Tips for feeding birds in the summer months

NearertoGod · 05-16-2008, 12:20 AM

If you feed birds and you live in state/country that gets hot during the summer (starting from May - August, and/or early September), I have compiled this list for you. I have been feeding wild birds for more than four years now so I have learned the tricks to get more birds and lots of different new and strange species to your backyard feeder. Also, this is a great way to provide the birds who regularly come to your feeding station(s) the things they need during the summer.

1 - Water
I suggest using bottled, filtered, and water from your fridge if it comes with that feature. Regular tap water contains many, many harmful chemicals that can cause a lot of ailments...who wants to drink that?
The water should be placed in a shady area, next to your feeder(s). Keep it away from DIRECT sunlight as it'll heat and evaporate and you'll end up with a dry bowl a few hours (or minutes) later. Either use a plastic feeder or a stone bowl.

2 - Shade
If you have lots of trees and thick bushes, hang feeders from the trees or place them in the shade of trees and bushes.
The birds will greatly appreciate being able to eat and drink and not have the sun beating down on their backs.

3 - Bird Bath
Birds love taking baths...and who doesn't like to take a cool dip on a 100 degree day?
Surprisingly, many bird species are attracted to water. Bird baths and water bowls can get a lot of different species you may have never seen.

3 - Make or buy your own "Summer Bird Feed Mix"
While many brands will not say "summer bird feed mix", you can make one yourself by putting together a number of different brands and labeling it as that.
My Suggested Mix:
1 bag of black oil sunflower seeds
Almonds or any kind of nut
Dried fruit (strawberries, bananas, apples, raisins, and any other dried fruit available)
Citrus juice
Songbird Mix
TO MAKE
Get a large bowl or a plastic container with a lid
Pour about 2 cups (or more, depending on the size of your container/bowl) into the bowl/container.
Add your nuts (handful of each)
Add your fruit (handful of each)
Squeeze a little citrus juice over the mix
Add the songbird mix
Stir
Let the juice dry on the seeds
After dried, put it outside

violet · 05-16-2008, 09:32 AM

Good job, NTG.

Birds love suet too.
Oh and peanut butter!

Another thing....
bird baths can spread germs and disease so keep them clean~

NearertoGod · 05-16-2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by violet

Good job, NTG.

Birds love suet too.
Oh and peanut butter!

Another thing....
bird baths can spread germs and disease so keep them clean~

Yeah!

We had some suet, but then the rats ate it. Oh, and the opossum.

05-16-2008, 12:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
NearertoGod Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: The O.C. Posts: 1,793 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 2	Tips for feeding birds in the summer months If you feed birds and you live in state/country that gets hot during the summer (starting from May - August, and/or early September), I have compiled this list for you. I have been feeding wild birds for more than four years now so I have learned the tricks to get more birds and lots of different new and strange species to your backyard feeder. Also, this is a great way to provide the birds who regularly come to your feeding station(s) the things they need during the summer. 1 - Water I suggest using bottled, filtered, and water from your fridge if it comes with that feature. Regular tap water contains many, many harmful chemicals that can cause a lot of ailments...who wants to drink that? The water should be placed in a shady area, next to your feeder(s). Keep it away from DIRECT sunlight as it'll heat and evaporate and you'll end up with a dry bowl a few hours (or minutes) later. Either use a plastic feeder or a stone bowl. 2 - Shade *If you have lots of trees and thick bushes, hang feeders from the trees or place them in the shade of trees and bushes.* The birds will greatly appreciate being able to eat and drink and not have the sun beating down on their backs. 3 - Bird Bath *Birds love taking baths...and who doesn't like to take a cool dip on a 100 degree day?* Surprisingly, many bird species are attracted to water. Bird baths and water bowls can get a lot of different species you may have never seen. 3 - Make or buy your own "Summer Bird Feed Mix" While many brands will not say "summer bird feed mix", you can make one yourself by putting together a number of different brands and labeling it as that. My Suggested Mix: 1 bag of black oil sunflower seeds Almonds or any kind of nut Dried fruit (strawberries, bananas, apples, raisins, and any other dried fruit available) Citrus juice Songbird Mix TO MAKE Get a large bowl or a plastic container with a lid Pour about 2 cups (or more, depending on the size of your container/bowl) into the bowl/container. Add your nuts (handful of each) Add your fruit (handful of each) Squeeze a little citrus juice over the mix Add the songbird mix Stir Let the juice dry on the seeds After dried, put it outside __________________ **IN LOVING MEMORY** Happy - Born - ?/?/1999 - Happily crossed back home to God - June 25th/26th, 2008 You will never be forgotten Rest In Peace, Happy. You were more than just a dog, a pet, you were a best friend. I LOVE YOU

05-16-2008, 09:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
violet Join Date: May 2007 Location: England Posts: 8,175 Blog Entries: 13 Rep Power: 10	Good job, NTG. Birds love suet too. Oh and peanut butter! Another thing.... bird baths can spread germs and disease so keep them clean~ __________________ Violet Matthew 10:38 ....he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

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