Robins are a year-round visitor to UK gardens, but August can be a challenging time for them as insect numbers decline from their summer peak. To attract more robins, garden experts suggest making a simple change to your bird feeding setup.
Ground Feeding is Key
Robins prefer ground feeding over hanging feeders, according to garden expert James Ewens at Green Feathers. He advises scattering food on a low table or directly onto soil to mimic their natural feeding habits. This is backed up by the Woodland Trust, which notes that robins are natural ground feeders.
What to Feed Robins
Robins love live food such as mealworms and earthworms, but suet balls are also a favorite due to their high-energy content. Apples, pears, and dried fruit provide fibre and vitamins A, E, and C, supporting digestion, healthy feathers, and immunity.
Rachel Hoskins of the Woodland Trust suggests making a mixture of bird seed, sunflower hearts, and mealworms, and sprinkling it on a tray. Soaking dried mealworms in water can also provide valuable moisture.
Avoid Hanging Feeders
Robins are unlikely to visit hanging feeders, unlike blue tits, house sparrows, and goldfinches. If you do use hanging feeders, place a platform nearby to encourage robins to feed.
