Gardening enthusiasts across the UK are being urged to make a small adjustment to their winter garden maintenance routine to help protect the beloved robin population. Robins, with their distinctive orange-red breast, are a common and cherished sight in gardens, particularly during the festive season. However, experts caution that a simple change in gardening habits during the colder months can have a significant impact on these iconic birds.
While robins are known for their adaptability and resilience when it comes to nesting, activities like pruning plants can disturb their nesting spaces. These birds have a tendency to build their nests in unconventional locations, often near the ground or under bushes. The female robin meticulously constructs a cup-shaped nest using a variety of materials such as moss, grass, dead leaves, and sticks. Their breeding season typically commences from March onwards, with eggs laid between mid-April and mid-August, usually in clutches of 4-6 eggs.
It takes just about 13 days for the robin chicks to hatch, and approximately two weeks after that, they leave the nest. To safeguard their nesting territory, robins can exhibit territorial behaviour, especially when their nests are inadvertently exposed due to pruning activities. These birds can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, parks, and hedgerows, where they sing to assert their space. Additionally, robins are known for their tameness outside their nests and are often seen perched on branches while foraging for fruits, seeds, insects, and earthworms.
Despite their association with the festive season, robins face challenges during harsh winters, with the potential to lose a significant amount of body weight in a single freezing night. Therefore, it is crucial for them to build up their fat reserves. Bird enthusiasts can support robins by providing bird food to help them maintain their energy levels during the winter months. By making a conscious effort to avoid disruptive activities like pruning, gardeners can play a vital role in protecting and preserving the robin population.
Interestingly, robins are not just symbols of Christmas cheer but are also essential members of the ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity of gardens and green spaces. By understanding their nesting habits and respecting their need for undisturbed spaces, gardeners can create a welcoming environment for these delightful creatures. Through small but impactful changes in garden maintenance practices, individuals can make a positive difference in safeguarding the well-being of robins and promoting a thriving bird population in the UK.