Feeding birds is one of the kindest ways gardeners can help their local environment, and in summer it helps to leave out a specific food for robins, as they can struggle to forage in the heat
Robins need all the help they can get in summer, and will flock to any garden that leaves out one specific food item
(Image: Getty)
Robins are commonly linked with winter as they’re typically far easier to observe, but they actually remain in the UK throughout the year and can face real challenges surviving during summer. These bright birds begin looking for a partner in autumn, which explains why you’re more likely to spot robins darting around gardens in the cooler months.
Yet robins generally remain close to nests to rear their young at this time of year, and it can prove extremely challenging for them to locate sufficient food for their baby chicks during warm weather. Earthworms represent the primary food source for robins, and they tend to dig deeper into the ground to survive once the soil becomes parched in the heat, meaning birds are unable to extract them.
It can frequently leave robins famished or even result in them dying from heatstroke while hunting for food, but Rachel Hoskins from the Woodland Trust says you can assist by providing the correct food for them.
Robins can actually really struggle to find enough food to feed their young in summer(Image: Getty)
What food do robins actually like to eat?
Rachel said: “Make a mixture of bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms, place it outside and wait for the robins to arrive.”
Feeding robins is among the most considerate actions a gardener can take in the summer, yet many people can prove more of an obstacle than a benefit by putting out inappropriate food.
It’s extremely common for people to put out bread or stale leftovers, which are amongst the absolute worst items you can offer to robins.
Bread offers no nutritional benefit whatsoever to birds, and their beaks are unable to process hard food in the way humans can, frequently resulting in baby chicks choking.
The very best food for robins during summer is mealworms, as they’re packed with protein, which provides both adult and juvenile birds with plenty of energy to survive in warm weather.
Mealworms are typically available in the pet section at most supermarkets, but if you’re keen to really assist robins, soak dried mealworms in water so the birds remain hydrated while consuming the food.
Robins will love it if you buy them mealworms or leave out fruit leftovers(Image: Getty)
Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to spend money, put out soft fruit for them, such as apples, pears, bananas or raisins.
If you’re leaving fruit scraps out for robins, ensure you chop them into very small pieces and soak them in a little water to make them softer.
Robins possess very delicate beaks, so they favour soft foods and generally eat only very small seeds, such as sunflower hearts, which they can consume easily without difficulty.
It’s worth noting that robins adore suet lard balls, but it’s not advisable to put them out in summer as they melt rapidly in the heat and are more prone to spreading disease.
Robins are more likely to survive if you take the time to feed them in July(Image: Getty)
Once you understand what to feed robins, it can also prove extremely helpful to provide water for them and to clean your bird feeder weekly to stop the spread of disease.
The summer months can prove particularly challenging for robins to get through, and considerate feeding practices can genuinely help this beloved British bird flourish throughout the remainder of the year.