Robins don’t just visit UK gardens in winter, but their chances of survival decrease when the weather is hot
Robins, often associated with winter, are actually present in Britain throughout the year and can struggle to survive during the summer months. Their primary food source, earthworms, burrow deeper into the ground during hot, dry weather, making them difficult for robins to find.
To help these vulnerable birds, it’s recommended to leave out food for them, but the placement of a bird feeder in your garden is crucial. James Martin, an expert from Woodland Trust, has shared some tips on how to attract robins to your garden.
He emphasised that the bird feeder should be placed at a safe distance from any plants, reports the Express. He advised: “Robins, and other birds, are more likely to spend time in your garden if they feel safe from predators like cats. Ideally, bird feeders should be positioned around two meters away from dense vegetation.
“This will reduce the chance of a surprise attack by cats, and means birds can still easily retreat to cover if needed.”
Bushes, trees and flowerbeds provide perfect hiding spots for cats, making birds feel unsafe if a bird feeder is too close to the ground or near any foliage. Not only does having a bird feeder next to plants stress out the birds and deter them from returning to your garden, but it can also negatively impact your garden.
Positioning a bird feeder near your flowerbeds or crops could make them a target for bird droppings, increasing the risk of plants being infected with bacteria, disease or other germs.
It’s best to place your bird feeder in a shady spot in your garden to keep the birds cool, but ensure it’s well away from plants and even fences and sheds to prevent cats from reaching it.
Also, position your bird feeder where you can easily see it from inside your house, so you’ll know when it needs refilling and can enjoy watching robins tucking into their meal.
Once you’ve found the safest location in your garden for a bird feeder, be sure to fill it with fat balls as they’re a great source of energy that can help robins regain their strength if food has been scarce.
Robins also enjoy fruits, sunflower seeds, crushed peanuts, but they’re particularly fond of mealworms, so stocking up on these will attract them to your garden.
Providing robins with a reliable food source now increases their chances of staying healthy and surviving once the colder weather sets in, so taking the time to assist them now will ensure your garden becomes a favourite haunt for them.