A man in Rosgoill, County Donegal, has successfully hand-fed a wild robin in his back garden. Liam Garland coaxed the bird onto his hand to take mealworms, and he recorded the event on video.

Garland stood still with his arm outstretched and made a gentle clicking sound. The robin approached, took a mealworm, and returned repeatedly after realising it was safe.

Mealworms, the dried larvae of the yellow mealworm beetle, are a high-value food for birds. They are often imported dehydrated from China and packaged locally, but some brands offer premium mealworms produced under EU regulations in Spain.

Garland's patience paid off after the robin overcame its initial caution. The bird now regularly takes mealworms from his hand, and he expects the relationship to help both through the winter.

Feeding garden birds in winter is common practice. It helps them survive the coldest months, and in return they provide enjoyment for the people feeding them.