Summer Bird Feeding: Top 10 Foods Your Backyard Birds Will Love

Introduction

Birds visiting your backyard in summer usually love having fresh fruits, mealworms, and a variety of other high-energy food options.

Summer is all about happy times and blue skies, but with too much heat. That’s why prepping for the season isn’t just limited to you and your kids. It’s a must for your pets too. 

So, what is summer bird feeding important? How do you choose the right healthy birds food that keeps feathered friends well-fed and happy? We are going to help you with some of the top picks.

Importance of Bird Feeding

Natural resources like insects, seeds, and berries become scarce or dry out during this season. Did you know that nearly one-third of North America’s bird species are in decline due to threats like habitat loss, climate change, and food scarcity? 

That’s where we step in as summer bird feeders to help them get through this problem! But not all foods are created equal—especially when the temperature rises above average. Make sure you don’t purchase any random bird seed from the market.

Why Summer Bird Feeding Matters

Understanding Bird Needs in Hot Weather

Summer brings a lot of good things, no doubt. However, it also brings heat stress to wildlife. Birds need extra support during these months, especially when:

• Feeding their younger ones – Parents are constantly hunting to fill the tummy of their little ones.
  
• Staying cool and hydrated – Birds lose water quickly and need clean sources to drink and bathe.
  

Seasonal Benefits of Feeding Birds in Summer

• Attracts Diverse Species
   If you are a bird lover, then you must know this: Summer is prime time for birdwatching. It is the perfect season to gather them with the right food. Yes, you can attract colorful songbirds, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers to your backyard.
  

• Helps Support Migration Prep
  Many birds begin building up energy for fall migration during late summer. So, you can give additional support to these birds by feeding them.
  

• Supports Birds During Drought
   If rain is scarce, birds may struggle a lot. They find it very difficult to get water and natural food. That’s where your feeders and baths can be of supreme help.
  

Top 10 Foods Backyard Birds Love in Summer

Here are the summer superstars that your backyard birds will absolutely adore:

1. Fresh Fruits

Sweet, juicy, and packed with hydration. In fact, you can say that fruits are nature’s candy for birds. They always have a soft corner for this particular food option.

Popular Choices:

• Berries (blueberries, strawberries)
  
• Watermelon chunks
  
• Grapes (cut in half)
  

Benefits:

• Rich in natural sugar for energy
  
• Contains fluids to help birds stay hydrated
  
• Safe and healthy bird treats
  

2. Mealworms

These wiggly protein bombs are a favorite among insect-eating birds. They can’t stop themselves from coming to your backyard again and again.

Why Birds Love Them:

• Perfect for feeding nestlings
  
• Great source of fat and protein
  

3. Nyjer Seeds

These seeds may look tiny, but they are very, very powerful. Nyjer seeds are rich in oil and loved by some of the birds, such as finches.

Feeder Tip: Use a mesh or tube feeder to avoid waste.

4. Sunflower Seeds

One of the food options that has always remained a classic choice for birds is sunflower seeds. Also, there are a lot of advantages to buying this seed for birds. 

• Attracts cardinals, finches, chickadees, and more
  
• Easy to serve in most feeders
  
  

Go for: Black oil sunflower seeds. Why? It is because they are easier to crack and more nutritious

5. Suet Alternatives

Standard suet melts in heat. However, there are some summer-friendly no-melt cakes available that are a hit for this season.

Perfect For:

• Woodpeckers
  
• Nuthatches
  
• Chickadees
  

6. Cracked Corn

Cracked corn is mostly budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

Best For: Ground-feeding birds like doves, juncos, and sparrows

Bonus: It also attracts quail and wild turkeys (if you’re lucky!)

7. Safflower Seeds

Not every bird loves them—but cardinals and grosbeaks sure do.

Perks:

• High in protein
  
• Not attractive to squirrels or grackles
  

8. Unsalted Nuts

We know that summer soaks up a lot of energy. Therefore, birds need a food option that provides energy for a long time. Chopped nuts provide lasting energy for active birds. 

Best Choices:

• Unsalted peanuts
  
• Almond slivers
  
• Walnuts (shelled)
  

9. Cooked Rice and Oatmeal

One of the safest food options for birds is this. Cooked rice is easily available and can fill up hungry birds without any gut issues.

Important:

• Unsalted only
  
• Serve in small quantities
  

10. Homemade Food Mixes for Birds

DIY mixes are fun and amazing. Mixing different foods can make the meal bowl more appealing and tailored to your backyard birds.

Mix Ideas:

• Seeds + chopped fruits
  
• Nuts + grains
  
• Add boiled egg chunks for extra protein
  

Don’t Forget the Water: The Role of a Good Bird Water Feeder

Water is just as essential as food. You must never skip providing water to your backyard buddies, especially in summer.

How to Help:

• Use shallow bird baths or specialized bird water feeder stations.
  
• Refill daily and clean thoroughly.
  

Tips to Make Summer Bird Feeding Safe and Effective

Use the Right Feeders

Different feeders suit different foods and bird species:

• Mesh feeders – These feeders are the best choice for Nyjer seeds.
  
• Platform feeders – Platform feeders work amazingly for fruits and nuts.
  
• Suet cages – Make sure you use only no-melt suet in summer.
  
  

Clean Feeders Regularly

Dirty feeders can spread disease, especially in heat.

• Try to clean these feeders with warm, soapy water
  
• Rinse and dry fully before refilling
  
  

Keep Feed in Shade

Heat can spoil food quickly. What you can do is

• Use tree cover or feeder umbrellas
  
• Add rain guards for protection
  

Observe Bird Behavior

Pay attention to what’s working for your birdie.

• See which foods disappear fast. This means birds love to have this food option.
  
• Adjust your mix of food accordingly so that birds get a variety.
  

Best Time of Day to Feed Birds in Summer

Not all times are good for serving food in these extreme temperatures. Try to shift the timings a little bit such as:

• Early Morning – Birds are active and looking for food
  
• Late Afternoon – Helps them refuel before nighttime
  
  

Avoid midday when:

• Food spoils faster
  
• Birds rest in shade and avoid flying
  

Conclusion

Summer bird feeding is a wonderful way to connect with nature. You can play a big role in supporting bird health and biodiversity. This activity will definitely give you a lot of satisfaction. With the right mix of food, bird treats, and freshwater, your yard can become a place that birds can never ignore. 

Remember to:

• Use fresh, summer-safe food options
  
• Clean feeders and water bowls regularly
  
• Offer a variety of feeders to suit different birds
  
• Observe and adjust based on bird activity
  
  

With just a little effort, you’ll enjoy a thriving bird watching experience all summer long.