cover on trees and bushes during this period also makes them far easier to observe.

Additionally, certain robins from mainland Europe journey to Britain for the winter months, resulting in an increase to the resident population. Throughout autumn, their usual food supplies begin to diminish and they start establishing their winter territories.

This explains why they’re already beginning to appear once more and might also be heard performing their distinctive “autumn song”. What many don’t realise is that these delightful birds became connected with Christmas due to Victorian postmen.

During that era, postal workers donned vivid red uniforms and were nicknamed “robins”. Since then, these charming creatures have remained tied to the holiday period.

Today, countless people are eager to spot them in their gardens throughout the colder months. As it happens, there’s a straightforward method to easily entice them.

Do robins like apple?

What many don’t realise is that robins thoroughly enjoy feasting on apple, particularly throughout autumn and winter when their eating habits change from insects to fruits and berries. To draw them in, you can provide small, fresh apple pieces or place them on a bird feeding platform.

Robins naturally gravitate towards berries and fruits from trees and shrubs, which explains their attraction to fruit. In the chillier months, when insects are scarce, fruit becomes a significant part of their diet.

The crucial thing is to ensure the fruit remains fresh and doesn’t become mouldy. If it does, it should be replaced with fresh fruit. Some experts advise against feeding them high-sugar fruits like grapes.

If you’re running low on apples, there are alternative options. Dried fruits such as raisins can also be left out for them.

They’re also fond of pears and peanuts, provided they’re finely chopped. There are several items you can leave out to help the birds during the winter.

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