Robins can be drawn to your garden this November by adding apple slices to your bird feeder, according to Kingsyard Official, a company that produces bird feeders. The company shared this tip on Instagram, noting that robins are particularly fond of apples during autumn and winter.
Robins become far more visible throughout the winter months because natural food sources grow scarcer, making them considerably more likely to appear in gardens and at bird feeders while searching for food. The lack of dense foliage on trees and shrubs also makes the small creatures much easier to observe.
Furthermore, some robins from continental Europe actually migrate to Britain for the winter, which increases local populations.
How to Attract Robins to Your Feeders
Kingsyard Official shared on Instagram: "How to attract robins to your feeders? Try adding apple slices, raisins, suet, mealworms or peanut hearts to draw them in. As winter approaches, robins will be looking for fresh water. Consider setting up a heated bird bath to welcome these beautiful birds during the colder months."
During autumn, their natural food supplies start to dwindle and they begin establishing winter territories. This accounts for why they are already starting to reappear and you may even hear them singing their characteristic "autumn song".
Why Robins Are Linked to Christmas
What many people do not realise is that these charming birds became linked with Christmas due to Victorian-era postmen. In those days, postal workers wore bright red uniforms and were nicknamed "robins". Since then, these delightful creatures have been associated with the festive season.
The Key Fruit to Use
Robins have a natural preference for berries and fruits from trees and shrubs, which explains why they are frequently drawn to fruit. As temperatures fall and insects become harder to find, fruit forms a substantial part of their diet. To attract them, you can offer small, fresh apple slices or place them on a bird platform feeder.
The key is to make sure the fruit is in excellent condition and does not become mouldy. Should it spoil, discard it and replace it with fresh fruit. Some experts advise that you should also avoid offering them high-sugar fruits such as grapes.
However, if you are short on apples, there are other options you can provide. Dried fruits including raisins could also be left out for them. They are equally keen on pears and peanuts, as long as they are chopped into small pieces. There are several items you can leave out to help support the birds throughout the winter.
