Gardeners looking to attract robins to their birdbaths this spring are being advised to add natural stones to provide stability and grip. A gently sloping, shallow birdbath is ideal for robins due to their compact size, but if your birdbath lacks this feature, stones can offer extra support.
Experts recommend using natural stone rather than polished varieties, which birds may find slippery. One gardener on Reddit suggested: "Natural rock without algae on top isn't too slippery. Maybe don't use some manually polished stone, that could get slippery indeed." Another added: "I put some flat natural stones in mine, and the little birds often use them."
The birdbath should be placed near cover and shade while remaining visible to smaller birds. It is crucial to refresh the water daily and keep it ice-free in winter. Regular cleaning is also necessary to prevent grime and algae buildup.
To reduce algae, some gardeners recommend adding a 1p or 2p coin to the birdbath, as copper acts as a natural biocide. Coins should be thoroughly cleaned before being added.
Meanwhile, the RSPB has urged people to stop putting out seeds and peanuts for garden birds from May 1 to October 31, warning that feeding during spring and summer can help spread disease.
