Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of your garden, especially with the lively presence of birds. Feeding wild birds during this season not only helps them thrive but also brings you closer to nature. With more mouths to feed as baby birds leave their nests, your garden can soon be filled with the hustle and bustle of colourful species. However, their dietary needs change with the seasons. Here's a guide to what you should feed garden birds in summer.

Understanding Birds' Summer Needs

Many believe feeding garden birds should only be done in winter, but with natural food sources declining due to urbanisation, they need our help during the summer months too. Providing extra nourishment ensures they have the energy to thrive and prepare for the leaner times ahead. In summer, birds are typically busy with nesting and raising their young. So, they need high-energy foods to sustain their active lifestyles.

Top Summer Bird Food

dried mealworm in small wooden bucket

Dried Mealworms

When it comes to feeding our feathered friends in the summer, our top choice might surprise you: dried mealworms! While it's true that summer is usually insect season, there's been a significant decline in the insect population over the years. This means fewer natural food sources for birds to feed themselves and their young. That's where dried mealworms come in as the perfect supplement.

Not only are dried mealworms a fantastic source of protein, but they also come with a nifty trick! You can soak them in water before placing them in your feeders. The mealworms absorb the water, providing birds with both nourishment and hydration. This is especially great during the hot summer months when birds need to stay hydrated.

Sunflower Hearts

Sunflower Hearts packs a punch when it comes to nutrition and convenience, especially in the summer. They are rich in protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Unlike black sunflower seeds in their shells, sunflower hearts are already hulled. This makes them easier for birds to eat, saving them time and energy. Birds often consume less water than they need, relying on food for hydration. The oil content in sunflower hearts can help birds retain moisture, giving them a hydration boost during scorching summer days. Sunflower hearts are a favourite among many bird species, from finches and sparrows to robins and woodpeckers.

Sunflower Heart Chips

These little gems are a hit with birds! Sunflower heart chips are packed with energy-boosting nutrients like protein and fats. Plus, they're already shelled and cut up, making them easy for birds to eat in one mouthful and have less waste falling to the floor. Their little chip size also makes it easier for fledglings with small beaks to consume.

Dried Calci Worms

Dried calci worms are rich in calcium and protein, which are perfect for birds, especially those raising their young. These worms provide essential nutrients for strong bones and healthy feathers. Soaking them in the water adds a hydration boost, making them an all-around summer favourite.

No Grow Seed Mix

Summer is the prime time for sprouting plants in all areas of the garden, including under the feeders. If you are worried about unwanted plants sprouting from spilled seeds, No Grow Seed Mix is the answer! This blend is designed to be mess-free, providing all the goodness without the hassle of weeds. It's full of high-energy seeds that birds love, making your garden a favourite dining spot.

Finches & Tits Seed Mix

The finches and tits mix contains a balanced blend of seeds that colourful garden birds can't resist. This is the perfect bird seed box to provide the right nutrients to keep them chirping happily. Watching colourful finches and energetic tits flock to your garden is sure to brighten your summer's day.

Ready Peck Ground & Table Mix

This mix is perfect for the ground feeders in your garden, such as robins, wrens, and blackbirds. As the weather warms up and the ground hardens, it can be tough for birds to find those juicy worms. The Ready Peck Ground and Table Mix are designed to supplement ground birds and be easy to peck at and digest. It's a versatile blend that you can use on tables or scatter on the ground, attracting a wide range of birds. Plus, it's full of the nutrients they need to thrive during the summer.

Feeding garden birds in summer is a rewarding activity that supports the local bird population and enhances your garden's ecosystem. By providing a variety of nutritious foods and ensuring a reliable water source, you can help your feathered friends flourish during the warm months.