Garden birds are a delight to see, and many people like to feed them, especially during winter when food is scarce. However, the question that may be coming to your mind is, should you continue to feed garden birds all year round?
Simply put, yes. Garden birds need food all year round to survive, and they will benefit from being fed throughout the year. In fact, feeding garden birds all year round can actually help them thrive, as they will have a constant food source and be less likely to wander into dangerous areas in search of food.
However, if you want to feed garden birds all year round, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article , we will discuss the best food to feed garden birds all year round and how and when to feed them. So, whether you are a newbie or an experienced birdfeeder, keep reading for everything you need to know about feeding garden birds all year round.
The Best Food to Feed Garden Birds All Year Round
Depending on the season, birds have different dietary needs. For example, in winter, they need high fat and protein to help them keep warm, while in summer, they need food high in water and carbohydrates to stay cool.
Spring
This is when the trees are starting to come back into leaf, and the flowers are blooming, so birds will need a high carbohydrate diet. Garden birds often switch from seeds to insects or any food from plants at this time of year. They feed on small insects, such as caterpillars, and spiders to berries, fruit, and nectar.
Avoid feeding the birds with peanuts because they might feed these to their nestlings, which can cause them to choke.
Summer
In the scorching summer, where the temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees Celsius, birds need a high protein diet. This is also when birds are moulting or losing their feathers, so they need a diet high in nutrients to help them recover.
Typically, birds will feed on seeds, mealworms, and even natural fruits that are in season during summer. Sunflower hearts are a great choice for summer as they are high in fat and protein, which helps birds to keep cool.
If you want to feed the garden birds on your property during summer, you may slice up some fruits such as apples, pears, or bananas and place them in a feeding station.
Autumn
In autumn where the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red, and the fruits and berries are ripening. This is when the birds start to prepare for winter, so they need a high-fat and protein diet. They will feed on insects, earthworms, and seeds.
You can continue to feed the birds with seeds and peanuts during autumn, but you might also want to introduce suet cakes. Suet cakes are high in fat and will help the birds to store energy for winter.
Winter
In the harsh cold winter, where temperatures can drop below zero, garden birds are having a tough time finding food. This is why it is important to continue feeding them during winter.
Garden birds change their diet from insectivores to vegetarian ones because food is abundant. They need a high fat and protein diet to help them stay warm, and they will typically feed on seeds, nuts, and berries.
This is the suitable time to provide them food as they will readily visit your garden to feed. You can also place a bird feeder to attract them.
All-Around Food For Garden Birds All Year Round
While it is essential to provide food that matches the season, some types of food can be fed all year round. Dried foods such as sunflower hearts, niger seed, and canary seed are a great source of food for garden birds all year round. They are high in fat and protein, and they also have a long shelf life, so you can stock up on them.
Another great all-around food for garden birds is bird feeder mix. This is a mix of different types of seeds, and it is perfect for year-round feeding. It contains a variety of seeds that are high in fat, protein, and carbohydrates, so it will meet the dietary needs of garden birds all year round.
How & When to Feed Garden Birds All Year Round
Now that you know the best food to feed garden birds all year round, let’s look at how and when to feed them.
The bird feeders may be left anytime during daylight hours, and it is best to place them close to cover (such as trees or hedges), so the birds feel safe while feeding.
It might take time for the birds to get used to a new feeder, so be sure to keep putting food out until they start feeding on it. If a feeder is empty for a long time, the birds will stop coming. The feeders need to be filled with food according to how many birds come during the day.
Remember to also practice proper hygiene by cleaning the feeder regularly. This will help to prevent the spread of diseases among the birds.
On the other hand, birds also feed on natural food sources such as fruits, berries, and insects. You can also attract birds to your garden by planting these food sources in the right places. For example, you can plant berry bushes near a feeder, so the birds can easily access both food types.
You can attract more insects to your garden by not using insecticides and digging a pond. This will provide more food for the birds in your garden.
Conclusion
So, now you know that garden birds need a varied diet in different seasons to stay healthy. There are certain things to keep in mind when it comes to feeding garden birds all year round.
You should provide food that matches the season, but you can also give them all-around food all year round. Be sure to keep the bird feeders filled with food and clean them regularly for proper hygiene. You can also attract more birds to your garden by planting natural food sources. By following these tips, you can help keep your garden birds healthy and happy all year round!
