Birdwatching is a pleasant pastime when the weather is nice. During the summer, if you put up a bird feeder, you may see a lot of varieties of birds that you might not ordinarily find. Here are some tips for safely feeding birds in your backyard. If you do end up with more birds than you want, remember that Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help with bird removal in Madison.

Offer Healthy Options  

Put your feeders in a good location where the sun won’t bake the food, which can cause peanut butter to go rancid or suet to melt, and where there’s shade and security for the birds. Offer a seed mix that will attract a wide range of species. Make sure that the seed doesn’t get moldy, which can occur in the heat of summer when combined with wet, rainy conditions. Many songbirds like fruit, like chunks of apples or orange halves. If you put out fruit pieces, make sure to remove them before they get moldy. Keeping the area around your bird feeders clean will reduce the other wildlife that may enjoy the food, too. Worried about when to stop feeding birds in summer? Most species of birds don’t rely on bird feeders in the summer months, so don’t fret if you go on vacation and can’t put out your regular feast.

Leave the Birds Alone

In the summer, you’re more likely to see nestlings or baby birds. Avoid the temptation to pick up the bird and take it into your home. Most likely, the parents are nearby and teaching the baby to fly and take care of itself. If you believe the nestling is injured, contact a wildlife removal professional who can safely and humanely remove the bird.

Offer Water

Water is probably more important to the birds than food in the summer. If you do provide food, remember to provide a clean source of water that is no more than 3 inches deep. Birds not only require water for hydration in the summer heat, but they also use it for bathing. Clean out the bird bath every few days and refill it with fresh water. You may get a few species of birds that aren’t interested in food, but who do want a nice drink.

Provide Shade

Shade provides respite from the heat while offering birds a safe sanctuary from predators. Put your feeders near vegetation to give birds a place to retreat. Keep a good distance between feeders and birdhouses, because many birds won’t want their nestlings so close to the feeder. Let your trees and bushes go natural in the summer. Don’t prune your plants. Let them grow with abandon for shade and safe haven. Use native plants in your backyard. Avoid using pesticides on your foliage or check with the Audubon Society for safe alternatives. If the bird population overwhelms your backyard, contact a professional for bird removal in Madison.

Birds Nesting Where You Don’t Want Them? Call Skedaddle

One of the hazards of feeding the birds in your backyard is that they may make nests in your chimney or along your eaves. Don’t try to remove birds on your own. These nests have bacteria and germs that can make humans sick. You may also be removing a protected class of birds. If you’re wondering how to get rid of birds in your backyard, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Our professionals know how to safely and humanely remove unwanted birds and other wildlife from your home and relocate them to safer places. Contact us to get more information about bird removal in Madison.