Should I continue to feed?

Male Goldfinches are most vivid in summer

Some people feed birds only during the winter. That's logical. In winter snow often covers the ground, preventing birds from reaching natural sources of food. Cold weather means birds need a ready source of seed and suet to maintain their metabolism through bitterly cold winter nights.

But many other people find feeding birds all year long to be an especially enjoying hobby. 

Warm weather is the time when you're most likely to be outdoors enjoying your patio or porch. Days are longer, giving you more leisure time outdoors. 

Use that opportunity. Continue feeding. You'll be able to observe the comings and goings of birds as they visit your feeders in search of food for their chicks. And think of it this way: By giving parents a ready source of food, they'll be raising chicks that are healthier and stronger.

Another reason to keep feeding is that we still are seeing different species of migrating birds passing through our region. If you offer seed, suet, mealworms or fruit, these migrants may use your backyard as a quick stopover.