Cornwall Gardeners Boost Robin Survival This Autumn

Gardeners across Cornwall are being urged to provide vital assistance to local robin populations as temperatures begin to fall, particularly during October and throughout the colder autumn and winter months. With natural food sources becoming scarce, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued guidance, highlighted by CornwallLive, encouraging community members to offer supplementary feeding.

The primary recommendation for supporting these beloved garden birds is to provide mealworms, which can be offered live or dried. These are highly nutritious and a favorite food source for robins. Beyond mealworms, Cornish residents can also offer a variety of other beneficial items. These include seeds, suet pellets, finely crushed peanuts, grated cheese, and soft fruits like apples and pears. These diverse food options ensure robins receive a balanced diet, crucial for their survival during harsh conditions.

However, the RSPB also cautions against certain foods that can be harmful. Gardeners should avoid giving robins milk, cooked oats, desiccated coconut, and large quantities of bread, as these can cause digestive problems or offer little nutritional value. Alongside food, providing a consistent supply of fresh, clean water is equally important for drinking and bathing.

This community-wide effort is significant because robins are territorial and often return to the same gardens each year, fostering a strong connection between the birds and local residents. By placing food on bird tables, ground feeders, or in shallow dishes, Cornwall’s gardeners can directly impact the well-being of their local wildlife, ensuring these iconic birds thrive through the challenging seasons. This initiative underscores the simple yet profound ways individuals can contribute to local biodiversity and community spirit.

(Source: https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/property/foods-to-help-garden-robins-10560399)