Robins, often associated with winter, live in the UK year-round and face significant challenges during summer. While they become more visible in colder months as they search for mates, warmer weather keeps them near nests rearing chicks. Their main diet of earthworms becomes scarce when soil dries out, forcing worms deeper and leaving robins hungry or risking heatstroke while foraging.
How to help robins in summer
Rachel Hoskins from the Woodland Trust recommends offering appropriate food. She said: "Make a mixture of bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms, place it outside and wait for the robins to arrive." Mealworms are the best option, packed with protein to give adult birds and chicks energy. Soak dried mealworms in water first to help keep birds hydrated.
Alternatively, soft fruits like apples, pears, bananas, or raisins can be offered. Cut them into tiny pieces and soak in water to soften. Avoid bread or stale leftovers, which provide no nutrition and can choke young chicks because robins' beaks cannot break down hard food.
What not to feed robins
Bread is one of the worst choices, offering no nutritional benefit and posing a choking hazard. Suet lard balls should also be avoided in summer as they melt quickly and can harbour disease. Instead, provide fresh water and clean bird feeders weekly to prevent disease spread.
Summer is one of the toughest seasons for robins, but considerate feeding can make a real difference in supporting this beloved British bird through the rest of the year.
