Should you stop feeding in the summer if you are concerned about birds becoming conditioned to a handout, especially young fledged birds? That is your call but it is not a serious issue. They appreciate a free lunch and you enjoy having them. Birds have no problem adjusting feeding habits to accommodate either an abundance or scarcity of food. Right now, insects top the list of songbird favourite meals and they are readily available. Insects are absolutely essential for young birds before fledging, even those that are seed eaters as adults.

Don’t forget the water. Unlike mammals, birds need very little water to drink but they do appreciate a bath for cleaning and to cool off. Watch what happens when you put on a sprinkler on sultry days. Moist grass makes a Robin’s search for worms far easier and hummingbirds enjoy dashing through the gentle spray.

Happy Birding!

By Brian Morin

Publisher of Ontario Birding News