It is a myth that feeding birds in the summer will make them dependent on feeders and ignore natural foods. Studies show that wild birds eat no more than 25 percent of their daily intake from feeders once natural food becomes available. For seed-eaters, most backyard plants have not set seeds at this stage in the season.
In fact summer is a great time to observe feeders because ...
Parents of nestlings do not need to forage far from the nest to find food. The nestlings are not left alone for long periods of time and are safer from predators.
Birds being raised in the backyard give us an opportunity to watch the nestlings as they mature and learn to visit feeders.
Birds are in their breeding plumage, making them easier to identify and enjoy.
There is a greater variety of birds in our area during summer months; if you offer food only during the winter, you miss many species.
Hummingbirds benefit from nectar to help fuel their high metabolism. They obtain nectar from different flowers as well as hummingbird feeders.
Goldfinches benefit from Nyjer seed until thistle, coneflower and Rudbeckia go to seed later in the summer nesting period. They tend to stay in the area all year, but the males' brilliant yellow color fades to a drab olive for better protection in winter when trees have lost their leaves.
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