Feeding Birds in Summer

martinn123

Hi Folks,

wife had an accident, and is off work for 6 weeks, we have a large garden, and an acre of wilderness, and she has taken to leaving out bread for wild birds.

she has now bought bird feeders and is leaving out peanuts, and other seeds, my question, is this a good idea at this time of year or should we leave the birds to fend for themselves.

The number of birds in garden has increased dramatically, and now they knock at window to get food left out.

Good idea/ bad idea Thanks.

Dizzyblonde

I used to think that you only needed to feed the birds in the winter, but they need food all year round. This is a great time of year because the fledglings come with them and wait to be fed, chirping loudly. Then when they get a bit older they're able to use the feeders themselves. It's wonderful to watch.
We've had to take down the fat balls for a few days at a time to discourage the starlings because they tend to take over.
It's important at this time of year not to put out whole peanuts that aren't in a feeder because young birds can choke on them.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

The current expert advice is to feed all year round. However, at this time of year don't put out as much as in Winter. Do not feed them Fats.They now need protein from seeds and to a degree peanuts. Only provide peanuts in a mesh feeder. Always provide water.

meathstevie

And forget about the bread completely unless it's of the coarse brown variety with seeds in it.