Summer Garden Bird Care: Best Foods, Water Tips & How to Beat the Heat

  • When we think about feeding garden birds, our minds often turn to the chilly days of winter when food is scarce and frost clings to the trees. But did you know that summer is just as important a time to care for your garden birds? As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, our garden birds face new challenges - and that’s where we can step in to offer a helping hand.

    Whether you’re a lifelong bird lover or new to the world of bird feeding, summer is the perfect time to make your garden a haven for wildlife. In this blog, we’ll
    explore why it’s important to feed birds in summer, what foods are best during
    the warmer months, and how we can support birds when the mercury climbs.

Why Feed Birds in Summer?

At first glance, it might seem like birds have plenty of natural food in summer - flowers are blooming, insects are active, and hedgerows are full of berries. However, there are several reasons why supplementary feeding is still essential during the warmer season:

  • Feeding Fledglings

    Summer is peak breeding season. Many birds will raise multiple broods, and this requires a lot of energy. Adult birds are busy from dawn to dusk searching for protein-rich insects to feed their chicks. Having access to high-quality, nutritious food in the garden helps relieve some of this pressure. Parents can feed themselves quickly and get back to the nest, keeping their strength up for the demanding job of raising young.

  • dry grass with purple flowers

    Drought and Food Shortages

    In periods of dry weather, natural food sources such as worms, caterpillars, and other invertebrates become harder to find. Lawns dry out, insects hide away, and soft fruits shrivel. Providing food ensures your local birds don’t go hungry when nature falls short.

  • Robin during the moult

    Moulting Season

    After the breeding season, many birds go through a moulting phase, where they shed old feathers and grow new ones. This is an energy-intensive process, and birds can become more vulnerable during this time. Offering a steady food source can help them maintain condition and rebuild strength.

What to Feed Garden Birds in Summer

When feeding birds in summer, it’s important to choose the right foods that provide energy without spoiling quickly in the heat. Here are some of the best summer bird foods:

Sunflower Hearts (Premium Quality) - Haith's

Sunflower Hearts

A firm favourite with many garden birds, sunflower hearts are nutritious, oil-rich, and easy to eat. They’re also mess-free, which is ideal for summer feeding.

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Live Mealworms for wild birds

Mealworms (Live or Dried)

High in protein, mealworms are especially valuable during the breeding season. Live mealworms are better for fledglings as they’re easier to digest and hydrate, but dried ones can be soaked in water to soften them.

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Hi - Energy Insect Suet Pellets

Suet Pellets

While suet blocks and balls can become too soft or melt in hot weather, suet pellets tend to hold their shape better. Choose varieties with added insects or berries for extra nutrients.

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Raisins - Haith's

Fruit

Birds such as blackbirds and thrushes enjoy soft fruits like apple slices, berries, and pears. Offer fresh fruit in a shallow dish and remember to remove anything that starts to go off.

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premium wild bird food

Seed Mixes

A high-quality summer seed mix with a variety of seeds and grains can attract a wide range of species. Look for blends that are free from wheat and fillers to ensure you're offering real value.

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What to Avoid Feeding Birds in Summer

There are also a few things to avoid feeding birds during the warmer months:

❌ Fat Balls (in hot weather) - These can spoil or go rancid quickly when it’s hot, potentially harming birds.

❌ Bread – Offers little nutritional value and can bloat birds if eaten in large quantities.

❌ Salty or processed foods – These can be harmful to birds, especially small ones.

Helping Birds Cope with Hot Weather

As temperatures rise, it’s not just food that birds need - water becomes vital, both
for drinking and bathing. Birds don’t sweat, so they rely on panting and bathing to cool down.

Here’s how you can make your garden a bird-friendly oasis during heatwaves:

Four top tips!

  • robin sat on a bird bath

    Provide Fresh Water Daily

    Place a shallow dish or bird bath in a shady area of the garden, and refill it with fresh water each day. Clean the container regularly to prevent algae build-up or the spread of disease.

  • pssion flower in summer bloom

    Create Shade

    Add bird-friendly plants, shrubs, or a small tree to provide shelter from the sun and protection from predators. Climbing plants along fences or hedges can also create cool hiding spots.

  • nestbox in tree

    Install Nest Boxes Wisely

    If you have nest boxes, try to position them in shaded parts of the garden. Boxes that face north or east stay cooler than those in full sun, reducing the risk of overheating chicks.

  • insect on a green leaf

    Avoid Using Pesticides

    Insects are a crucial food source for birds, especially during breeding season. Using chemical sprays can reduce insect populations and may poison birds indirectly.

Tips for Responsible Summer Feeding

Feed little and often – This helps prevent waste and ensures food doesn’t spoil in the heat.

Keep feeders clean – Wash regularly with hot, soapy water to stop the spread of bacteria.

Watch for signs of illness – Remove feeders temporarily if you notice sick birds to help prevent disease outbreaks.

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