The answer is that you don’t necessarily have to stop at all. There used to be advice suggesting you should stop in summer to prevent birds becoming dependent on feeders or to avoid disturbance during nesting. However, research and recommendations from wildlife organisations now agree that feeding garden birds year-round is beneficial, as long as you adjust what you offer and how you feed. During August, birds are often going through their annual moult, when they shed and regrow feathers. This is a stressful time requiring extra energy and nutrients. Additionally, many juvenile birds are still learning to find natural food sources, and your garden can provide a valuable supplement. The key is to offer appropriate foods and to maintain good hygiene to prevent disease. So, rather than stopping feeding altogether, think about switching to summer-appropriate foods and cleaning feeders frequently. This helps birds stay healthy and avoids problems with spoiled food in warm weather.