Many people enjoy the simple pleasure of feeding birds in their backyard, but the question of whether it’s okay to feed birds in the summer often comes up. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office of Bird Management, there is no reason to stop feeding birds in the summer. In fact, you can continue to feed them year-round without any negative impact on their behavior or health.
Feeding birds in the summer can be a rewarding experience for both you and the birds. It provides them with a reliable food source during a time when natural food may be scarce. Additionally, watching birds visit your feeders can offer you a sense of joy and connection to nature.
Some people worry that feeding birds in the summer might make them lazy or too dependent on human-provided food. However, research has shown that birds are opportunistic feeders and will still forage for natural food sources even if they are supplemented with bird feeders. Therefore, feeding birds in the summer is not likely to disrupt their natural foraging behaviors.
In addition to providing birds with a supplemental food source, feeding them in the summer can also help support their breeding success. Adult birds need a consistent source of energy to care for their young, and bird feeders can help fulfill this need, especially during times of extreme heat or drought when natural food may be scarce.
When setting up bird feeders in the summer, it’s important to choose the right types of food to offer. Seeds, nuts, fruits, and suet are all great options for attracting a variety of bird species to your backyard. Make sure to clean your feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease and keep the food fresh and safe for the birds.
Another benefit of feeding birds in the summer is the opportunity to observe different bird species that may not visit your feeders during other times of the year. Summer is a time when migratory birds may pass through your area, making it a great time to attract new and unique visitors to your backyard.
Feeding birds in the summer can also be a fun and educational activity for children and adults alike. It provides a great opportunity to learn about bird species, their behaviors, and their habitat requirements. It can also foster a sense of stewardship for nature and wildlife conservation.
By providing a consistent and reliable food source for birds in the summer, you can help contribute to their overall health and well-being. This can have a positive impact on the local bird populations and contribute to the diversity and vitality of your backyard ecosystem.
Ultimately, the decision to feed birds in the summer is a personal one. If you enjoy the company of birds and want to support their well-being, there is no reason not to continue feeding them during the summer months. It can be a mutually beneficial relationship that brings joy and beauty to your backyard.
