By creating a bird-friendly garden, you can make sure robins visit your garden this winter and keep coming back every year
There’s something magical about seeing the familiar red-breasted robin appear in your garden.
This little bird, often linked to the festive season, has become a symbol of Christmas. But did you know robins face serious challenges during the colder months? Gardeners are being urged to take a few simple steps to help these little birds survive the winter chill.
The colder months bring fewer food sources, and harsh winter nights can be brutal for these tiny birds. From when you prune your shrubs to where you place bird feeders, small changes can make a big impact on these birds.
One key action to take is to delay any heavy pruning in the winter. Robins tend to build their nests in thick, dense vegetation, where they feel safe and protected. If you prune shrubs too early you risk disturbing their nesting areas. Robins are fiercely protective of their space, so even a small disturbance can have a big effect on their behaviour, the Express reports.
Bird feeders
Garden feeders play a vital role in supporting robins during the colder months and where you place them is key. The Woodland Trust recommends positioning bird feeders at least two metres away from dense shrubs or bushes. This reduces the risk of predators, like neighbourhood cats, and allows robins to find cover quickly if needed.
When you feed robins, it’s important to offer food that will help them build up their reserves. During the winter, robins need extra calories to stay warm and healthy, so providing a mix of high-energy foods, such as suet balls, seeds, and dried fruit, can make a real difference. Robins can lose up to 10% of their body weight in just a few hours so by keeping their bellies full, these birds can survive the nights.
Winter care for robins
Although robins are hardy little birds, they’re not immune to winter. With fewer insects and worms available, they rely on the kindness of garden enthusiasts to provide food. The extreme cold can be tough on their bodies, and without energy, robins can struggle to make it through the season.
If you want to help the birds out this Christmas, you should consider how you can make your garden a safe and inviting place for these birds. Whether it’s positioning your bird feeder in a sheltered spot, delaying that winter pruning, or simply offering a steady supply of food, your efforts will help robins weather the winter. By creating a bird-friendly garden, you can make sure these beautiful birds visit your garden this winter.
