One fat ball provides enough energy for 17 robins for a day. Just imagine what a difference could be made if thousands of us work together to support songbirds this winter using these tips and ideas.
For National Robin Day our tips are themed to include cost saving and sustainable solutions.
Help us get more people taking action by sharing your tips using #NationalRobinDay.
1. Provide a consistent food supply. Put food out at the same time each day so that birds don’t have to waste energy wondering when they will be able to access it.
2. Feed high energy food, high fat foods. Refreshing food twice a day is a good rule of thumb, once first thing in the morning to help the birds replenish fat supplies lost overnight, and once late afternoon to get them through the cold night ahead.
3. Give access to clean, fresh water all day.
4. Create spaces for shelter and protection from predators.
Get creative with everyday objects and recycle and reuse to create a new feeder.
Download our ‘How To’ guides and give them a go
Create a plastic bottle seed feeder
Make a bird seed Wreath
Hang half an orange filled with seeds and lard
Make an ice cream stick food holder
Use an old tea-cup as a feeder
Save seedheads and leave them out in the garden
Fill coconut shells with homemade suet mix
Make a simple peanut butter and seed toilet roll feeder
MAKING SURE THERE'S WATER FOR ALL
Provide clean fresh water all day.
When its freezing, place a small ball in the dish to help stop icing over.
Think carefully where to place the water so it is away from potential predators.
Almost anything can become a water source or bird bath-repurpose garden dishes as ground level water source.
Try upturned plant pots with plant dish for a water bath
How about an upturned bin lid secured on a wooden post/stake
IDEAL FOODS FOR WINTER ENERGY
Use a high quality mixed seed – sunflower, maize and peanuts are good. Limit pulses
Ideally provide seeds without husks as this takes energy to remove them
Fat Balls are a favourite containing lard/suet nuts, seeds and cereals.
Combine high quality seed with kitchen ingredients to make it go further. Try our seed cake recipe.
A SAFE PLACE TO SHELTER
Birds need shelter from the cold, especially on cold, winter nights.
Dense, evergreen conifers, trees and shrubs are especially good, as is mature ivy.
An old Christmas tree, or a pile of branches or foliage can be placed on the ground to provide shelter from wind and snow
If you have space and permission, install a bird box for birds to sleep in and have a safe place to nest in this spring. Some birds, including tits and wrens, will shelter in empty nest boxes, snuggling together for warmth.
Follow our how to make a bird box guide
Learn more about different types of next boxes for different songbirds
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