Robins are one of Britain's best-loved birds, and their numbers have grown by 45 percent since the 1970s. However, these small red-breasted birds still face a serious threat from cold weather this winter, as freezing nights can cause them to lose up to 10 percent of their body weight just trying to stay warm.
If robins cannot quickly build up fat reserves, it can prove fatal. Feeding them is more vital than ever, with scraps left on bird tables providing a lifeline during the cold months. Robins will also pick up scraps that fall to the ground from hanging fat balls.
Monty Don's feeding advice
Monty Don, Britain's favourite gardener, has shared essential advice for caring for robins. In his blog, he says: "I buy dried mealworms too which robins, tits and wrens gobble up greedily. If in doubt sunflower seeds and fat-balls - preferably hanging so tits can land on them without being bullied away by more aggressive birds - are invariably popular."
Don also urges gardeners to supplement natural food supplies as the weather changes. He said: "As the weather changes the birds greedily feed off any seeds and berries in the garden but they soon get taken so supplementing this natural supply both helps them and provides a fascinating chance to share and observe their world."
What to feed and what to avoid
Don advises providing food that is as calorific as possible, with seeds, nuts and fat being best. Left-over pastry, bread and rice are eaten quickly, and fruit is good, especially for blackbirds and thrushes. Grated cheese is popular, as are cooked (but not raw) potatoes.
He warns against anything salty, such as crisps, salted peanuts or bacon. To prevent pigeons and starlings from taking all the food, Don suggests finding an old log with lots of cracks and crevices and pouring seed over it, allowing smaller birds to extract every last bit from fissures that bigger birds cannot reach.
Consistency and water supply
Don cautions that once feeding begins, it must continue on a regular basis. He explained: "The birds use up precious energy in coming to your bird table which is then wasted if it is bare. Also always be sure that there is a fresh supply of water for them to drink, especially in freezing weather."
