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Sunday, June 26, 2005
Feeding Birds in the Summer
Although many people feed birds only in the winter, some continue to enjoy this hobby through the spring and summer. Seeds are particularly attractive to birds in late summer but some species will continue to come to feeders all summer long. Some small mammals like chipmunks, ground squirrels, and tree squirrels will also feed on seeds all summer. While birds can make it fine on their own, it does bring them closer to give us a better look. It is also interesting to watch feeding during courtship and the feeding of young fledglings.
The American goldfinch, Iowa's state bird ,will still be attracted to a thistle feeder, and by observing closely, bird watchers can see the males turn from their winter drab olive green to a striking yellow and black summer breeding plumage during this season. Most birds, however, are eating fruits and insects during this season.
Although birds glean insects off leaves, bark, and the ground, insects are also a food source that can be provided for the birds during the summer. These insects not only supplement the birds' diet, but are also used for feeding their young. Insects provide the necessary high sources of protein necessary for young birds to grow quickly. One of the ways to provide insects is to raise or buy yellow mealworm. Mealworms can be purchased at pet stores or bait shops during the fishing season. You might also raise them in a container of oatmeal supplied with a small sliced potato on top for moisture. Another method is to catch some insects with a plastic bag under neath a plain fluorescent bulb or a black light placed outside at night with a sheet draped over it.
Fruit also may be used to attract birds in the spring and summer. Though the natural fruits of shrubs like chokecherry, serviceberry, or elderberry are best, apples, oranges, and raisins throughout the spring and summer will also attract birds like orioles, bluebirds, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, and waxwings.
Hummingbird feeders can be used to attract these tiny birds. Use one part sugar to four parts water or cormmercially prepared hummingbird food. Do not use honey water. The honey rapidly cultures a mold that can kill the birds. Red food dyes are also unnecessary.
Providing a water source will attract a greater number and diversity of birds to the backyard. A commercially available mister or dripper can be used to drip water slowly into the birdbath or a recirculating pump making water sources more attractive to the birds. The motion and dripping sound of the water provide visual and audio cues for birds.