Seven Most Popular Bird Foods For in The Summer

Birds can, best be attracted to your bird feeders in any season by offering them a variety of nutritious foods. During the summer, in addition to birds' regular fare of seed, birds, also, enjoy fruits and insects. Offering a wider selection at the feeder will attract a wider array of bird species.

Following is a list of the most popular treats for your aviary guests:

· Seed: Any type of bird seed will be appreciated during the summer. However, black oil sunflower seeds, chips or hearts are the most popular among a larger variety of species. Songbirds, however, will dine on any mixed seeds.

· Fruit: Songbirds are not picky fruit eaters. Orange halves, apple chunks and banana slices will be an appreciated treat for gray catbirds, cardinals, orioles, summer tanagers and other colorful birds.

· Jelly: Like fruit, jelly is a sweet treat for many birds. Grape jelly and apple jelly will attract orioles, gray catbirds, woodpeckers and American robins.

 

· Nectar: Hummingbirds are the most popular species that enjoy nectar. But nuthatches, woodpeckers and orioles are known to imbibe in this sweet treat, also, at sugar water feeders in the summer.

· Peanuts: Nuthatches, jays, chickadees and titmice love to feast on whole or shelled peanuts. And peanuts can be offered in platform feeders, small dishes or special peanut feeders.

· Suet: It may seem strange to offer suet during the heat of the summer months. But no-melt suet mixes made with less fat will attract jays, chickadees and woodpeckers.

· Mealworms: Mealworms are, not only appreciated but are especially helpful to birds at the backyard feeder when they need to supply hungry nestlings with dozens of insects everyday. Mealworms are popular with bluebirds, warblers, grosbeaks and wrens.

Although feeding birds in the summer months is a necessity, backyard bird watchers should refrain from feeding birds "bird scraps" during the summer months. While adult birds will not be harmed by small quantities of cooked rice, bread and other people food, these foods offer no benefit to young nestlings. Young birds should be nourished with a healthy diet that will help them grow into strong, mature adults.