Robins are a welcome sight in British gardens. If you’d like to attract more of the red-breasted birds, which start nesting in March, there are several things you can do now to entice them into your space.
‘Robins are a favourite of mine, and it’s always a pleasure when one pays you a visit,’ says James Ewens, bird and wildlife expert at Green Feathers. ‘People think luring robins is an impossible task, and while they can be a rare sighting, when you know, you know.’
The secret to attracting robins is to consider their basic needs: food, shelter and, at this time of year, nesting opportunities. ‘You can expect to see robins beginning nesting in March, taking full advantage of the still-damp soil where they can feast on earthworms as their favourite food source,’ James adds.
ournature-is-amazing – Getty Images
If you manage to get a pair of robins nesting in your garden, you’ll hear the gentle chirp of their chicks after just two weeks. Here’s how to increase your chances.
Install a bird box
Robins are perfectly capable of building their own nests, but they won’t pass up a well-positioned, ready-made home. The type of bird box you choose, however, makes all the difference.
‘Crucially, not all birds want the same type of home. The wrong entrance size or nest box style can completely deter the species you’re hoping to attract,’ says Sean McMenemy, founder of Ark Wildlife, an independent specialist for high-quality bird food, wildlife feed and habitat products to support garden biodiversity.
According to Sean, robins prefer open-fronted boxes, positioned roughly one metre from the ground and neatly tucked into foliage for cover.
More on robins:Offer the right food and feeder
MarcelTB – Getty Images
You can increase your chances even further by providing food. ‘Birds need extra energy in the breeding and nesting season, especially at the start of spring where natural food sources are still scarce,’ says James.
Robins much prefer to forage on the ground, so it’s best to choose a flat tray feeder rather than a hanging one to mimic their natural feeding habits. Keep it topped up with high-energy foods, like suet, sunflower seeds and – a robin favourite – mealworms.
A bird bath or shallow dish with water will also help robins stay hydrated throughout the nesting season. Equip your garden with the right kind of bird box and a reliable source of food and water, and you’ll give robins every reason to make themselves at home.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest
2 Pack Striped Outdoor Seat Pads
BUY NOW
2 Pack Striped Outdoor Seat Pads
M&S
£20.00
Marcy 2-Seater Sling Garden Sofa, Greige
BUY NOW
Marcy 2-Seater Sling Garden Sofa, Greige
John Lewis
£279.00
John LewisNatural Scalloped Rattan Outdoor Table Lamp
BUY NOW
Natural Scalloped Rattan Outdoor Table Lamp
Next
£25.00
NextHabitat 60 Lucinda Metal Nesting Garden Tables – Blue & Green
BUY NOW
Habitat 60 Lucinda Metal Nesting Garden Tables – Blue & Green
habitat.co.uk
£35.00
HabitatScalloped Edge Smooth Fibre Clay Plant Pot
BUY NOW
Scalloped Edge Smooth Fibre Clay Plant Pot
dunelm.com
£25.00
DunelmGarden Trading Rive Droite Bistro Set Large Thistle Green
BUY NOW
Garden Trading Rive Droite Bistro Set Large Thistle Green
gardentrading.co.uk
£296.00
Garden Trading
Comments are closed.