Robins need to consume substantial amounts of food in November to build fat reserves and stay warm through winter, but natural food supplies become scarce at this time of year. If they cannot find enough insects before the first frosts, they may move elsewhere to find sustenance, meaning you might not see one again until the following year.
Wildlife specialists at Bird Spot have shared a simple, cost-free method to attract robins naturally. They advise: "Avoid cutting your lawn too short to provide shelter for insects and allow grass to grow seeds for them to feed on. Create an insect-friendly habitat by piling up logs, leaves, twigs, and rocks."
You can also build a bug hotel by stacking bricks or wooden pallets and filling the spaces with bamboo, dry leaves, bark, straw, cardboard, stones, and tiles. Choose a sheltered, sunny spot near plants and flowers to encourage insects. Beetles and spiders are drawn to dry leaves, bark pieces and cardboard, while worms prefer wet leaves, grass clippings and shredded paper.
As robins feed on the ground, creating a wild patch will naturally invite them back. If you wish to supplement their diet, you can offer mealworms or protein-rich kitchen scraps such as mild grated cheese, pieces of unsmoked bacon, or meaty pet food. Avoid salty or hard foods, and do not give leftover fat from roasting tins, as it can stick to their feathers and hinder their ability to fly.
This simple task takes only a few minutes but helps sustain robins throughout winter, ensuring your garden remains a haven for these beloved birds.
