The summer days are long and warm, and everywhere you look, wild animals are out and about. So, why does it seem like as soon as the weather gets nice that visitation to your bird feeder drops off?

The summer conundrum in visitation is confusing but true, as many backyard bird enthusiasts notice a decline in visitors to their bird feeders. This natural phenomenon can be disappointing, especially for those who enjoy watching birds through their feeder cams. However, understanding why this happens and putting into place a few strategies can help maintain bird activity around your feeders throughout the season.

Why Birds Visit Feeders Less in Summer

There are several reasons why your bird feeder may see less activity during the summer:

  • There’s plenty of natural food: Nature opens her supermarket during the summer to provide a bounty of food for birds. Insects, which are rich in protein, are seemingly everywhere and easy for birds to fill up on. Plus, seed- and berry-producing plants are peaking during the summer, offering birds a diverse and readily available natural buffet.
  • You may be feeding them the wrong food: Just as humans are more apt to favor soups in the winter and salads in the summer, some bird seek out different foods to satisfy their physiological needs. To combat this, determine what birds you are trying to attract and what foods they prefer in the summer specifically.
  • They could be busy: Late spring and early summer is when many species of birds are breeding, and when their attentions shift to nesting and raising their young, the feeding patterns of many birds change. Once the young have fledged, many parents take a break from constant feeding, which can mean they visit your feeder less frequently.
  • They might be gone: Some birds that visit your feeder all winter may take off for the summer, heading north to cooler climes. This natural movement of migratory birds means many places busy in one season have few visitors during another.

How to Attract Birds to Your Feeder Cam in Summer

Will there be fewer birds at your feeder during the summer? Probably. Are there still things you can do to attract birds to it? Definitely!

  • Offer a variety of foods: If you notice numbers dropping off at your feeder, you may need to adjust what you are offering. Experiment with different types of seeds and foods to attract a wider range of bird species. Black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and nyjer seeds are popular choices. You might go in a completely different direction and offer fresh fruits like orange slices or berries to attract fruit-loving birds such as orioles and robins.
  • Provide fresh water: We all love to splash in water on hot days. Consider placing a birdbath or a small fountain near your feeder to attract birds who both want to drink water and take a bath. Make sure it’s clean water and refreshed regularly.
  • Keep your feeder clean: Regularly cleaning your feeder is essential, especially in the summer when heat and humidity can spoil seeds and lead to the growth of mold. Clean your feeder once a week with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
  • Create a bird-friendly habitat: Just like the ambiance at a restaurant can make or break the experience, birds may want more than just food–they also want shelter and perches. Try enhancing your yard with native plants that provide natural food and shelter for birds. This not only attracts more birds but also supports the local ecosystem.
    Make sure your feeder is properly positioned: Birds will be more likely to visit your feeder if they feel safe there. Place your feeder near natural cover such as trees or shrubs, but not in places where predators might hide.
  • Be patient: This may be the top tip of all. Keep in mind that feeding patterns can change throughout the summer, and different birds will come at different times. This is where having a smart feeder like the FeatherSnap comes in clutch–instead of being camped out by your feeder waiting for birds to arrive, the FeatherSnap will silently record their presence and send you a message when an image is captured.

While bird numbers might decline in the summer in your area, there are things you can do to keep the action going at your bird feeder cam. By experimenting with food, location, and more, you can provide essential support to local bird populations and have enjoyable birdwatching opportunities all summer long.