Robins are particularly active throughout autumn as they defend their territories and search for shelter, and gardeners hoping to attract them have been given a clear tip by experts: ivy and brambles.
Ornithologist Susan Jones, from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), revealed the foods her garden robins "love". She noted that robins enjoy a remarkably varied diet, "so they will readily come into our gardens to see what's on offer".
Berries and shelter
The bird expert explained: "My garden robins love Ivy and Brambles, which provide a feast of berries in the autumn and winter and nesting opportunities in the spring, as well as cover from the weather and predators."
Fruits and berries, in particular, make up a substantial part of robins' diet, especially during autumn and winter when worms become harder to find. Jon Carter, a bird expert from BTO, agreed, adding that robins benefit enormously from gardeners' enthusiasm for feeding birds, particularly when it comes to fruits and berries.
Ivy and brambles are not only valuable additions to the birds' diets, but can equally offer much-needed shelter. Robins show a preference for "slightly scrubby habitats" in our gardens, meaning "any wild and well vegetated corners will often be attractive to them".
Feeding tips and hygiene
Jon noted that British gardens "can prove invaluable for these hardy little birds in the depths of winter, as we provide shelter, water and food". Ornithologist Susan Jones also recommended that gardeners provide them with "soaked mealworms or suet pellets scattered on the ground" as robins love these, but warned to avoid doing this if you have dogs or visiting hedgehogs.
Additional methods to attract birds into your garden include "keeping some areas a little bit messy, and avoiding using chemicals". She added: "Blackbirds love to forage in amongst fallen leaves, and Goldfinches will feed on thistle and Teasel seeds right through the winter months (so don't cut them too early!)."
"Thanks to BTO Garden BirdWatchers, we know that it is quite normal for there to appear to be fewer birds around in the late summer and early autumn, as there is plentiful natural food available to them outside gardens."
"Following the updated feeding advice from the RSPB, published earlier this year, we recommend that bird lovers provide seeds and peanuts in hanging feeders for their birds again from November 1 to April 30." However, it should be stressed that maintaining good feeder hygiene is vital to minimise the risk of spreading diseases. Similarly, bird baths and water for drinking should be cleaned regularly and filled with fresh water to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
