Summer can be hard on birds, as the hot weather means the ground is often too hard to find food.  

You can help your feathered garden friends by making sure they are kept well fed and watered through the warm summer months.  

Here are our top tips: 

  • Make sure birds have a good supply of clean, fresh water to drink 

  • Keep water bowls, bird baths and feeding stations clear of bushes where cats can hide 

  • Clean water containers daily to prevent bacteria building up 

  • Clean bird tables regularly or feeding could do more harm than good 

  • Keep bird tables elevated to discourage rats and mice 

  • During summer, birds need high-protein foods like mealworms, sunflower seeds, soaked sultanas, raisins and currants, apples and pears, mild grated cheese, and good bird food mixes 

  • Avoid using fat balls in summer as they can turn rancid in warm weather 

  • Leftovers like cooked pasta and rice are high in energy, but avoid salty food and bread