Robins are said to be the nation’s favourite birds. The Christmas card stars are bright and bold little creatures and are a treat to have around the garden.
As colder weather sets in, birds need all the help they can get to help them survive the winter so providing a constant supply of food for them in our gardens can be vital. And once you start, don’t stop as our feathered friends can come to rely upon their regular food sources and expend valuable energy on their flights to locate them.
Many households would love robins to be among their garden regulars. But the red-breasted visitors are rather picky so it’s best to find ways to keep them happy.
Unlike some other birds, robins prefer to feed on the ground, not on a raised feeder or a high-up bird table, as The Express reports. Blackbirds are the same.
A simple change to accommodate their preference could work a treat in attracting robins to the garden. A swap from a hanging bird feeder for a ground feeding method should do the trick – or why not have both to please all birds.
For robins, wildlife experts suggest using a ground feeding tray, laid with a mix of their favourite foods which include bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms. Rachel Hoskins, of the Woodland Trust, says: “Robins are natural ground feeders so feeding trays are ideal.
“Make a mixture of bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms: sprinkle it out on a tray and wait for the robins to arrive. As they’re such fans of mealworms, you can give them an extra helping hand by soaking dried mealworms in water, giving the robins some valuable moisture from the food.”
She added of hanging feeders: “Lots of garden birds, such as blue tits, house sparrows and goldfinches will happily grab a bite to eat from bird feeders. Hang them up, fill them with nuts and seeds.
“That said, robins are not likely to visit a hanging feeder unless there is a platform next to it.” Bird tables can be used but these should be covered and the food on it should be removed and changed if it gets wet.
Otherwise this can risk spreading disease. Rachel said: “Damp food is susceptible to mould and bacteria which can make birds ill.
“Covered bird tables are best as their roofs help keep food dry, protect smaller birds from predators and can make it harder for wood pigeons to snaffle all the food!” The Woodland Trust also suggests other ways to support robins in your garden.
Areas which grow wild will attract insects and invertebrates which they can feed upon. Rachel said: “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 mini-beasts will provide food for robins and a host of other wildlife.”
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