Learn how to support robin populations during winter by providing high-energy food options
Robins , a familiar sight in gardens throughout the year, become even more noticeable in winter as they are non-migratory birds. During colder months, these birds are frequently observed gathering materials for nest building or actively searching for food, especially as their usual food sources dwindle due to the harsh weather.
Robins typically thrive on a diet of live insects, worms, and fruit, but finding these can be challenging during winter when the ground is frozen solid and fruit trees stand bare. Wildlife experts strongly advise garden enthusiasts to provide supplemental food for these small, red-breasted birds. This support is particularly vital during this season as it not only helps them stay warm but also aids in building up their fat reserves for sustenance. As natural ground feeders, robins greatly appreciate food placed on ground feeding trays or bird tables, providing them with an easily accessible dining spot. Wildlife specialists emphasize the importance of offering robins high-energy foods during this period to ensure their well-being. They recommend a combination of seeds, such as sunflower hearts, and mealworms, a particular delicacy for robins, according to the Woodland Trust, as reported by the Express. Beaky Bites, specialists in bird food, highlight the significance of high-energy content in birdseed for sustaining avian health. They explain that black sunflower seeds are a prime example of a high-energy food readily accessible to birds. Many bird enthusiasts offer black sunflower seeds and sunflower hearts as staple foods due to their nutritional value. These seeds are favored because they are consumed quickly and leave behind no husks, minimizing mess around the feeders. They further note that sunflower seeds are beloved by a variety of birds, including tits and greenfinches, for their high-energy content, providing them with the essential fuel for daily activities, especially during colder months when energy requirements are heightened. However, black sunflower seeds can lead to a buildup of husks beneath the feeder, requiring regular cleaning. Despite their high energy content, experts advise against feeding whole peanuts to birds, particularly during the breeding season, from March to August, due to the risk of choking for fledglings. Instead, they recommend using peanut granules, which are smaller and safer during these crucial months for fledglings. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) shares a similar warning to bird enthusiasts, advising against placing loose nuts, especially during the breeding season. They recommend using rigid mesh feeders from which birds can only extract small pieces or finely chopping peanuts into a seed mix. Additionally, the RSPB strongly cautions against feeding salted peanuts to birds, as they can contain aflatoxin, a harmful toxin produced by a fungus that can be present in peanuts. They emphasize the importance of purchasing nuts only from reputable dealers who can guarantee the absence of aflatoxin
Robins Winter Feeding Bird Food High-Energy Seeds Peanut Granules
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