What to Feed Wild Birds in Summer: A Quick Guide!

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You step outside with your coffee, only to find the feeder swarmed by hangry little birds who clearly think you work for them. Sound familiar? Yeah, same here. Feeding backyard birds in the summer isn’t just about throwing out random seed and hoping for the best. It actually matters what you put out there. And trust me, there are a few do’s and don’ts that’ll make your yard the bird version of a five-star buffet.

So, let’s talk about what to feed wild birds in summer, what to avoid, and how to keep those feathered visitors happy (and coming back for more). Bonus: you might even attract some real stunners, like orioles and tanagers.

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

Let’s start with the GOAT of birdseed: black oil sunflower seeds. If you put out one thing, make it this.

• High in fat and protein
• Fits in tube, tray, or hopper feeders
• Loved by cardinals, chickadees, finches, sparrows, and more

Perky-Pet says: “You can put out all types of birdseeds in summer… but adding black oil sunflower seed helps attract a wider range of species.”

Pro Tip: Keep them dry. Moldy seed = no-go. Moisture + summer heat = bird buffet turned biohazard.

Visual Idea: Show a tray feeder with bright red cardinals munching sunflower seeds.

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Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds

Tiny seeds. Big deal. Goldfinches, especially, can’t resist these.

• Great for small clingers like goldfinches and siskins
• Use a special thistle feeder
• Minimal mess since birds eat the whole seed

FYI: These go rancid fast in heat. Keep ’em fresh and dry, or you’ll just be serving up a disappointment.

Visual Idea: Goldfinch on a nyjer sock feeder with a clean green backdrop.

Fresh Fruit Slices

Wanna attract the flashy types? Oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, birds go bananas for fruit. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

• Orioles and Tanagers especially love orange halves
• Grapes, watermelon, berries also work great
• Use a fruit feeder or skewer

Fun Fact: Orioles will legit fight over orange slices. Grape jelly also works in moderation.

Visual Idea: Bright orange oriole perched beside a citrus wedge.

Mealworms (Live or Dried)

Okay, it sounds gross. But mealworms are bird gold, especially for parents feeding chicks.

• Loved by bluebirds, robins, wrens
• Great protein boost in breeding season
• Dried mealworms last longer (store in airtight container)

IMO: Toss a few out with morning coffee and watch birds drop in like it’s brunch.

Visual Idea: Bluebird feeding chicks with mealworm in beak.

Nectar for Hummingbirds

No red dye needed, friends. DIY nectar is easy: 4 parts water, 1 part sugar. Boil, cool, fill. Done.

• Change every 2–3 days (more often in heat)
• Use feeders with bee guards
• Clean with hot water (no soap!)

Pro Tip: Put your feeder in partial shade to keep nectar fresher.

Visual Idea: Ruby-throated hummingbird hovering near a red feeder.

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Grape Jelly (In Moderation)

Yep, birds eat jelly. Specifically grape jelly. Orioles and tanagers are obsessed with it.

• Use a small dish or jelly feeder
• Don’t overdo it, sugar overload isn’t great
• Stick with real fruit jelly, not the high-fructose stuff

Just don’t: Leave it out too long, or you’ll have wasps, ants, and raccoons at your doorstep.

Visual Idea: Oriole dipping beak into a shallow jelly dish.

Cracked Corn & Millet

Underrated summer staple. Doves, quail, sparrows love these grains.

• Use on tray feeders or sprinkle on the ground
• Great for attracting ground feeders
• Mix into other seed blends for variety

Heads up: These can attract squirrels, so guard your stash accordingly.

Visual Idea: Mourning dove pecking at corn on the patio.

Regional Feeding Considerations

Not all birds, or weather, are created equal. What works in Florida might flop in Arizona.

• Dry regions: Offer more fruit and nectar to combat dehydration.
• Humid areas: Keep seed extra dry and clean to prevent mold.
• Cooler climates: Birds may still appreciate high-fat foods like sunflower seed.

Tip: Always watch what local birds are eating naturally, they know best.

How Much to Feed (And How Often)

Birds know how to pace themselves, but too much food = mess and pests.

• Top off feeders daily if they’re busy; otherwise every few days is fine.
• Don’t pile it high, small amounts stay fresher.
• Clean uneaten food before it spoils.

Rule of thumb: If seed is still sitting there after a couple of days, scale back. Let the birds dictate the pace.

What Not to Feed Birds in Summer

Not everything is fair game. A few things to avoid like your life depends on it:

Moldy or Wet Seed

Birds can get sick from mold. Clean your feeders regularly, especially after rain.

Bread and Junk Food

Please don’t feed birds your leftover sandwich crusts. Bread = empty calories, and chips? Just, no. :/

Spoiled Fruit

That brown banana you forgot on the feeder? Toss it. Spoiled fruit can attract pests and harm birds.

Visual Idea: Crossed-out icons of moldy seed, bread, and rotting fruit.

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Feeding Tips to Keep Things Safe and Tidy

Birds are messy eaters. But with a few tricks, your setup can be low-maintenance and safe.

• Clean feeders weekly with a brush and hot water
• Use baffles or squirrel-proof feeders to reduce waste
• Don’t overcrowd, spread feeders out to avoid fighting
• Offer water, a shallow dish or birdbath goes a long way
• Rotate feeding spots to avoid mold and bacteria buildup

Bonus: You’ll look way more legit to your nosy neighbor, who keeps asking about your “bird setup.”

Final Thoughts: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Simple

Feeding birds in the summer isn’t rocket science. Just offer a mix of fresh, quality foods, avoid anything moldy or processed, and clean up after your feathered freeloaders. 😉

Stick with favorites like sunflower seed, nyjer, fresh fruit, mealworms, and nectar, and you’ll have cardinals, finches, orioles, and more lining up for their turn at the buffet.

Got a tip of your own or a backyard bird success story? Share it! Trust me, once you start dialing in your summer feeding game, you won’t want to stop.

Happy birding!