Summer Bird Feeding Tips: What to Feed Wild Birds in the Warmer Months

Why Summer Feeding Matters More Than You Think

Many people assume that birds only need a helping hand in winter — but summer is actually one of the most demanding times of year for our garden birds. With breeding season in full swing, parent birds are working tirelessly to find enough food to fuel themselves and feed their hungry chicks. A well-stocked feeding station can make a real difference.

1. What to Feed Wild Birds in Summer

In summer, birds need high-energy, high-protein foods to support breeding, moulting, and raising young. Here's what works best:

Insects & Invertebrates

Insects are the natural summer diet of most garden birds, especially during the breeding season when chicks need soft, protein-rich food. You can supplement natural insect activity with dried mealworms — a brilliant, convenient alternative that birds absolutely love. Our Mealworm 1KG REFILL Bag is a fantastic value option to keep your feeders topped up all season long.

High-Protein Suet

Suet is a year-round favourite, but it's especially valuable in summer when birds are burning through energy at a rapid rate. The key is choosing suet that's packed with real, natural ingredients — not bulked out with cheap calcium carbonate fillers that offer little nutritional value.

Our PREMIUM Insect Suet Cakes [Box of 10] are made with high-quality suet and loaded with insects, giving birds the protein boost they need during the busiest time of year. They're loved by robins, starlings, sparrows, and many more.

Suet Balls

Suet balls are easy to hang, mess-free, and irresistible to a wide range of species. Pop them in a hanging feeder or a mesh ball feeder and watch the birds flock in. As with suet cakes, always look for balls made with quality ingredients — your birds will thank you for it.

2. How to Attract More Bird Species to Your Garden

Variety is the spice of life — and that applies to bird feeding too! Different species are attracted to different foods and feeding styles. Here are a few tips to bring more visitors to your garden:

• Offer a mix of foods — suet, mealworms, seeds, and fresh water will appeal to a much wider range of birds than a single food type alone.
• Use different feeder types — hanging feeders, ground trays, and bird tables each attract different species. Robins prefer feeding low down, while blue tits and great tits love hanging feeders.
• Keep feeders clean — in warm weather, food can spoil quickly. Clean feeders regularly and offer smaller amounts more frequently to keep things fresh.
• Provide fresh water — a shallow dish or bird bath is just as important as food, especially during dry spells.
• Position feeders thoughtfully — place them near cover (like a hedge or shrub) so birds feel safe, but with enough open space around them to spot approaching predators.

Not sure where to start? Our Wild Bird Food Selection Box is a brilliant way to try a range of our best-loved products and discover what the birds in your garden enjoy most.

3. Why High-Protein Suet Is Essential During Breeding Season

During spring and summer, birds are under enormous physical pressure. Breeding, nest-building, egg-laying, and raising chicks all demand huge amounts of energy and protein. Adult birds often lose significant body weight during this period as they prioritise feeding their young over themselves.

This is where high-protein suet really earns its place at the feeding station. Unlike seed mixes, suet provides a concentrated source of fat and protein that birds can consume quickly — ideal when they're making dozens of trips to the nest each day.

At Honest2Nature, we believe in keeping things natural. That's why our suet products are made without calcium carbonate fillers — just wholesome, nutritious ingredients that give birds exactly what they need. It's the kind of food you'd want for your garden birds if you could choose for them.

Ready to Stock Up?

Whether you're a seasoned bird feeder or just getting started, summer is a wonderful time to connect with the wildlife in your garden. With the right food on offer, you'll be rewarded with a chorus of birdsong and a garden full of life.

Browse our full range of natural, high-quality wild bird food and give your garden birds the summer they deserve. 🐦