Robins are a firm favourite among garden birds, but they can be difficult to tempt to a bird feeder – here’s how to keep them well-fed in the summer months
A robin feeds a grown-up juvenile on a branch(Image: CreativeNature_nl via Getty Images)
The sight of the quintessentially British robin appearing in gardens nationwide is truly delightful. With their vibrant orange markings and compact, sturdy build, these birds are a joy to observe and a welcome addition to many gardens.
However, those who have taken on the role of surrogate parent to a robin will know that feeding them is not as straightforward as it might seem. These petite birds are not typically enticed by bird feeders filled with seeds, for reasons unknown. To the surprise of many gardening enthusiasts turned bird watchers, it turns out that robins are rather fussy eaters, with seeds seldom featuring on their preferred menu.
If you’re hoping to encourage your orange-bellied visitor to return, you may need to think beyond traditional bird feeders and standard bird food offerings. During the spring and summer months, robins favour a more carnivorous diet, feasting on a variety of insects and showing a particular fondness for earthworms and snails. They are most active in the mornings when worms begin to surface following rainfall or dew, reports the Express.
Robins love to eat worms(Image: Wirestock via Getty Images)
If you wish to keep attracting robins to your garden, ensuring a plentiful supply of these critters is key. While we’re not suggesting you purchase earthworms online, although dried calciworms are a particular favourite, there are several simple strategies to guarantee a sufficient supply to keep your feathered friend satisfied.
Country Living advises against using pesticides on your lawn to preserve the insects that robins enjoy eating, and recommends leaving certain areas of your garden wild to provide habitats for these insects. Another method involves placing fresh fruit pieces on a platform or feeder. Like humans, robins are omnivores and appreciate a balanced diet.
They have a particular fondness for berries, but cherries and grapes are also likely to attract them. For those willing to go the extra mile, mixing berries into suet to make berry bird feed balls is an excellent way to nourish them. These feed balls tend to last longer than fresh fruit left out in the hot sun.
Lastly, a bird bath filled with fresh water provides a perfect spot for robins to drink and bathe. Before you know it, this could become a focal point in your garden, particularly during the warm summer months when birds need to quench their thirst.