The public is strongly advised by MassWildlife to refrain from giving extra food to wildlife, which includes backyard bird feeders and wild bird food. It's frequently worse to feed wildlife than to feed birds. At any time of year, feeding wildlife teaches them to depend on people for sustenance, which makes it harder for them to survive. The biggest causes of wild bird mortality in North America—window strikes and cat predation—may be increased by bird feeders. Additional feeding also brings animals together in unnaturally high numbers, increasing the likelihood that various bacterial and viral infections will spread among birds. Other species, such as bears, coyotes, wild turkeys, and rats, are frequently attracted to homes by bird feeders, in addition to songbirds.
The Nutrition Needs Of Summer Birds
Birds on their way north or south will be back in your yards by the start of the summer. During the busy summer months, it's crucial to offer a range of rich, nutritious cuisine to draw in these additional visitors. Insects are one of the most sought-after summertime diets because they offer vital protein and energy for the development of nestlings, feathers, and adult birds' molting plumage. The Songbird Seed Cake with Mealworms is one of many seed and suet cakes that contain mealworms as a fantastic source of nutrition for birds. Another excellent source of protein is peanuts, which can be given to birds whole, in the form of hearts, or foods of bird or suet cakes.
To fuel themselves for all of their everyday activities, such as preening, being vigilant for predators, repairing nests, foraging for their families, and other things, birds need long-lasting energy during the long days of summer. In addition to insects, seeds, and grains, such as straight black oil sunflower seed, Volkman pet products and seed blends like Kaytee's Birders' Blend or Songbird Blend, are excellent sources of energy.
Fast, sweet foods give birds quick energy to keep them alert and active. Orioles and hummingbirds, among other summertime birds, are drawn to nectar and fruit feeders. Filling hummingbird feeders with Kaytee ElectroNectar is a terrific idea for a quick energy boost and will feed and hydrate thirsty birds. Fruit-like oranges and cherries, as well as jelly, are excellent summertime snacks for birds.
 Provide Food
Wild birds can take use of a variety of natural food sources during the summer. A fantastic approach to making those natural food sources work for attracting birds is to include landscaping that can provide fruits, berries, and insects for the birds to eat. Furthermore, reducing the use of harmful pesticides will make that food even better. In the summer, birds will quickly approach dependable, nutrient-rich food supplies at feeders, especially if the parent birds are straining to feed their ravenous chicks. The best wild bird food to give birds in the summer includes black oil sunflower seed, almonds, mixed birdseed, no-melt suet variations, nectar, jelly, and mealworms.
Provide Fresh Water
For healthy summer birds, a source of clean, fresh water is necessary. Smaller natural water sources like puddles and creeks can quickly dry up as summer temperatures climb. Summer bird magnetism can be achieved by including a birdbath, fountain, or pond with wild bird seed in your backyard landscape. Little splashes will alert birds to the presence of water, and moving water via drippers, misters, or wigglers will help keep the water cleaner. A yard with several water sources can attract more birds, and clean baths can keep summertime birds hydrated and healthy. Birdbaths come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns, adding variety and beauty to any backyard.
Provide Nesting Locations
Birds fiercely fight for the best nesting places during the summer, which is nesting season. Bird families will be drawn to your yard if you provide good nesting locations, and one of the greatest ways to do this is with suitable birdhouses with birdseed in it. To help safeguard breeding birds from unwanted guests, the houses should not only be secure but also the right size, including entrance hole sizes. However, not all birds nest in cavities, and providing landscaping that is safe from predators will also make excellent nesting locations for other backyard birds. By making it simpler for birds to build their nests, placing nesting material in the garden will also encourage them to do so.
To Sum Up
Every species wants to live in a place that provides them with food, shelter, water, protection from harmful sprays, and safety from mowers, right? They desire an ethical backyard. Simple adjustments can be made to provide a safe habitat for neighborhood wildlife. And you can do it anywhere—in the city, in the suburbs, in the countryside, even on a balcony of an apartment. Take our Humane Backyard oath after learning how.
Read more:Â How Long Can a Bird Go Without Food?
