What Garden Birds Need in June – 5 Ways to Support Them Through Breeding Season and Beyond
Want to keep backyard birds fed, hydrated and safe from predators? These strategies are a must
Whether you're a keen gardener or an avian enthusiast, you'll likely be awaiting the arrival of backyard birds as spring makes way for summer. But as temperatures rise in June, it's important to provide birds with fresh water and protein-rich food sources, alongside useful nesting materials and native plants.
Though there are plenty of ways to help backyard birds in the summer, these considerations really are crucial. Without fresh water, birds can't drink and bathe; without high-protein foods like seeds and even insects, they'll miss out on essential nutrients; and without shelter, they could become vulnerable to predators, especially as breeding season approaches.
So, if you're looking to make your yard as bird-friendly as possible in June and beyond, this is the best way to start. We asked experts to explain what garden birds really need at this time of year, and how you can best support them through the summertime.
1. Provide Protein-Rich Food
'June is a busy time for birds – migration is largely finished, and we’re moving into the peak breeding season,' says Maria Kincaid, an ornithologist from FeatherSnap.
'In some parts of North America, we’re already seeing young nestlings, and in the more northern parts, nesting is underway for the birds that have recently arrived.'
Food, unsurprisingly, is one of the most crucial resources you can provide, but knowing how to feed birds in June comes down to one key aspect: protein.
Maria Kincaid is the ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap, or as she refers to it, the team 'bird nerd'. Originally from New Orleans and having lived all over the country, Maria studied Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Louisiana State University. With a lifelong love of animals and the outdoors, it was easy for her to fall in love with birds, birdwatching, and the science behind it all.
'While some species, like the American Goldfinch, stick to the same diet year-round, there are many birds that switch to a more protein-heavy diet during breeding season,' says Maria. 'This helps support egg production as well as the needs of growing nestlings.'
If you're wondering what, exactly, a protein-heavy bird diet looks like, think sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms. (You can pick up black oil sunflower seeds from Home Depot and whole in-shell peanuts from Lowe's.)
'Peanuts and sunflower seeds are a year-round popular choice for bird feeders,' Maria confirms. 'They have a high protein content that helps in the spring and summer, as well as a high fat content which is useful in the fall.'
And if you fancy filling your bird feeder with something a little different, mealworms are a great choice; dried mealworms are available at Walmart.
'Dried or even live mealworms are another high-protein option that will attract insect-feeding birds like wrens,' explains Maria. 'They're a great snack for growing birds, and they are suitable for many different types of bird feeders.'
2. Clean Bird Feeders Regularly
Fresh food sources might be paramount, but keeping feeders and bird baths clean is just as important – especially during the summer.
'It's vital that you regularly clean and maintain your feeder,' warns Maria. 'This is what keeps food fresh and helps prevent the spread of disease.'
Stored seeds can harbor pathogens as temperatures rise at this time of year, while bacteria and viral infections can be passed on via bird droppings and seed shells. With this in mind, remember to clean out your feeder every few weeks, and refresh the water in your bird bath as often as you can.
3. Prioritize Native Plants
Feeders might seem like the most obvious way to attract birds, but every thriving wildlife garden relies on plants for birds.
'Hungry birds are helped by gardens that have many native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers,' explains Bob Mulvihill, ornithologist at The National Aviary.
'This is because many plant-eating insects are specifically adapted to our native plants, and young birds need the amino acids and calcium from invertebrate prey in order to grow healthy feathers and bones.'
Wild berry coneflowers (like these from Fast Growing Trees) are a pollinator magnet, as are sunflowers – so you can grow these plants around your feeder to entice birds and insects alike. Prioritizing native plants will not only create a fabulous summer display in your garden, but it will also help to support birds all year round.
'Put simply, these plants attract insects – which in turn attract birds – but insects are important pollinators who make sure that flowers go on to produce seeds and fruits,' explains Maria. 'This will feed birds later on in the year, when insects themselves are more scarce.'
Bob Mulvhill has been the National Aviary’s Ornithologist since 2011. He developed his interest in birds at an early age and began volunteering at Powdermill Nature Reserve during college. He received a B.S. in Education at the University of Pittsburgh and earned a Master’s in Biology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
4. Offer a Variety of Nesting Materials
The beauty of native plants is that they don't simply attract insects; they also provide birds with vital nesting materials.
'Native plants like trees and shrubs provide cover and nesting habitats, as well as nesting materials,' confirms Maria. 'If you’d like to provide a few extra resources, however, think of natural materials like small twigs, dry grass, and dead leaves.'
You can, of course, invest in a wooden bird house (like this one from Amazon) or a grass bird hut (like this set from Walmart), but twigs, leaves, moss and bark will offer the perfect foundation for birds to build their own shelter. Just make sure to identify and remove materials that can harm backyard birds – including pet hair, plastic waste, and loose twine.
'Put natural nesting materials out in your yard – hung in an unused suet cage, arranged in a berry basket, or even just piled on the ground – and if birds want to add them to their nest structure, they will,' says Maria.
5. Don't Forget About Fresh Water
Fresh water is top of mind when it comes to supporting wildlife, and it will help you attract a huge range of birds in the summertime.
If you offer clean water in a shallow bowl on a pedestal, a table, or even on the ground, birds will be drawn to it like a magnet for bathing and drinking,' advises Bob. 'The nice thing is that you can attract birds like warblers and thrushes to water that you wouldn’t be able to attract with bird feeders or nest boxes.'
Yet fresh water won't just keep birds hydrated; in fact, even the sound of running water can be enough to tempt birds to your yard – which is why you might want to invest in a water feature.
'If you’ve got a bird bath that birds don't use, try adding a small fountain,' says Maria. (This solar-powered fountain kit from Walmart is a brilliant budget-friendly option.)
'The sound of moving water will really help you to attract birds,' Maria continues. 'Water features also help birds to clean their feathers, cool off when temperatures rise, and find a cool drink to replace any water lost from migration or respiration.'
What to Shop
This tiered bird bath features a bubbling fountain. The ceramic finish is both elegant and hard-wearing, while the scalloped shape creates a heritage feel.
Available in four colorways, this bird bath won't just attract birds to your garden; it's also guaranteed to impress your guests at any al fresco gathering.
Looking for a more modern addition to your garden? Try this sleek pedestal bird bath. The basin is crafted from copper with a chic hammered finish.
If you're particularly concerned for your backyard birds in the summertime, you can check out our guide to helping birds in a heatwave, and helping birds during breeding season.
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