Spring has sprung, and the long-awaited warmer weather and sunshine are bringing garden birds, including the beloved robins, back in force to bird feeders, branches and tables across the UK. British gardens serve as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, and as the frosty conditions give way to sunny skies, an array of garden birds are buzzing into our outdoor spaces – provided they find the right sustenance.
Garden enthusiasts are encouraged to cater to the robins – among the UK’s most familiar and favourite feathered friends – by offering them four essential foods. For those eager to see robins in their gardens this season, it’s recommended to provide mealworms, seeds, fruit and insects.
The ornithology experts at GardenBird said: “One interesting fact about the Robin is its keenness to rise early and be one of the first to tune up to Dawn Chorus with its fluting, warbling sound.
Interestingly, Robins vocalise differently through the year, with a much more melancholy sound over winter, which become progressively chirpier towards the breeding period in spring.”
They add: “If you’re lucky enough to have Robins visit your garden frequently, be aware they love to eat worms, seeds, fruit and insects.
“A favourite bird food is suet balls or one of our specially formulated premium mixes such as the Robin and Blackbird No Mess Mix.”
The RSPB is urging those with green fingers to keep the robins chirping by feeding them throughout the year, including in spring and summer, reports the Express.
However, they’ve issued a warning to steer clear of suet-based snacks when the mercury rises, as it can turn into a gooey mess, and to give peanuts a miss during springtime to prevent any tragic choking incidents among the fledglings.
Their guidance highlights: “During the spring and summer months, birds also require high-protein foods, especially while they’re moulting.
“Be careful with peanuts, fat and bread during spring and summer. If you want to feed peanuts only do so in rigid mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces to be removed, since these could be a choking hazard to chicks.
“Home-made fat balls can melt in warm summer weather, and should be avoided. The RSPB Super Suet products are resistant to melting in heat.”
Bird lovers should also remember to scrub down their bird tables regularly to prevent diseases from spreading.
This comes particularly after the RSPB pulled flat bird tables from their recommendations as they investigate potential links to a virus that’s been hitting songbirds hard, finches being notably affected.
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