As the warm days of summer approach, the dietary requirements of the wild birds in your garden are evolving and changing.
While summer brings an abundance of natural food resources, providing bird food is still important, especially as the warmer months are usually nesting, breeding and moulting seasons for birds. In this blog, we will explore the best bird foods to keep our feathered friends happy and healthy and your garden thriving this summer.
What to Feed Wild Birds in Summer
The feed we recommend providing birds this summer include:
- Seeds: Seeds are a staple food for many bird species as they provide plenty of the essential nutrients needed to keep birds fit and healthy. Popular seeds include sunflower hearts, nyjer seeds, and mixed bird seed.
- Mealworms: Live or dried mealworms are a protein and fibre-rich treat that is key for building muscle development in birds. Robins, blue tits and blackbirds in particular find these treats super tasty!
- Fruit: Fresh or dried fruit such as apples, berries, and raisins are the ultimate summer bird food as they are packed full of sugars and provide birds with an excellent source of energy. Don’t forget to cut larger fruits into small, bite-sized pieces!
- Suet: Suet provides essential fats and energy, which are particularly valuable during breeding season. You can hang suet cakes and blocks in special suet feeders but don’t forget to use no-melt suet on particularly hot summer days.
Summer is a busy time for wild birds, but luckily brings access to a wide variety of insects, fruits, and seeds found in the wild. However, this does not mean that you should stop feeding birds in the summer months, in fact you should be helping them just as much with food as you would in spring, autumn and winter.
One important factor to consider when feeding birds in the summer is that during these months, many birds are raising their young and fighting to keep their own energy levels topped up. Not only does this mean you need to keep your high-energy bird feed options available, but you also need to be extra vigilant that you are not putting out feed with sizeable pieces that could be a choking hazard to chicks.
Tips for Feeding Birds in Summer
While providing food for birds is beneficial, it’s important to do so responsibly to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
- Fresh water: Along with food, provide a shallow bird bath or water source for drinking and bathing. Birds need water not only for drinking but also for keeping their feathers clean.
- Cleanliness: Regularly clean your bird feeders and remove any leftover food to prevent the spread of disease. Feeders should be cleaned with hot soapy water, rinsed thoroughly, and left to dry completely before refilling.
- Avoid salty food: Do not feed birds salted foods, as excessive salt can be potentially toxic to many smaller birds.
- Monitor seed levels: Check seed levels regularly and refill feeders as needed. During the summer and in humid weather, bird seeds can spoil quickly and contribute to the spread of bird disease, so it is crucial to keep your bird feed as fresh as possible.
- Offer variety: Birds have different preferences, so offering a variety of foods can attract a wide range of species to your garden.
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Feeding birds in summer is a rewarding and enjoyable activity that benefits both you and your avian friends. By providing a variety of nutritious bird foods, you can attract a diverse range of species to your garden while supporting their health and wellbeing.
As you sit back and watch the birds flock to your garden, know that you’re contributing to the conservation of these beautiful creatures. With a little care and attention, your garden can become a thriving oasis for birds and their chicks during the summer months.
Here at Really Wild Bird Food, we have everything you could need to turn your garden into a paradise for wild birds this summer.
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If you have any further questions about the best summer bird food and would like some professional advice, you are welcome to reach out and contact Really Wild Bird Food today. One of our professional team members will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Read More: Remember to Put out Water for Birds in Summer!
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