Why is a robin digging in my flower pots?

by Tammy
(Morgantown, WV)

I have planters on my front porch railings.

There is a robin that is getting in them and throwing my potting soil all over the place.

Do you know why he is doing that and how to stop him?


ANSWER:

Hi Tammy,

Those pesky robins! He is probably looking for bugs and worms, as that's what robins like to eat.

My grandson recommends that you install a bird feeder nearby to lure him away from your garden. But I don't know it that would help, as robins seem to prefer bugs and worms rather than seeds.

Having a cat on patrol would also help. (But I can't wholeheartedly recommend this idea.)

You could also try scaring him away with something that will flutter or make noise. But birds tend to adapt quickly to scare tactics, and then ignore them. We learned this in our blueberry patch!

If anyone reading this has experience with solving this problem, please send us a comment!