Many bird enthusiasts may wonder whether birds still come to feeders during the summer months. The answer is a resounding yes! While winter is often seen as the prime time for feeding birds due to the scarcity of natural foods and the allure of birdwatching from the warmth of indoor spaces, birds continue to visit feeders in the summer as well.
During the summer, birds, just like humans, have a need to sustain themselves and their young. This is particularly evident in midsummer when adult birds have already raised their fledglings and now need to provide sustenance for their growing offspring. As a result, feeders can become beacons for these hardworking avian parents seeking nutritious snacks for their families.
It’s not just parent birds that benefit from feeder offerings during the summer. Young birds who have recently left the nest are also in search of easily accessible food sources to support their rapid growth and energy demands. Feeders stocked with seeds, suet, fruits, and nectar can provide essential nourishment for these fledglings as they navigate their new world.
One of the main reasons birds continue to visit feeders in the summer is the convenience and reliability they offer. With natural food sources fluctuating in availability during the warmer months, feeders provide a consistent and readily accessible food supply for birds to rely on. This reliability can be a crucial factor for birds, especially during periods of extreme heat or drought when finding food in the wild becomes more challenging.
Moreover, summer can be a time of heightened competition for food resources among birds. As natural sources become scarcer or less nutritious, feeders can serve as crucial supplementary feeding stations that help alleviate the pressure on wild food supplies. This can benefit not only the birds visiting the feeders but also the overall ecosystem by promoting healthier bird populations.
Another important aspect to consider is the diversity of bird species that may frequent feeders in the summer. While some species are more commonly associated with winter feeder visits, many birds that breed during the summer months may also take advantage of feeder offerings. This can lead to a vibrant mix of colors, songs, and behaviors that enhance the birdwatching experience during the warmer season.
It’s worth noting that the types of foods that are appealing to birds in the summer may differ from those favored in the winter. Fresh fruits, insects, and nectar-rich flowers are all attractive options for birds during the summer months. By incorporating a variety of food choices in feeders, bird enthusiasts can cater to the evolving dietary needs of birds as they progress through the breeding season.
Furthermore, providing water sources alongside feeders can be particularly beneficial during the hot summer days. Birds need access to clean water for hydration, bathing, and cooling off, especially when temperatures soar. Including a birdbath or a shallow dish of water near feeders can attract more bird visitors and contribute to their well-being during the summer.
As with any bird feeding activity, it’s essential to maintain feeders in a clean and hygienic condition, especially in the summer when heat can promote bacterial growth in feeders. Regularly cleaning and refilling feeders, removing moldy or spoiled food, and avoiding overcrowding at feeding stations can help create a safe and healthy environment for birds to enjoy the offerings.
In conclusion, birds do indeed come to feeders in the summer, driven by a combination of parental instincts, the need to support growing fledglings, the reliability of feeder food sources, and the convenience they offer in times of competitive food scarcity. By providing a diverse array of foods, incorporating water sources, and maintaining feeders properly, bird enthusiasts can continue to attract and support a vibrant community of feathered visitors throughout the summer season.
