what to feed birds in summer uk

• Best Summer Bird Foods. Offering different types of quality bird food is the best way of attracting different birds, in any season.
• Some of the best summer bird foods include: Seed: All types of seed are suitable for summer feeding, but sunflower hearts, in particular, are an incredibly popular option.
• Extra tips for summer feeding. To minimise spoiling seed and to encourage birds to visit more frequently and feed longer, place feeders in a shaded area.
• Inexpensive high quality bird food in the UK. Feeding birds in the summer is great, and with these tips, and some of Kennedy’s inexpensive high quality bird food, you will ...

Full Answer

What do birds eat during the summer months?

During the summer months, birds require high protein foods, especially while they are moulting. Only feed selected foods at this time of year. Good hygiene is vital, or feeding may do more harm than good. These food include: RSPB food bars and summer seed mixture are all good foods to provide.

What should I Feed my Pet birds?

Good hygiene is vital, or feeding may do more harm than good. Black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, mild grated cheese, mealworms, waxworms, mixes for insectivorous birds, good seed mixtures without loose peanuts, RSPB food bars and summer seed mixture are all good foods to provide.

What are the best summer dietary supplements for birds?

Mealworms are the perfect summer dietary supplement. Lives ones are best but a dried alternative is available. Discover more foods suitable for the range of birds in your garden. Fruit like raisins, sultanas, apples or pears are an excellent source of energy.

How can I Make my Summer Bird Feeding more enjoyable?

To make your summer bird feeding even more enjoyable for both you and the birds, use the following tips: Keep feeders in shaded areas to minimize spoiled seed and help birds keep cool, encouraging them to feed longer and visit more frequently.

Should we feed birds in summer UK?

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Garden BirdWatch (GBW) team often get asked during the summer whether, or not, to continue feeding garden birds. The answer is yes; the BTO's advice is to feed all year round as garden birds may struggle to find food at any time of year.

What is the best food for birds in summer?

Best Summer Bird FoodsSeed. All types of birdseed are suitable for summer fare, but black oil sunflower seeds, hearts, or chips are the most popular option for a wide range of bird species. ... Fruit. Many songbirds eat fruit. ... Jelly. Just like fruit, jelly is a sweet treat for many birds. ... Mealworms. ... Suet.

What do you give birds in the summer?

Birds enjoy bajra (pearl millets), rice and ground nuts. Cooked rice (without salt or spices) and oil-free chapatti can also be fed to them. Birds also enjoy eating fruits like papaya, banana, and sweet lime. If you start feeding birds, dont stop abruptly as they come from faraway places for the food.

Should you feed wild birds in summer?

Infact, multiple studies show that wild birds usually receive as little as 25% of their daily intake from feeders, and many common birds received an even lower percentage. Summer is an ideal time to be feeding garden birds.

Should I feed fat balls in summer?

Home-made fat balls can go soft and rancid in warm summer weather, and should be avoided. Commercially produced fat bars are suitable for summer feeding but discard any remains after three weeks.

Can birds eat porridge oats?

Any dry breakfast cereal makes for useful bird food, although you need to be careful only to put out small amounts at a time. And make sure there's a supply of drinking water nearby, since it quickly turns into pulp once wet. Uncooked porridge oats are also fine for a number of birds.

Why should you not feed birds in the summer?

Warm temperatures lead to an increase in infectious diseases. When wildlife (say birds eating at feeders) come together in close proximity, the spread of disease is more likely. Summer heat can cause seed and suet to spoil or become moldy much quicker, especially if your feeders are in the sun.

When should I stop putting out bird seed?

You can stop feeding birds as soon as the cold and snowy winter weather is over. Many people stop at this time. But I suggest waiting until May or even June to take down your feeders. Your winter birds may wait until late April to leave.

Do birds need bird seed in the summer?

Should I feed birds year-round? It's not necessary. Bird feeding is most helpful at times of when birds need the most energy, such as during temperature extremes, migration, and in late winter or early spring, when natural seed sources are depleted. Most birds don't need your help in the summer.

Is it OK to feed birds suet in the summer?

Suet is ideal for summer because adults need more calories to forage for food for their young or defend the nest from intruders. It is also beneficial for young birds because it provides easy energy which leads to quick growth. The fat in suet provides twice the caloric energy of protein.

Why do birds throw seed out of feeder?

Birds throw seed hulls from the feeder Birds eat the meat of the seed, the kernel. They discard the seed's fibrous outer covering, the hull. If you examine the seeds under the feeder you may see that it is mostly the two inedible halves of the hull that have been tossed on the ground.

Do birds know humans feed them?

They may not know how the food gets in the feeder. But they keep checking back. On the other hand, birds may see you put food in the feeder. Or they may have learned that after people go near the feeder, there may be a new supply of food.

How do you attract birds in the summer?

Black oil sunflower seed, nuts, mixed birdseed, no-melt suet varieties, nectar, jelly, and mealworms are some of the best food choices to offer birds during the hottest months.

Should you put suet out for birds in the summer?

Do not put out suet during hot weather as it can turn rancid; also, dripping fat can damage natural waterproofing on bird feathers. Peanut butter is a good substitute for suet in the summer.

What's the best bird food?

Black oil sunflower seed is considered the best all-around for feeding birds. Photo by Susan Spear/Cornell Lab. The seed that attracts the widest variety of birds, and so the mainstay for most backyard bird feeders, is sunflower.

How do you give birds water in the summer?

Bird baths will attract not only birds but also bees, butterflies and squirrels. Bird baths can either be hung or placed on a stand or near ground level. If the diameter of the bath is too big, a stone in the middle will help birds to get water comfortably. It also helps bees and butterflies to drink water.

Why is summer a great time to feed birds?

With nesting season in full swing, birds are raising their families, giving us keen bird watchers a prime view to witness the nestlings grow and learn to feed from our feeders.

What is the best way to attract birds?

Offering different types of quality bird food is the best way of attracting different birds, in any season. During summer, birds will also eat more fruits and insects in addition to the feed you leave out. Therefore, planting different types of plants will really optimise your garden.

Can you feed peanuts to jays?

Whole peanuts or split peanuts are very popular with jays, tits, and woodpeckers. They can also be offered in special peanut feeders, too! When you spot nestlings feeding in your garden, make sure you offer split peanuts to avoid them choking. Using peanuts can be tricky, but very rewarding when you know how. Check out our peanut guide for more information.

Can birds eat mealworms?

Insect-eating birds will definitely enjoy mealworms in your garden, especially as you are helping their hungry nestlings thrive with dozens of soft mealworms every day. Live mealworms are the best, but dried mealworms are great scattered among other bird seed mixes to provide that extra nutritional boost. Make sure you read our guide on using live mealworms for bird food.

Can sunflower hearts be used as bird food?

All types of seed are suitable for summer feeding, but sunflower hearts, in particular, are an incredibly popular option. Check out our guide to using sunflower hearts as bird food.

Can you use suet pellets for birds?

While using a variety of food will attract plenty of birds, avoid using a soft suet product which may not stand the summer heat, causing it to melt, spoil, foster bacteria and grow mould. You can still use traditional suet for summer feeding though – suet pellets will help keep your birds full and satisfied all year long.

Why is it Good to Feed Birds in the Summer?

Though we think of cold and snow in winter as limiting food supplied summer weather can do this too. Very hot dry weather can mean crops dry up and insects and worms are hard to come by. A cold wet summer makes foraging difficult for birds and makes fruit and seeds slow to ripen.

What Not to Feed Birds in Summer

There are some foods that are good to feed birds at other times of year, but best avoided during the summer months.

Summer Feeding Tips

To be sure your birds are making the most of the food you offer during the summer follow these summer feeding tips.

Conclusion: Please keep Feeding Your Birds During the Summer

So we’ve seen in the article how the idea that feeding birds in summer is a myth, not backed up by science. In fact, providing food for birds during the busy nesting season is a very helpful thing to do.

What is the best supplement for birds?

Mealworms. Mealworms are the perfect summer dietary supplement. Lives ones are best but a dried alternative is available. Discover more foods suitable for the range of birds in your garden. A handful of dried mealworms.

What are some good sources of energy for birds?

Fruit and other leftovers. Fruit like raisins, sultanas, apples or pears are an excellent source of energy. Leave on the ground for ground-feeding birds, or suspend from a tree for others. Leftovers like cooked pasta and rice are high in energy, as is rind from unsalted meat or cooked veg. Avoid salty food or bread.

How to keep birds from flying?

When feeding birds, make sure there is plenty of shelter, such as a hedge, nearby, so birds can fly to safety if they need to. Clean feeders and move feeding stations regularly, to prevent the build up of bacteria.

Why do you need to keep bird feeders clean?

Don’t forget to keep bird feeders clean to prevent bacteria and fungal spores building up. You can also read our round-up of the best bird feeders to buy.

Why do birds eat sunflower hearts?

Sunflower hearts are packed with energy and are easier for birds to eat as they don’t have a tough seed coat to crack open. They are also a cleaner alternative to whole sunflower seeds, as the birds don’t have any seed coats to discard.

Why do birds need our help?

Birds need our help in summer months, to raise their young and keep their own energy levels topped up. Find out how, with the help of our guide.

When do foxes feed their young?

Following the spring and early summer breeding season , there are millions more hungry mouths to feed. Nesting parents will have to work hard to feed their young, while maintaining their own energy levels.

How to keep birds healthy in summer?

Bird food hygiene Is particularly important during the summer. Keep feeders in the shade to help prevent the food spoiling and give birds somewhere more comfortable to feed. Check feeders for signs of mildew or infestations and pnly put out enough food that your garden birds can eat in a day to prevent rats and other vermin turning up in the night to take advantage of the leftovers. Make sure you clean bird tables and feeders regularly to remove old food which can attract bugs and other disease. And bird baths should be sterilized often to prevent a build-up of algae and bacteria which can accumulate in stagnant water.

Why is it important to feed birds during the summer?

Feeding birds during the summer is important to keep them healthy and it is one of the best times of year for you to observe birds when they are busy bringing up their new families and enjoying the warm weather.

What seed do you use for goldfinches?

Bird seed will attract a variety of species. You can either use an all-round mixed bird seed or single-mix seeds such as millet or maize which are popular with house sparrows, or sunflower hearts or niger seed if you want goldfinches to visit your garden.

Do birds need food in the summer?

Although birds’ natural sources of food are more abundant in the summer it’s still important to keep offering them food in your garden particularly if you live in a very built-up area. Birds need plenty of energy to raise their babies and when they are moulting so extra food will be appreciated and depending on weather conditions they may struggle to find other food.

Can you put out junk food for birds?

Any very high-fat foods such as suet aren’t suitable during very hot weather, but you can buy specially formulated suet blocks that don’t melt. And don’t put out too much ‘junk food’ such as bread and rice as these foods offer little nutrition for nestlings and juvenile birds.

Can you feed a baby bird peanut butter?

Never feed salted peanuts to birds as the salt is highly toxic to birds and can prove fatal. And although peanut butter is a convenient way of feeding peanuts to your garden birds be aware that it will melt when it is very hot and the oil can cling to birds’ feathers.

1. Summer favourite foods

Make no mistake, well its perfectly acceptable to feed wild birds all types of feed that prioritises say... vitamins over protein, still offering protein rich food is important.

2. Food to avoid in summer months

We talk mostly about foods to feed birds in the summer time, but lets remove all other options that should be avoided at all costs.

3. Peanut mixes with care

Peanuts are very important for wild birds diet all year round, but why does the exclusion of peanuts during the summer matter...

4. Pet food

One source of protein comes in dog or cat food for your pets at home. And that same can of pet food can be fed to wild birds out in the garden.

5. Continuously supply of feed

High in protein or vitamins a plenty, during the summer its vital you always have a continuous supply of bird feed set out in the garden.

6. Locate feeders in shade

Trouble with the summer it brings the lifespan of the bird food in the feeders to an end very quickly, with the germination process quickly sped up.

7. Keep lawn cut short for ground feeders

To be honest, ground feeding birds are perfectly capable of feeding off your garden lawn if it hasn't been cut recently.

When is the best time to feed birds?

Summer is a great time to feed the birds, and with the right summer bird feeding techniques it is possible to enjoy dozens of beautiful bird species right in your backyard.

What do songbirds eat?

Many songbirds eat fruit. Apple chunks, banana slices, and orange halves will attract orioles, northern cardinals, gray catbirds, summer tanagers, and other colorful birds. These foods can be offered in a platform feeder or used to fill a suet cage for easy hanging.

Why do birds have long days?

Long days give backyard birders more time to observe feeders and see many different hungry visitors. Birds are in their breeding plumage during the summer months, making identification easier and more enjoyable with bright colors and clear markings.

What is the best way to attract birds to a feeder?

Offering a variety of nutritious foods is the best way to attract feeding birds in any season. During the summer months, many birds also eat fruits and insects in addition to popular seeds, and offering a wider range of choices at the feeder will attract more species.

How to keep birds from eating my bird feeder?

Only put out enough food that can be eaten in one to two days, and consider putting feeders in a secure shed or garage at night to deter other animals if necessary. Check seed regularly for mildew, clumps, or spoilage, and keep feeders clean to prevent spreading diseases or parasites to other birds or humans.

What birds eat grape jelly?

Just like fruit, jelly is a sweet treat for many birds. Both apple and grape jelly can be used to attract woodpeckers, American robins, gray catbirds, and orioles. Small dishes of jelly are best, just be sure that it doesn't go rancid or moldy in the summer heat before birds consume it all.

What kind of seeds do birds like?

Seed. All types of birdseed are suitable for summer fare, but black oil sunflower seeds, hearts, or chips are the most popular option for a wide range of bird species. Nyjer will also attract finches, while mixed seed caters to different songbird species.

What do bluebirds eat?

An eastern bluebird feeds its offspring a bunch of mealworms in summer.

Who is the expert on feeding birds?

Bird experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman make feeding birds in summer incredibly easy with achievable backyard hints and tricks.

How to feed grape jelly to birds?

Serve grape jelly in a simple open dish near other feeders. Once birds discover the sweet treat, they’re likely to become faithful visitors. But offer just small amounts at a time so that jelly won’t become too high a percentage of a bird’s daily diet. If you provide just a little bit each day, your feeder birds in summer will still get most of their nutrition from insects and other natural foods.

How to attract robins to your garden?

The best and safest way to attract them is to offer natural fruit. Slice an orange in half and impale it on a branch. Or offer grapes in bunches to keep birds at your feeder longer—they pick at the fruit rather than carrying it off. Fresh fruit also attracts robins, catbirds and mockingbirds.

What bird splashes in a small birdbath?

Two American robins splash in a small birdbath.

Can squirrels wreck feeders?

Many other creatures wander around in summer, so it becomes even more important to use baffles to keep them off feeders. Squirrels are pesky enough, but animals the size of raccoons can wreck a feeder in one night. A wild bird specialty store can help you figure out what style of baffle to use on the poles that support your feeders. If nocturnal visitors continue to raid your feeders, it might be necessary to bring them indoors overnight.

Is suet good for birds?

Many wild bird feeding stores offer no-melt suet cakes formulated with special ingredients to keep them solid at higher temperatures. Even with these cakes of no-melt suet, it’s still a good idea to place the feeder where it will be in the shade during the hottest hours of the day.