October gardens across Wales fall quiet as birdsong fades and feeders see fewer visitors, but the RSPB advises continuing to provide high-energy foods such as mealworms to support robins through the colder months.
The familiar chirping and singing that filled spring and summer gives way to autumn's softer hues, leaving many bird enthusiasts wondering where the birds have gone. While some species have migrated, the quieter phase also reflects natural behaviour and seasonal shifts that lead many birds into a more secluded period.
Those that remain, however, still need help sourcing food. The RSPB recommends putting out bird food and water "on a regular basis" throughout autumn and winter, emphasising that "birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather."
High-Energy Foods for Robins
Energy-dense and high-fat foods that birds typically favour include suet, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and mealworms. Sue Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival, highlights mealworms as a particular favourite: "Mealworms are a key for robins, they absolutely love them," she says. "But I think if you went with sunflower hearts and mealworms... robins would really like those."
When feeding garden birds, hygiene is crucial. The RSPB advises: "Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to build up." Leftover feed should be removed, and any signs of illness checked. Bird baths must be kept clean regularly. Earlier this year, the RSPB stopped selling its flat bird tables amid concerns they could help spread deadly diseases among finches.
Why Birds Go Quiet in October
After the breeding season, adult birds are exhausted, with feathers worn and damaged. They undergo a complete moult to prepare for autumn and winter, an energy-intensive process that leaves them more vulnerable and less likely to venture out.
"Moulting is a physically demanding time for birds," the RSPB explains. "They need to conserve energy, so they become much quieter and spend more time hidden amongst vegetation, making them less conspicuous."
Nature's larder also brims in autumn. Berries are ready, plants are heavy with seeds, and insects are plentiful, so birds rely less on feeders and forage in hedgerows, woodland, and garden shrubs. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) notes: "Wild food sources like berries, nuts, and fallen fruits are at their peak in autumn," meaning "birds don't have to rely as heavily on supplementary feeding."
Supporting Birds Through the Season
Young birds hatched in spring are dispersing to explore new territories, and summer visitors like swallows and housemartins are preparing for their journey south. Resident birds are lying low, but they remain present, keeping a lower profile.
Gardeners can help by providing fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing, leaving wild areas with piles of leaves, seed heads, and undisturbed shrubs for shelter and food, and continuing to offer premium bird seed, suet, and fat balls as natural food sources dwindle.
