Robins are a welcome sight in gardens across the UK in the build-up to Christmas. In addition to their cheerful nature and striking orange breast, the beloved bird has become synonymous with the festive season.
Many gardeners will be after tips to attract robins into their gardens over the coming weeks. An expert has revealed a simple way to tempt the lively birds into your garden, and it’s all about food. They advise leaving out kitchen scraps, including bits of cheese and fruit.
As reported by Country Living, Charlotte Ambrose, one of the RSPB’s wildlife experts, explained: “When you don’t have mealworms to offer your red-breasted garden visitor, there are some things in your kitchen cupboards that they may also like.”
She added: “Items like crumbs of mild cheese, bruised fruit and dried fruits like raisins are all things that might be appreciated by a visiting robin over winter.”
As robins are territorial in nature, gardeners are told to only expect one or maybe two at a time. They are also warned not to leave out raisins if they have a dog, as they are toxic to our furry friends.
As well as cheese, raisins and fruit, experts also advise leaving out seeds and crushed peanuts. Robins enjoy all of these in their diet and will be attracted to them.
It’s also important to put the food on flat surfaces rather than hanging seed feeders. The Woodland Trust recommends scattering leftover nibbles on a shallow dish or tray in a sheltered spot on the ground.
Alternatively, gardeners can use a garden table for a place for robins to feed. Covered bird tables are also effective as they help keep the birds nice and dry.
The Woodland Trust said: “The easiest way to attract a robin to your garden is to provide a source of food. Insects and invertebrates make up most of a robin’s diet, with seeds and fruit also eaten in winter.”
They added: “Your garden will be even better for robins if you make it a home for their natural prey. Encourage invertebrates by allowing parts of the garden to grow wild.
“Planting trees and adding features like a log pile or compost heap will help, too. These minibeasts will provide food for robins and a host of other wildlife.”
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