Spring - time to feed the chicks
The months of spring and early summer are the peak times for songbirds looking to breed. The warmer weather normally creates an abundance of food, and the longer evenings allows more time to feed the chicks.
However, temporary food shortages can occur at any time of year, so keep an eye on the weather and stock your bird table accordingly.
A warm dry period will dry out the soil and that means hard times for ground feeding birds, who’ll find it much more difficult to find worms. A very wet period can spell trouble for insect eating birds, so it is important that you put the right type of food on your bird table.
Avoid the sorts of foods designed to keep birds going through the winter. Lots of fat might be good when the weather is freezing but in warmer spring and summer months, it will quickly turn rancid.
Poor hygiene on the bird table can cause health problems in the nest. Remember too that the bird food that you leave out may well be passed on to chicks. So avoid larger food items like peanuts and lumps of dry bread as these could cause young chicks to choke.
As well as mating and nest building, adult songbirds also moult during the summer months. At this time it is important that they have plenty of protein in their diet.
A variety of seeds are suitable during the warmer months as well as oatmeal, soaked raisins and sultanas. Mealworms and waxworms – even a little grated mild cheese are all suitable fare for songbirds during the summer. Soft fruits cut into pieces may also work well, but be sure to clean the bird table regularly.
The dawn chorus peaks from Late April to to the end of June. As soon as a male bird finds a mate, he sings more quietly and for a shorter time. So spare a thought for those still singing their hearts out well into the summer – they’ve failed to attract a mate.
