Robins are commonly linked with winter as they're far easier to spot during the colder months, but these charming birds actually remain in the UK all year round and can face real challenges surviving through summer. They begin looking for a mate in autumn, which explains why you're more likely to see robins flitting about gardens when temperatures drop.
Why Robins Struggle in Summer
However, at this time of year, robins typically stay close to their nests to rear their young, and finding sufficient food for their chicks during spells of hot weather can prove incredibly tough. Earthworms form the staple diet for robins, but when soil dries out in the heat, worms tend to burrow much deeper to stay alive, making them impossible for birds to reach.
This can leave robins desperately hungry or even cause them to succumb to heatstroke while hunting for food, but Rachel Hoskins from the Woodland Trust says there's a simple way you can lend a hand by offering the right types of food.
Best Foods for Robins in July
Rachel said: "Make a mixture of bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms, place it outside and wait for the robins to arrive."
Feeding robins is among the most considerate things a gardener can do during summer, yet many well-meaning people can inadvertently do more harm than good by putting out unsuitable food.
It's extremely common for people to leave out bread or stale leftovers, which are actually some of the very worst things you can offer robins. Bread offers birds absolutely no nutritional benefit, and their beaks are unable to break down hard food in the same way humans can, which can frequently cause baby chicks to choke.
Without doubt, the finest food for robins during summer is mealworms, as they are packed with protein, providing both adult and young birds with the energy they need to thrive in the warm weather.
Tips for Feeding Robins Safely
Mealworms can usually be picked up in the pet aisle at most supermarkets, but if you really want to give robins a helping hand, soak dried mealworms in water so the birds remain hydrated while eating.
If you'd rather not spend any money, simply leave out soft fruit for them, such as apples, pears, bananas, or raisins.
Should you be leaving out leftover fruit for robins, be sure to chop it into tiny pieces and soak it in a little water to soften it up.
Robins have particularly slender beaks, meaning they favour soft foods and tend to eat only very small seeds, such as sunflower hearts, which they can manage with ease.
It's worth noting that robins are fond of suet lard balls, though it's not advisable to leave them out during summer, as they melt rapidly in the heat and are far more likely to spread disease.
Additional Summer Care for Robins
Once you've got to grips with what to feed robins, it can also make a real difference to leave fresh water out for them and to clean your bird feeder once a week to stop disease from spreading.
Summer can prove one of the most challenging periods for robins to endure, and considerate feeding can make a genuine difference in helping this beloved British bird flourish throughout the remainder of the year.
