Robins are more likely to visit your garden if you position your bird feeder well away from any vegetation, according to a wildlife expert from the Woodland Trust.
Robins are present in Britain throughout the year, but they can face real challenges surviving during the summer months. Earthworms form the primary diet for robins, but during hot, dry spells, they burrow deeper underground, making them difficult for birds to locate.
Why feeder placement matters
James Martin, a specialist from Woodland Trust, said that attracting robins to your garden is straightforward, provided you site the bird feeder well away from any vegetation.
He explained: "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."
Keeping birds safe and cool
Shrubs, trees and even flower borders provide cover for cats, and most birds won't feel secure if a feeder is positioned too close to the ground or adjacent to any greenery. Placing a bird feeder beside plants can cause distress to birds, and they are unlikely to return to your garden.
It can also cause problems for your outdoor space, as positioning a feeder close to flowerbeds or crops puts them at risk from bird droppings, which can introduce bacteria and disease to your plants.
Place your bird feeder in a shaded part of your garden to keep visiting birds cool, while keeping it well away from plants, fences, and sheds to prevent cats from climbing up to it. It is also worth placing your bird feeder within sight of your home, making it easy to monitor when it needs topping up and to watch robins feeding.
What to feed robins
Once you have found a suitable spot, fill the feeder with fat balls, which are high in energy and can help robins when natural food has been scarce. Robins will also eat fruits, sunflower seeds, and crushed peanuts, but mealworms are a particular favourite and are likely to attract them to your garden.
If robins can find a reliable food source now, they are more likely to remain healthy going into winter, and your garden may become a regular stop for them.
