Feeding or not feeding birds in Summer

Just put some apple on the lawn. The blackbirds swooped on it immediately but then a few minutes later a huge rat came and took it. I’ve skewered another piece of apple in the middle of the lawn in the hope that the rat won’t break cover to get it….I really don’t want to deprive the blackbirds of their favourite food,

We feed them all through the summer, and at this time of year there are always lots of fledglings about. I think the parents have the instinct to feed their babies caterpillars and other insects, or whatever is suitable, rather than e.g. sunflower hearts, but those do provide energy for the parents.

Lots of our blue- and other tit fledglings are now helping themselves to sunflower hearts, fat balls and dried mealworms. We also have 3 very well used bird baths/drinking fountains, which are refilled daily.

We don’t now as it became obvious we were supporting the rodent population. As sad as we are about the decision it’s the right one for us.

We still have the old swing frame and have attached two different feeders. We are enjoying watching their antics! The robin gets very cross if we spend any time in our garden.

The RSPB says year round feeding, with care, in spring and summer

www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/when-to-feed-garden-birds/

I know what you mean about bird droppings, lemongrove!

We stopped feeding the birds last winter because of attracting rats. I think summer feeding artificially supports more fledglings than is sustainable.

Although birds’ natural sources of food are more abundant in the summer it’s still important to keep offering them food in your garden particularly if you live in a very built-up area. Birds need plenty of energy to raise their babies and when they are moulting so extra food will be appreciated and depending on weather conditions they may struggle to find other food.

For example, when it is very hot they may find it difficult to get worms from the ground, one of the most important sources of food for softbills such as blackbirds and robins. Conversely if the summer is particularly wet or cold there can be a shortage of insects and caterpillars.

I feed the birds (and hedgehogs, foxes and squirrels) all year round, as well as leaving fresh water as well

Ah Yes, several bird baths, changed and cleaned regularly.

I only feed Autumn to Spring but keep several birdbaths filled with water for them.
I also think there are plenty of insects and fruit around for them naturally, and it keeps pigeons and mice away, (not to mention bird droppings) where you want to sit out.

worm not work!

I'm another one who doesn't feed them in the summer. I reckon a nice juicy work is better for them than fat balls.

I don’t feed them in the Summer they should find plenty of insects etc.

tidyskatemum

The starlings in our garden have gone hell for leather at the fat balls recently - they must feel they need fattening up after raising their babies. They’ve got through them at twice the rate they did in winter.

And don't they make a racket!

The starlings in our garden have gone hell for leather at the fat balls recently - they must feel they need fattening up after raising their babies. They’ve got through them at twice the rate they did in winter.

Leave bits….

We’ve been told by the council not to feed the birds as there are a lot of rats in the area. I put some apple out yesterday thinking it would be ok to do so if I took it away before nightfall but when I looked it had all gone. The birds always use bits of apple so it must have been a rat.

I feed mine all year round. I think there would be my very own version of The Birds if they didn't get their mealworms.
I've heard that it's best to leave ground peanuts out in summer to avoid choking for baby birds which makes sense.

I have always understood that we should feed wild birds through the summer months. But it's important to feed high protein food. For accurate information refer to the RSPB website.

Yes I do the same, thought there was enough insects and such like around in the summer months. Partner mowed the lawn today and a few blackbirds were taking advantage of the worms that emerged!