With winter on the horizon and snowfall forecasts becoming confirmed, it is important to consider how the freezing temperatures could affect our garden birds.
Many birds struggle to survive in the colder months because they have less daylight to forage and a lack of natural sources. Robins are particularly at risk because they rely on daily feeding to replenish the energy they lose during the cold winter nights.
For this reason, wildlife expert Richard Green said Kennedy wild bird foodtells how Brits can help robins and other garden birds simply by putting the leftovers from their Christmas dinner to good use.
“To help robins and other winter birds, it’s important to give them the right food,” says Robin. “High-protein foods such as mealworms are particularly beneficial to robins as they are insectivores, while fatty foods such as suet can provide much-needed energy even during cold periods.”
Our Christmas leftovers can also support robins in the winter. “Meat leftovers such as small pieces of turkey or chicken “can provide them with the protein they need to stay strong,” says Richard. “Milder foods, on the other hand, like it Cake or cookie crumbs are a good option because they are easy for robins to eat and provide extra calories during cold periods.”
Which leftovers to avoid
As you might expect, some leftovers should be avoided. “Foods such as fatty or salty meat, sauce and anything containing sugar or chocolate are harmful to birds,” adds Richard. Additionally, “too much salt can cause dehydration, and sugar can disrupt natural nutrition.”
Make sure what you feed them isn't too rich or processed. Also, make sure the food does not contain any harmful spices or sauces.
It is also important to feed them any leftovers in moderation. If you're unsure about anything, it may be safer to stick to simple, natural foods like mealworms or suet pellets.
How to offer Christmas leftovers safely
“One of the best ways to present leftover food to robins is to place it on a small tray near bushes or trees where robins naturally forage.”
You also want to prevent them from wasting unnecessary energy by chopping up larger pieces and offering chunks by offering them small pieces. You can do this by offering small portions of leftover food.
Provide the right environment
Providing birds with a safe and warm space is just as important as extra food this time of year. “Robins often use nest boxes as roosts in winter, so installing a suitable nest box can provide them with a safe haven.”
It can also be useful to keep parts of your garden wild or a little untidy to provide shelter for a whole range of local wildlife while also attracting insects. And these insects can provide robins with much-needed nutrition throughout the winter.
Also, don't forget about water, which is just as important in the winter months.
Filling a bird bath, bird table, or designated container with clean, fresh water can be a lifeline for robins. Remember to keep an eye on it so it doesn't freeze when temperatures really start to drop.