Gardeners urged to put 1 food in gardens in November to keep robins flocking back

During autumn, numerous wildlife enthusiasts throughout the UK notice an unusual silence descending upon their gardens. The dawn chorus diminishes to barely a whisper and our avian visitors seem to have vanished almost completely.

If you've found yourself asking "where have all the birds gone?", you're far from alone. While some species will have migrated, the change in season means that many familiar birds are simply less visible. Nevertheless, those that remain can still benefit from your support, particularly when it comes to feeding.

What to feed robins in autumn

The RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) recommends we should continue offering bird food and water "on a regular basis" throughout the autumn and winter months.

And there's one specific type of food it suggests: "Birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather."

High-energy and high-fat foods include the following, which birds relish:

• Suet
• Peanuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Mealworms

"Mealworms are key for robins; they absolutely love them," explains Sue Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival. "But I think if you went with sunflower hearts and mealworms... robins would really like those."

There are several factors to bear in mind when feeding birds in your garden, especially concerning hygiene and disease prevention.

"Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to build up," advises the RSPB. It's also vital to remove old feed and check for signs of illness.

If you maintain a bird bath, make certain you clean it frequently. After the breeding season, adult birds can become exhausted.

Their feathers, vital for flight and warmth, may be damaged and worn. To ready themselves for the rigours of winter, birds undergo a complete renewal of their plumage. This process demands enormous amounts of energy, leaving birds more susceptible and less willing to venture into exposed areas.

"Moulting is a physically demanding time for birds," explains the RSPB. "They need to conserve energy, so they become much quieter and spend more time hidden amongst vegetation, making them less conspicuous."

Throughout spring and summer, birds are frequently spotted at feeders as natural food can be limited, and they require a steady supply of energy to nourish their offspring.

Yet autumn brings an abundance of natural food. Berries ripen, seeds proliferate on plants, and insects remain widespread. With such a natural feast on offer, birds spend considerably less time visiting feeders.

They scatter into hedgerows, woodland areas, and garden shrubbery, where they can hunt for a varied diet.

Additionally, young birds, which hatched during spring, are now gaining independence. No longer dependent on their parents, they begin exploring new territories.

This "dispersal" means they may move away from their birth garden, resulting in fewer familiar faces visiting overall.

While your garden may seem quieter, the birds are still around, simply exercising greater caution. You can support them during this demanding period by:

• Providing water: fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing is essential.
• Leaving wild areas: resist the temptation to keep your garden immaculately neat. Heaps of leaves, seed heads, and undisturbed shrubs offer vital refuge and nourishment.
• Offering high-energy foods: continue to supply quality bird seed, suet and fat balls, as these deliver crucial energy for moulting and winter preparation, particularly when natural food sources start to diminish later in autumn.