As summer days sizzle and our gardens bloom, they're filled with the delightful sights and sounds of our feathery friends. While Mother Nature's buffet is bountiful this time of year, adding a little extra to the menu can help birds thrive and make your backyard the hottest bird spot in town. Here’s how to treat your garden birds to a summer feast and why it's a win-win!
Why Feed Birds in Summer?
- Baby Boom Support: Summer is the season of bird babies! Extra snacks help parents stay strong and ensure their chicks grow up healthy and happy.
- Birdwatching Bonanza: Offering a variety of foods attracts an array of bird species, turning your garden into a birdwatching paradise.
- Backup Buffet: Sometimes, even in summer, natural food can be scarce due to weather changes or human activity. Your supplemental feeding keeps birds well-fed and happy.
What’s on the Menu?
- Seeds and Nuts: Birds go nuts for sunflower seeds, niger seeds, and peanuts. They're like energy bars for our avian pals.
- Fruits: Fresh fruit like apple slices, berries, and grapes are vitamin-packed treats. Just skip the sugary dried fruits.
- Insects: Mealworms and insect-filled suet cakes are a hit, especially with bug-loving birds.
- Clean Water: A birdbath with fresh, cool water is essential for drinking and splashing around, especially on hot days.
Top Feeding Tips
- Keep It Fresh: Summer heat can turn food bad fast. Serve smaller portions more often to keep things fresh and tasty.
- Hygiene Rules: Clean feeders and birdbaths regularly to keep our bird buddies healthy.
- Smart Placement: Hang feeders in shady spots to keep food cool and set up birdbaths where birds can splash safely away from predators.
Feeding garden birds in the summer is not just fun, it's a fabulous way to support local wildlife. By offering a mix of tasty treats and following some simple tips, you'll enjoy a lively garden filled with chirps, tweets, and fluttering wings all season long. So, get ready for some delightful birdwatching adventures and happy bird feeding!