Robins need to eat loads in November so they can store fat and stay warm during the chilly weather, but at this time of year most of their natural food sources are dwindling
Katherine McPhillips and Matt LLoyd
06:37, 15 Nov 2025
Robins will keep flocking to gardens if gardeners do a 10-second task in November(Image: Getty)
Spotting a robin singing or perched in your garden is a delightful way to begin winter, and there’s a straightforward method to encourage their return without spending any money.
Robins must consume substantial amounts during November to build up fat reserves and maintain warmth throughout the cold months, yet during this period most of their natural food supplies are becoming scarce.
Should robins fail to locate sufficient insects before the initial frosts arrive, it could prove fatal, and they’ll probably relocate elsewhere seeking sustenance, meaning you may not encounter one again until the following year.
Read More: Gardeners urged to put Tabasco hot sauce in garden in November
Fortunately, wildlife specialists at Bird Spot have disclosed there’s a remarkably straightforward approach to naturally attract abundant food for robins by simply distributing a few materials throughout your garden.
They explained: “Avoid cutting your lawn too short to provide shelter for insects and allow grass to grow seeds for them to feed on.”, reports the Express.
“Create an insect-friendly habitat by piling up logs, leaves, twigs, and rocks.
“Alternatively, build a bug hotel by stacking bricks or wooden pallets and filling the spaces with bamboo, dry leaves, bark, straw, cardboard, stones, and tiles.”
Most gardeners have already ceased cutting their lawns since continuing to mow during November can harm grass and hinder proper regrowth come spring.
Allowing grass to grow lengthy before winter enables it to offer refuge for insects like worms, which makes hunting considerably easier for robins.
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However, you can also create a wild patch in your garden, also known as a bug hotel, by piling logs, sticks, leaves or other natural material in that area that will mimic a forest floor.
This helps give insects shelter and encourages them to breed to make an ecosystem that will easily sustain robins, so they will not struggle to find food at a time when it is crucial for them to store fat.
A natural way to feed robins is to pile leaves and sticks into a corner of your garden(Image: Getty)How to naturally encourage robins in your garden
All you need to do is find a sheltered spot in your garden that is protected from wind and heavy rain. It tends to be best to pick a sunny area near plants and flowers to help give insects a source of food to encourage more of them.
Then, simply stack materials on top of each other. Beatles spiders tend to be attracted to dry leaves, bark pieces and cardboard while worms like wet leaves, grass clippings and shredded paper.
Robins tend to feed on the ground so creating a wild area that encourages insects will also naturally invite more of these beloved birds to keep coming into your garden.
However, if you wish you can also buy mealworms for robins or feed them certain leftovers, but be careful to not give them anything salty or hard otherwise it could harm them.
The expert advised: “Protein-rich kitchen scraps are another great option. Robins will gladly eat mild grated cheese, pieces of unsmoked bacon, or meaty pet food. Avoid offering leftover fat from roasting tins, as it can stick to their feathers, hindering their ability to fly and escape predators.”
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