Robins are a symbol of Christmas, and gardeners across the UK will be welcoming them into their gardens over the coming weeks. The beloved and cheerful bird, known for their striking orange chest, is fiercely territorial and sings to defend their space throughout the year.
As we quickly approach the festive season, gardeners will be looking for ways to attract robins. While many people will be keen to tidy and sort their gardens before the coldest and wettest weather arrives, experts advise holding fire if you want to invite robins.
According to Woman and Home, a British lifestyle magazine and website, gardeners should leave out “leaf litter” for robins this year. They are also advised to start a compost heap to attract robins.
Petar Ivanov, gardening expert at Fantastic Gardeners, said: “Leave leaf litter. Robins forage in leaf litter for worms and insects, so avoid clearing every corner of the garden.
“Start a compost heap. A compost pile provides warmth and attracts invertebrates, which is a natural robin food source.”
He added: “Stop using pesticides. Chemicals reduce insect numbers. If you avoid them, you’ll encourage more of the natural prey robins rely on.”
Insects are a primary food source for robins. They particularly enjoy feasting on invertebrates such as beetles, earthworms and spiders.
Robins often follow gardeners to catch insects that have been disturbed by digging. The birds use their eyesight and hearing to track down their pray.
Alternatively, watering your lawn can help bring worms to the surface and attract robins. They often watch for the invertebrates to surface or listen for them moving under the soil.
Petar added: “Besides that, they’ll also eat soft foods, such as suet, sunflower hearts, raisins soaked to soften and fruit such as chopped apples or pears. Keep in mind that robins are natural ground feeders.”
He continued: “Robins have a variety of foods they love, with mealworms being a particular favourite, and they enjoy these both live and dried.”
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