Robins keep flocking to gardens in October if they're fed food they 'love'
October can feel surprisingly quiet in gardens across the UK, as birdsong fades considerably. As spring and summer’s vibrant colours give way to autumn's softer palette, many bird enthusiasts find themselves missing those familiar sounds.
TL;DR
- Birdsong decreases in UK gardens during October due to birds conserving energy while moulting.
- High-energy, high-fat foods like mealworms, suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds are recommended for garden birds.
- Mealworms are particularly favored by robins.
- Natural food sources like berries, seeds, and insects are plentiful in autumn, making birds less reliant on feeders.
- Birds are also quieter because they are conserving energy for moulting and preparing for winter.
- Young birds disperse to explore new territories, contributing to a perceived drop in garden bird numbers.
- Some summer visitors migrate south.
- Gardeners are advised to provide water, leave wild areas with leaves and shrubs for shelter and food, and continue offering high-energy foods.
- Cleanliness of bird feeders and baths is important to prevent disease spread.