The popular garden bird needs our help.
People have been urged to take action if they spot a robin in their garden this winter.
This is because as temperatures drop and the ground hardens, birds will begin to struggle to find enough food to eat – especially smaller species like robins.
Robins are synonymous with the festive season, adorning Christmas cards and tree decorations. However, while we seem to notice them more in the winter, they spend all year sharing their song with us in our gardens.
The species are also territorial and can be quite aggressive towards other birds if they begin to encroach on the place they call home.
Experts at the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have warned that if your garden is home to robins, you might need to invest in a couple of food sources to help out your feathered friends.
The experts advised: “Help birds in winter by placing fat blocks in wire cages. Balls in plastic nets are not recommended as birds such as woodpeckers can get their tongues caught.”
The RHS explained that whilst it is beneficial to feed birds all year round, they must get the fat they need during winter.
It said: “Garden birds, in particular, benefit from feeding year-round, but winter is a time to provide foodstuffs with a high-fat content to help keep them warm.
“Feed regularly so that birds will not waste vital energy visiting your garden when there is no food.”
A robin’s natural diet is usually made up of worms, seeds, fruits, insects and other invertebrates.
Local garden centres, however, stock high-fat food sources for birds. Or you can make your own fat balls at home.
As the RHS explained: “Create your own fat blocks by melting suet into moulds such as coconut shells or logs with holes drilled in.”
