Wild birds dine at feeders more often in winter than at any other time of the year. However, some birds such as tufted titmice are regular visitors throughout the year. Birds like the gray catbird dine on suet during the spring and summer. Other birds such as dark-eyed juncos visit Georgia feeders only during the winter. Then there are birds like the American robin. Regardless of the season, these birds rarely partake in our feeder offerings.
Those folks that seem to attract robins most often do so feeding them either dried or fresh fruit. The birds will also sometimes even dine on seeds. One of my friends told me that a male American robin spent an entire winter in his backyard feeding on black-oil sunflower seeds. Others report robins will consume sorghum, peanuts, peanut hearts, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. Robins will also consume bird puddings, jelly, popped corn, and peanut butter.
My wife and I have never seen an American robin at our feeders. However, we sometimes spot robins drinking and bathing at a nearby birdbath.
If you have been lucky enough to attract robins to your feeders, I would like to know how you were able to accomplish this almost impossible task.
