SUMMER BIRD FEEDING TIPS

Just got back from vacation in Sandpoint Idaho - beautiful spot by the way. I was pleased to see that my feeders still had some food left in them and that my goldfinches, pine siskins and doves were still frequenting the yard.

Speaking of summer, alot of folks forget to feed birds during the summer and think that birds do not need human help to get through the summer months. However, remember that summer is nesting and breeding time for many birds and your bird food can help the parents find food close to their young ones. There are many other reasons to feed birds during summer months including just being outside in the backyard enjoying sunshine and watching the birds at your feeder in person instead of through a window. However, there are some things about summer bird feeding that you need to keep on top of:

Feeder cleanliness: Summer temperatures provide the ideal climate for bacteria growth. It is important to ensure your feeders remain clean by scrubbing out your feeders with hot soapy water about once a month and letting the feeder air dry. More frequently, it is a good idea to wipe perches and feeding portals with a cloth dipped in weak bleach solution to prevent the spread of salmonella. In terms of filling feeders, do so frequently with small amounts of seed so that food in the feeder does not spoil or rot, again posing a risk to bird health. If the feeder is an open tray feeder, remove feed that has been soaked due to rain and try to remove bird droppings that can contribute to the spread of disease.

Sugar water solution feeders will attract hummingbirds, orioles, sapsuckers, purple finches, tanagers, warblers and others. However, you will need to to replace the sugar water solution every couple of days in hot weather so it does not get mouldy.

Bird baths: Birds love water and while open water is more available in summer months than winter, a bird bath will attract more birds to your yard at any time of year. Bird baths, however, can become a breeding ground for mosquitos and with West Nile Virus transmitted through mosquitos you need to be careful to ensure the water is changed daily and that bird baths are scrubbed out periodically too.

Summer bird feeding is very rewarding and can attract a great variety of birds to your yard, just don't forget to monitor feeder cleanliness and seed quality to ensure your birds are kept healthy and happy.