Robins are more likely to visit your garden every day if you position their feeder correctly before August ends, according to an expert from the Woodland Trust.
Robins live in Britain year-round, but they can struggle to find food during summer. Earthworms are their main food source, yet during hot, dry spells, worms burrow deeper into the ground and become hard to find.
Feeder placement matters
Providing food for robins can make a real difference to their survival, but where you place a feeder matters just as much as what you put in it. James Martin, an expert from Woodland Trust, says attracting robins is simple as long as you keep the feeder away from plants.
He said: "Robins, and other birds, are more likely to spend time in your garden if they feel safe from predators like cats. Ideally, bird feeders should be positioned around two metres away from dense vegetation."
"This will reduce the chance of a surprise attack by cats, and means birds can still easily retreat to cover if needed."
Keep feeders clear of hiding spots
Bushes, trees and flowerbeds all make good hiding spots for cats, and most birds will avoid feeders placed too close to the ground or near foliage. Keeping feeders near plants can also harm your garden, as bird droppings falling on flowerbeds or crops can introduce bacteria, disease or other pathogens to your plants.
Try to place your feeder in a shaded spot and keep it well clear of fences and sheds, which cats can climb to reach it. Position it somewhere visible from your home so you can easily see when it needs refilling and enjoy watching the birds feed.
Best foods for robins
Once you have found the right spot, stock your feeder with fat balls, which give robins a big energy boost when food has been scarce. Robins also eat fruit, sunflower seeds and crushed peanuts, but mealworms are a particular favourite and will bring them back time and again.
Helping robins now means they are more likely to stay healthy going into autumn and winter, and your garden will become a regular stop for them throughout the year.
