How to turn your garden into a robin-friendly haven this winter

How to Make Your Garden Robin-Friendly This Winter

As the festive season approaches, many people love to have robins visit their gardens, bringing with them a sense of Christmas cheer. Attracting these beautiful birds doesn’t have to be a matter of chance, though. Wildlife experts have shared tips on how to increase the chances of seeing more robins in your garden this winter.

Maria Kincaid, the head ornithologist at FeatherSnap, advises strategically placing bird food to attract robins. Unlike most birds that feed from a feeder, robins prefer to forage closer to the ground. Placing bird food in a low container or feeder under a tree can entice robins while keeping it out of reach of cats.

In terms of diet, robins primarily feed on insects and worms, rich sources of protein, calcium, and essential nutrients. To attract them, mealworms are recommended in addition to regular bird seed. Keeping the feeding area clean is crucial to minimise the risk of spreading disease.

Cats can deter robins from visiting your garden, as they are prolific hunters. If you have a cat, consider keeping it indoors to create a safer space for the birds. For gardens frequented by cats, deterrents like thorny shrubs or motion-activated sprinklers can discourage feline visitors.

Creating a wild, foraging corner in your garden can attract robins, as they are avid foragers. Piling fallen leaves in a sheltered area can draw invertebrates, a natural food source for robins. Alongside food, providing water is essential. Bird baths or makeshift water sources can serve as pit stops for robins to bathe and drink.

In addition to food and water, robins require shelter during the winter months. Nesting boxes, dense shrubs, or ivy-covered areas offer roosting spots for robins to rest and keep warm. Ensuring a welcoming environment with food, water, and shelter can transform your garden into a haven for these iconic birds.

By creating a robin-friendly space, you can enjoy the beauty of these birds in your own backyard throughout the winter season.

**Insights and Summary:**

Creating a welcoming environment for wildlife, such as robins, in our gardens is not only beneficial for the birds but also provides us with the joy of observing them up close. By following expert advice on placing bird food, offering water sources, and providing shelter, we can encourage robins to visit our gardens regularly. It is essential to be mindful of potential deterrents like cats and to maintain a clean and safe feeding area to ensure a thriving habitat for these beloved creatures. Through simple actions and thoughtful planning, we can turn our outdoor spaces into havens for wildlife during the winter months.