The season of the robin

But why are red robins associated with Christmas? Well, one reason is that postmen in Victorian Britain were nicknamed ‘robins’ because of their bright red uniforms. The robin gradually came to symbolise the postman that delivered the Christmas cards.

At this time of year robins are busy finding a mate. Once the female robin has found a mate, the pair will share a territory. Robins are very territorial and will flash their red chest to scare away any unnecessary attention from other robins.

As we tidy up our gardens, robins will often come close, and we will feel we have made a special friend. In reality it is all about food and survival. They are often the first to the bird table as we scatter nuts and seeds and will be eagerly waiting as we dig up or turn over soil so they can pinch a juicy earthworm or millipede.

Although robin populations are in healthy numbers in the UK, robins are vulnerable in very cold winters and can lose up to 10% of their body weight in a very short space of time. Where you can, try to keep bird feeders and tables topped up with food. Robins tend to forage on the ground for food, so a level bird table is ideal for them. Protein-rich mealworms are a definitely one of their favourite foods and can help robins to maintain their fat reserves by providing insulation and energy during the colder months. Don’t forget some water too for thirsty robins who also want to look their best.

In January many robins will start to look for somewhere to nest.

One Welsh Government funded community project aiming to support local wildlife is Cae Rhug Holistic Farm’s ‘Forage, Nest and Rest’ project in Mold, North Wales.

The project funded through the Landfill Disposal Tax Communities Scheme (LDTCS) is aiming to create a 1km walkway to provide shelter, food and breeding habitat for birds, with seating and a bird hide for visitors to the farm to use. The project will also provide opportunities for visitors to build bird boxes, plant trees and create ponds supporting people to connect and engage with nature.

If you would like to help robins and other birds in your local area you can provide nesting boxes. Feeling creative? Make your own nest box from sustainable wood. Save the short hairs from your own brush, or your pet’s brush and leave them in the garden as nesting material.

For robins the location of the nest box is really important. It needs to be protected from wind, rain and direct sunlight and not too high from the ground. A hedge or dense climber can provide an ideal site, hiding the nest from predators and providing useful vegetation for the fledglings first adventures.

Robins certainly embrace alternatives to the traditional nest box and will nest in weird and wonderful places. Instead of throwing them away hang up an old teapot or camping kettle (without the lids) or even an old boot and in the Spring, you may have the delight of a pair of nesting robins.

We would love to see photos of your DIY or ‘alternative’ nest boxes. Share a photo, tag us on social media, and use the hashtag #ClimateActionWales