One of the most common myths in the birding community is that you shouldn't feed birds in the summer. The main argument is that when there is an overabundance of insects in the warmer months, the additional supply of other food such as seeds causes the birds to become lazy and no longer seek out natural food sources, which can disrupt the balance in the ecosystem. However, studies have shown that poultry only get a quarter of their daily food from feeders. So, if you want to feed birds in the summer, feel free to fill the feeders in your yard by following the tips in this article.
Feeding birds in summer – First, take care of the bird feeder
To ensure safe conditions for feeding birds, follow these hygiene tips!
Keep the seeds dry: Hot, humid weather is the ideal environment for mold, which produces a byproduct called aflatoxin that is deadly to birds. To prevent mold, only fill your bird feeders half full, but refill them often.
Keep feeders clean, especially in summer: Wash your feeders every two weeks to prevent the food in them from becoming a danger to the birds. If possible, take them apart and wash them with boiling water and soap. Then rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry thoroughly before adding food back in.
- Tipp: Keep the bird feeders in a shady place. This means as little food as possible spoils and your feathered friends stay cool.
Which foods are healthy for your feathered friends?
The first step to providing a healthy summer diet for your feathered friends is keeping bird feeders in the right place and in perfect condition. It's also important to know which foods to offer and which to avoid when feeding birds in the summer.
Seeds: As in the cooler months, in the summer you can put out all kinds of seeds for your feathered friends. If you want to attract a wider range of species, be sure to add black oil sunflower seeds to your mix.
Fruit: You can attract songbirds to your garden with a variety of fruits such as apple slices, banana slices, and orange halves.
Gelee: The sweetness of jelly, like fruit, attracts many birds. You can use apple or grape jelly to attract woodpeckers. It's best to use a small bowl, because if you put more in it than can be eaten, the jelly will spoil or mold. Small amounts ensure that the birds eat everything.
Mehlwürmer: Birds that rely on insects for food are attracted to mealworms at garden feeders. They are particularly useful because they are a rich source of protein. Fresh mealworms should always be the first choice, but your feathered friends will also enjoy dried worms mixed into a seed mix.
Peanuts: You can add peanut pieces in the seed mixture, your feathered friends love these nuts. However, keep in mind that unlike humans, birds cannot consume seasoned, flavored, or coated nuts.
- Tipp: Avoid giving bread to the birds in your garden, especially during the summer months. A little bread does no harm to adult birds as an occasional treat, but it provides no nutritional value to the young birds.
Feeding Birds in Summer – Provide a water source
All birds in your garden need fresh water to drink and bathe. Hydration during the hot summer months is extremely important for them. As with any other time of year, the birdbath should be no more than 7cm deep at its deepest point. Also, keep them clean. A clean birdbath is just as important as clean feeders. Clean them with a stiff brush two to three times a week.
Let nature take control
Mowing the grass is a normal activity for people who live in a house and have a garden. However, in the summer months you can let nature take its course in at least part of your garden. Allow plants and grasses to grow freely and avoid pruning shrubs. Even a small wild area like this will provide your feathered friends with a source of food and shelter in the heat.
If you feed birds in summer, do not use pesticides in the garden
Consider avoiding the use of pesticides in your garden this summer. Unfortunately, even products labeled as “safe” have negative consequences for birds. A common ingredient in many garden products - neonicotinoids - is linked to the death of birds and bees, even in small quantities. If you must use pesticides, check with your local conservation center for natural alternatives or make your own blend of natural products.
Birds feed from the balcony – which feeds and bird feeders are suitable?you can read here!
