Summer

Food & Seed

• Smell-test sunflower seed regularly for rancidityHeat and humidity cause seed to go rancid faster than in any other season. If it smells musty or sour, discard and replace — birds will avoid bad seed and go elsewhere.
• Refresh hummingbird nectar every 2–3 daysNectar ferments quickly in summer heat and can harm hummingbirds. Clean the feeder thoroughly each refill — don't just top it off. In very hot weather (above 90°F), change it every 1–2 days.
• Offer mealworms for nesting birdsParent birds feeding nestlings need high-protein food. Live or dried mealworms attract bluebirds, robins, and wrens, especially during peak nesting in June and July.
• Switch to no-melt suet or pause suet until SeptemberRegular suet melts above 90°F and can mat feathers and spoil. No-melt suet cakes hold up in heat, or simply remove suet feeders and resume in early September.
• Replace Nyjer/thistle if goldfinches stop visitingThistle goes stale faster in heat than any other seed type. If your thistle feeder suddenly goes quiet, empty it, clean it, and refill with fresh seed.

Feeders & Cleaning

• Clean all feeders every 2 weeks — more often after rainWarm, wet conditions grow mold and bacteria faster than any other season. Any feeder with darkened seed, a sour smell, or visible clumping needs immediate cleaning, not just a refill.
• Check hummingbird feeders for bee and wasp activityBees and wasps are drawn to nectar in summer and can drive hummingbirds away. Moving the feeder a few feet usually breaks the insect pattern; bee-resistant feeder designs eliminate the problem long-term.
• Reduce the amount of seed you put out if traffic dropsMany birds focus on natural food and nesting in June-July. Putting out less seed means less spoilage and waste — increase quantities again in August when fledglings arrive.
• Use a cage or weight-sensitive feeder if starlings or House Sparrows dominateAggressive species crowd out smaller birds at open feeders. Cage-style feeders protect chickadees, goldfinches, and nuthatches while excluding larger intruders.

Water

• Change water daily in hot weatherWater heats to unsafe temperatures and evaporates fast in summer. Daily fresh water prevents algae, disease, and the kind of stagnant bath birds learn to avoid.
• Move the bath to morning shadeAfternoon sun in summer quickly heats and evaporates the water. Morning shade extends freshness throughout the day without hiding the bath from birds.
• Add a few ice cubes on days above 95°FIce keeps water refreshing, slows evaporation, and draws birds in hot weather. A handful of cubes in the morning can make a significant difference.
• Keep the bath depth at 1–2 inchesBirds need enough depth to bathe but will avoid water that's too deep. Evaporation drops the level fast in summer — check twice daily and top up as needed.
• Scrub the bath twice a week in summerAlgae grows much faster in warm water than in spring or fall. A quick scrub twice a week — no soap, rinse well — prevents a slippery, bacteria-laden surface that birds recognize and avoid.

Birds to Watch

Feeder activity often drops noticeably in June-July as birds focus on nesting and the abundance of natural insects. Don't take it personally — your feeders are still valuable. Expect a clear surge in August when fledglings leave the nest and family groups begin visiting together, often including young birds that have never seen a feeder before.

• Watch for House Finch fledglings being fed at feedersParents bring fledglings to feeders in July-August. Young birds have softer, streakier plumage and often sit still while begging — a reliable sign that your setup is successfully supporting a breeding pair.
• Watch for Mourning Doves visiting the birdbath in heatActive all summer, often in pairs, Mourning Doves use birdbaths frequently on hot days. They're a good indicator of whether your water is visible and accessible.
• Watch for peak hummingbird activity in June-JulyThis is the busiest time of year for nectar feeders. If you have multiple hummingbirds competing, consider hanging a second feeder out of sight of the first — territorial birds can't guard two feeders at once.