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Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Households with robins in the garden are urged never to do one thing
Robins are a national favourite among bird species, representing hope, but enthusiasts who want to spy the red-breasted birds have been warned to do so from a distance Robins are a beloved British bird, characterised by a bright orange-red breast, a brown back, and a dumpy shape. They are commonly found perched on a garden fence and are known as the garden birds that sing throughout the year to proclaim their environment. While their appearance may be cute, they are highly territorial and can exhibit aggressive tendencies, often driving away unwanted guests. Therefore, robins are often best appreciated from a distance. These birds are renowned for nesting almost anywhere. From flower pots to post boxes, there's really nowhere that a robin can't nest. They are one of the earliest birds to start building their nests, usually beginning in March to commence their breeding season, laying eggs around mid-April. If you see robins beginning to pile up materials like leaves and moss, chances are they are preparing to build a nest. While it might seem like a fun idea to keep an eye out for these nests during this season, households are advised not to. Robins are known to abandon their nests if they feel humans have discovered it or if they sense the nest is no longer safe. Despite being a popular garden bird, Robins are incredibly cautious of human activity. If they sense a potential predator, they will abandon the nest entirely to protect the eggs and their young. However, if gardens are considered a nest, it's best to wait a few days before approaching as they tend to return. Additionally, robins can have multiple broods each season, returning to the same nest for every brood unless something makes it feel unsafe. Brits are also reminded that, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, all birds, along with their nests and eggs, are protected by law. Causing any disruption to these is a criminal offence. However, for Brits wanting to welcome these little birds into their backyard, it's important to invest in the correct bird box. Gardening expert James Ewens told Ideal Homes: 'Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits. What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view.' He notes that robins tend to keep a close eye on their surroundings, as they often nest lower to the ground, making them more susceptible to predators than other birds. It's also important to consider what material your birdbox is made of. Robins are attracted to natural wood because it mimics the habitats they would naturally settle in, such as log piles or tree hollows. So, this nesting season, be prepared to welcome some robins, but be sure to keep your distance
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Attract and keep robins in your garden with this one affordable item
Attract and keep robins in your garden with this one affordable item Robins are one of Britain's best-loved birds, but they can be picky about where they choose to nest. If they're only making fleeting visits to your garden, there could be one simple reason why Making sure you have the right kind of bird box is essential to enticing robins to your garden (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto ) The little robin redbreast is a bird that brings immense joy to many - and if you want to entice them to your garden regularly, there's one essential item to add to your shopping list. Luckily, it's easy to find. According to the RSPB, robins hold the title of Britain's favourite bird, and it's not difficult to understand why. With their diminutive stature and intelligent gaze, they're often associated with good fortune and prosperity. There's even an age-old myth they carry the spirits of deceased loved ones, making their presence a poignant and heart-warming symbol for many. Robins can however be quite particular about where they choose to settle in your garden. If you've noticed they only make brief appearances, the issue might lie with your bird box. If your bird box is the wrong shape or size, they may opt to perch elsewhere. To encourage these charming birds to stay, gardening experts recommend investing in an open-fronted bird box, reports the Mirror. Unlike traditional bird boxes, open-fronted ones have an entirely exposed front, eliminating the need for birds to poke their beaks through a small hole to access food. James Ewens, a gardening expert at Green Feathers, shared with Ideal Homes: "Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits. Article continues below "What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view." Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here . He explained that robins have a preference for maintaining a watchful eye over their vicinity, leading them to "tend to nest lower to the ground." Additionally, he advocated that an ideal bird box should be crafted from natural timber, which mirrors the robin's habitat choices in the wild, such as log heaps or cavities in trees. Having the correct type of bird box is only part of the equation. Equally important is its strategic placement to attract returning robins. Robins favour north-east facing boxes, so positioning is key. Being solitary and territorial birds, it's essential to ensure the box is nestled within greenery and located in a more secluded part of your garden. The bird box must also be at least 1.5 metres from the ground – to safeguard against natural predators including cats, foxes, and rodents. Article continues below To make the box particularly inviting, it's best to ensure it is amply insulated. Materials such as wood shavings, grass, or even hay can create a cosy environment for the birds.
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Exact bird box that will attract robins to your garden and keep them coming back
Robins are a welcome sight in the garden as for many people, they've come to represent a connection with loved ones who have passed away. Seeing the red-breasted birds is sometimes thought to be a sign that someone is watching over you and is maybe one reason the sight of them is welcomed by so many people. But they are also a great ally for gardeners too as they feast on insects, worms and spiders, offering natural pest control and their foraging can help to aerate your soil too. Add to that their pretty appearance and sing song chirps, it's no wonder they're one of Britain's best loved birds. Attracting them to your garden and keeping them coming back, however, can be difficult if you don't have the right nesting spot or bird box for this discerning creature. They can be picky when it comes to where they like to hang out. They like certain types of bird boxes and they won't wait about if it's not available. James Ewens, a gardening expert at Green Feathers , explained that they won't nest in a bird box that has the wrong shaped entrance and they're also fussy about where it's positioned too. He told Ideal Home that the little feathered divas won't stick around for long unless their rider is met. He said: "Robins won't go near the classic bird boxes with the tiny round holes, they are great for smaller birds like blue tits . What you need is an open-fronted bird box, with a wide entrance, and a clear view. "Robins like to keep an eye on their surroundings, and they tend to nest lower to the ground. "Something simple and open - ideally made of natural wood - is perfect." But James stressed that you need to situate it in the garden facing north east. He added: "Robins prefer open-fronted boxes placed between north and east to avoid direct midday sun and prevailing winds. "This orientation keeps the interior shaded and dry, mimicking the sheltered nooks they naturally nest in." The height that they are placed at is also important if you want repeat visits from the red-breasted beauties. James said they need to be mounted 1.5 metres from the ground and should be tucked away in shrubbery or hedges too to give them a 'sense of cover'. Locating your bird box in a tranquil spot in the garden is also a good idea. Providing them with food will also help and you can buy seed and insect mixes which is suitable for them. If you do all of this, there is a good chance they will see your garden as a safe space and a place to return to year after year, added James. He said: "And trust me, once you have robins nesting , it's a real joy."
