August is one of the most rewarding months for backyard birding. From the lively chatter of finches to the quick, darting visits of hummingbirds, you get a front-row seat to nature at its finest. But the heat of summer can be challenging for our feathered friends—especially as many prepare for late-summer and early-fall migration.
By making a few simple adjustments, you can keep your backyard buzzing with activity while giving birds the food, water, and safe spaces they need.
- Keep Bird Baths Fresh and Clean
In hot weather, water sources can dry up or become stagnant quickly. Clean your bird baths often and refill them with fresh water daily. Birds rely on water not just for drinking, but also for bathing, which helps them keep their feathers in top condition.
- Offer High-Quality, Energy-Rich Food
Provide a mix of high-calorie seeds, suet, and nuts. These energy-packed foods help birds maintain strength through the summer heat and build reserves for their upcoming migration.
- Maintain Clean Feeders
Seed can mold or clump in humid weather. Empty and wash feeders regularly with hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry before refilling. Clean feeders are healthier for birds and more inviting to visitors.
- Keep Hummingbird Nectar Fresh
For hummingbird lovers, fresh nectar is a must. In summer heat, change and clean feeders every 2–3 days to prevent fermentation and bacteria growth.
- Leave Natural Areas Untouched
Skip the urge to rake or blow away leaves as it provides shelter, food, and overwintering space for insects—which in turn feed young birds and other wildlife.
- Say No to Pesticides
Avoid chemical pesticides in your yard. They can harm beneficial insects, reduce natural food sources, and even poison birds. Instead, encourage natural pest control by creating a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
Conclusion
August birding is a way to support wildlife when they need it most. By providing fresh water, nutritious food, and safe spaces, you’ll enjoy more bird activity and know you’re helping these incredible creatures thrive.
Grab your binoculars, fill those feeders, and enjoy the beauty of summer birding right from your own backyard.
How to Squirrel-Proof Your Bird Feeders
If you’ve ever looked out your window hoping to catch a glimpse of your feathered friends—only to see a squirrel hanging upside down on your bird feeder instead—you’re not alone.
Squirrels may be cute, but they can also be relentless when it comes to raiding bird feeders. The good news? There are plenty of safe, effective, and humane ways to keep them from turning your backyard into their personal buffet.
Here are some strategies to squirrel-proof your bird feeders—and keep your birdseed for the birds!
1. Follow the 5-7-9 Rule
Squirrels can seem like acrobats, but they do have limits. They generally can’t:
- Jump more than 5 feet vertically,
- Leap more than 7 feet horizontally, or
- Drop from more than 9 feet above.
Use this knowledge to your advantage. Place feeders outside of those ranges, ideally in open spaces where squirrels can’t jump from nearby trees or fences.
2. Suspend Feeders with Wire
Don’t have a spot that fits the 5-7-9 rule? Try using a long, sturdy wire to hang your feeder between two distant points. Squirrels struggle to navigate thin, flexible wire—especially if you make sure the feeder hangs at least 5 feet above the ground and 10 feet from the nearest launch point.
3. Invest in a Squirrel Baffle
These dome- or cone-shaped barriers block squirrels from climbing poles or jumping onto feeders. Most are easy to install and won’t harm the squirrels—just frustrate them enough to give up.
4. Pick the Right Seeds
Birds love sunflower seeds, and so do squirrels. If you’re looking for something less squirrel-tempting, try:
- Safflower seeds
- Nyjer (thistle) seeds
- White millet
Mixing these in with your regular seed may make your feeders less appealing to squirrels without deterring birds.
5. Add a Dash of Spice
Capsaicin—the compound that gives chili peppers their heat—is a squirrel deterrent. Birds can’t taste it, but squirrels can. Consider sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper into your birdseed mix.
6. Try a Spinning Feeder
Squirrels don’t do well with unstable footing. Some feeders are designed to spin or wobble when too much weight is applied, making it nearly impossible for squirrels to stay on board. You can also use a spinning hook to achieve a similar effect.
Always ensure these devices are safe and won’t injure the squirrel—just discourage it.
7. Give Squirrels Their Own Feeders
Giving squirrels their own feeder stocked with peanuts or dried corn may satisfy their appetites enough to keep them away from your bird feeders.
Some backyard birders find that keeping squirrels fed and happy (away from the birds) creates a peaceful balance.
8. Use a Slinky
Yes, a Slinky—as in the toy. Wrap one around your bird feeder pole and let it hang down. When squirrels try to climb up, the Slinky moves and drops them back to the ground in a harmless way.
9. Upgrade to a Caged Feeder
Caged bird feeders are designed with openings small enough to let birds through while keeping squirrels (and larger birds) out. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect your birdseed. Feeds’n Needs has a variety of caged feeders available to choose from.
10. Keep Things Clean
Fallen seed and shells can attract rodents—including squirrels. Use a seed tray under your feeder or clean the ground regularly to reduce mess and discourage furry visitors.
What Not to Do
Please avoid harmful methods such as:
- Glue or adhesives
- Poison
- Petroleum jelly or grease
Squirrel-proofing is about creating a safe, respectful boundary—not harming the wildlife that shares your space.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but with a little patience and creativity, you can create a squirrel-resistant setup that keeps your feeders full—for the birds.
Hand Feeding Birds Safely
If you spend enough time feeding backyard birds, chances are you’ll have close encounters with your backyard feathered friends. Maybe a hummingbird buzzes by as you hang up the feeder, or a curious chickadee flutters nearby while you fill the seed tray. With the right approach, it’s possible to hand feed birds. Before you try, it’s important to think about safety—for both you and the birds.
Safety First: When Hand Feeding Is (and Isn’t) a Good Idea
Before offering a snack from your palm, consider whether encouraging birds to get that close to people is truly safe in your environment. On private property with little foot traffic, building trust with wild birds may not pose much risk. But in busier areas, teaching birds to approach humans could put them in danger.
Some people are afraid of birds, and an unexpected visit from a feathered friend might lead to panic—potentially harming the bird. In public spaces like parks and beaches, feeding birds is often discouraged or even prohibited. Not only can larger birds like geese become overly aggressive once they lose their fear of people, but close encounters can sometimes result in injuries.
Before trying to feed birds by hand, check local regulations and think through the possible outcomes. ALWAYS wash your hands before and after contact with birds, feeders, or nests. Even trace amounts of sunscreen, lotion, or bug spray can harm their delicate feathers, and while rare, diseases can be passed between birds and humans.
Earning the Trust of Seed-Eating Birds
In areas where hand feeding is safe and allowed, it can be a truly rewarding experience. Songbirds like chickadees and nuthatches are often the most willing to approach humans.
Start by sitting quietly near a feeder while holding a small tray of seeds. Patience is key—spend several sessions just being a calm, non-threatening presence. As the birds grow more comfortable, you can gradually move closer to the feeder. Eventually, try standing with seeds in your open hand. If you’ve built enough trust, a brave little bird may land for a snack.
Feeding Hummingbirds from the Hand
Hummingbirds, with their lightning-fast movements and fearless curiosity, are often comfortable coming close. You can hold a small, handheld nectar feeder available at your local Feeds’n Needs and simply wait—many hummingbirds will zip over once they realize it’s safe. Don’t force interaction. These tiny birds are fragile, and even a gentle mistake could cause harm.
The experience of having a wild bird take food from your hand is both humbling and unforgettable. But it should always be approached with care. If there’s any doubt about the safety of hand feeding—for either the birds or the people around you—it’s best to enjoy their beauty from a respectful distance. A well-placed feeder and a quiet window view can offer just as much joy.
Best Methods to Attract Hummingbirds
There’s something magical about watching hummingbirds dart through your garden. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse or create a hummingbird haven, it’s easier than you might think to bring these amazing birds into your yard.
With the right combination of food, shelter, water, and thoughtful planting, you can turn your outdoor space into a hummingbird paradise. Here’s how to get started:
- Feed Them Right
Nectar feeders are one of the quickest and most effective ways to attract hummingbirds, especially if you already have some near you yard. You can purchase a ready-made nectar mix, or easily make your own by combining 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water. Boil the water, add the sugar, stir until dissolved, and cool completely before filling your feeder. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to four weeks.
Important Tips:
- Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring.
- The red coloring on the feeder is enough to attract them.
- If you’re not seeing any activity after a couple of weeks, move the feeder to a more visible location.
- Choose the Right Feeder
There are two main types of hummingbird feeders:
- Tube-style feeders with ports at the bottom.
- Saucer-style feeders with openings on the top.
Whichever you choose, make sure it’s easy to clean and refill. Simpler designs with fewer nooks and crannies are ideal, as sugar water can ferment and grow harmful bacteria if not maintained properly. Clean feeders every 2–3 days (daily in hot weather) with hot water and a brush—avoid soap or rinse thoroughly if used.
- Pick the Perfect Spot
Location matters when placing your feeder:
- Hang feeders in open areas where birds can spot predators.
- Avoid high-traffic spots near people or pets.
- Place feeders near shrubs or trees to provide perching and shade.
- Keep them close to windows (within 30 cm) or far away (over 1.8 m) to reduce window collisions.
- Add a Source of Water
Hummingbirds love a gentle mist or small puddles for bathing. Here are a few ideas:
- Let dew collect naturally on large-leafed plants like maples or tulip trees.
- Mist your garden with a hose set to a fine spray.
- Set up a misting fountain or device near their favorite flowers.
Try running a misting spray at the same time every day for about 20 minutes—hummingbirds will start to show up right on schedule.
- Provide Shelter and Nesting Materials
Shelter is essential for protecting hummingbirds from the elements and predators. You can offer shelter by planting a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees. Native plants are best—think spruce, pine, oak, maple, and birch.
When it comes to nesting, hummingbirds are particular. They usually build tiny, cup-shaped nests at the tip of branches, often over water. They use soft plant down (from milkweed, cattail, or thistle), animal hair, and spiderwebs for construction.
To support nesting:
- Let native plants go to seed to supply nesting material.
- Avoid using pesticides (even organic ones) that could harm spiders or insects hummingbirds rely on.
- Encourage lichen growth by reducing air pollution—lichens are key for nest camouflage.
- Start a Hummingbird Garden
The best long-term strategy for attracting hummingbirds is to grow a garden full of their favorite flowers. Not only will it support the birds, but it will also beautify your yard. Choose a mix of bright, tubular flowers such as bee balm, columbine, salvia, and trumpet vine.
With just a bit of planning, you can transform your yard into a hummingbird-friendly sanctuary. Provide food, water, shelter, and nesting materials—and be patient. Once hummingbirds discover your space, they’re likely to return year after year.
Have you spotted a hummingbird in your garden yet?
Attracting Downy Woodpeckers
March’s Bird of the Month is the Downy Woodpecker! With their colourful feathers and lively personalities, woodpeckers make a captivating addition to any backyard. Their distinctive habit of foraging vertically on tree trunks provides endless entertainment, while their diet of insects like beetles, grubs, and ants makes them valuable natural pest controllers for garden enthusiasts. You’ll know you have Downy Woodpeckers nearby when you hear their signature “drumming” as they tap on trees or other structures. Since Downy Woodpeckers are year-round residents, they are a welcome presence in all seasons. But how can we create a backyard that’s inviting to these fascinating birds?
Offer a Variety of Food:
Downy Woodpeckers enjoy a diverse diet, foraging for insects, nuts, and berries in the wild. In your yard, they’ll appreciate offerings like suet, peanut butter, peanuts, and black oil sunflower seeds. These birds are often quite cautious, so placing feeders and water sources in quieter corners of your yard, especially near mature trees, will help them feel at ease.
Make sure any suet you provide stays fresh. You can break it into smaller pieces or use suet cakes packed with sunflower seeds, which they will devour quickly.
Provide Clean, Fresh Water:
While Downy Woodpeckers do enjoy visiting birdbaths, they are somewhat shy about using them. Placing them in more secluded spots is ideal. A ground bird bath with a dripper or moving water feature will catch their attention, make sure the water depth is shallow—around 1-2 inches is perfect. Adding perches nearby will make them accustomed to the bath over time. Always keep the bath clean to avoid the spread of disease. In winter, it’s essential to offer heated bird baths so the birds have access to fresh water even in freezing temperatures.
Create Safe, Secure Sheltering and Nesting Areas:
Downy Woodpeckers thrive in small, wooded spaces surrounded by mature trees, with the added benefit of shrubs, especially those with berries. They nest in tree cavities but will also appreciate a well-positioned birdhouse with an entrance hole suited to their size, mounted 10-20 feet above the ground.
Attracting Too Many Woodpeckers
While it’s a joy to host woodpeckers in your yard, sometimes, these birds can cause problems. If they begin pecking at wooden siding, eaves, fences, or even chimneys and downspouts, the damage can be significant. To prevent this, repair any damage and cover the area with wire mesh or netting to deter further pecking. Hanging reflective items near the problem area can also help prevent woodpeckers from targeting inappropriate surfaces.
By providing these woodpecker-friendly resources, you can enjoy the company of these energetic and charming birds while keeping them safe and content in your backyard.
How to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard
February’s Bird of the Month is the Northern Cardinal! With their striking red feathers and beautiful songs, cardinals are a favourite among bird watchers. These non-migratory birds can become year-round visitors if you create a welcoming space with the right mix of food, water, and shelter. Here’s our tips on how to attract them to your yard:
1. Offer the Right Food
– Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: Easy to crack open and nutrient-rich.
– Safflower Seeds: A favourite of cardinals but not as appealing to squirrels.
– Suet, Cracked Corn, and Berries: Good supplementary options.
Consider purchasing seed mixes designed for cardinals. These blends typically include their favourite seeds.
2. Use the Right Feeders
Cardinals prefer ground feeders, so provide options like:
– Tray, Platform, or Hopper Feeders: These allow for easy perching.
– Covered Feeders: Protects food from rain and snow.
– Placement: Set feeders 4-6 feet above the ground near shrubs for safe escapes.
Keep feeders clean and stocked to encourage frequent visits.
3. Provide Fresh Water
A bird bath is essential for attracting cardinals, offering both drinking and bathing opportunities. Cardinals prefer deeper baths, ideally placed on the ground to match their feeding habits. In winter, a heated bath or de-icer will prevent freezing.
4. Create Shelter
Cardinals like dense shrubs and evergreen trees for shelter, so adding plants like dogwoods or honeysuckles can help. They also nest in low bushes, so leave out materials like twigs or pine needles for them to use.
Things to Avoid
– Reflective Surfaces: Prevent window collisions by using screens or bird netting.
– Harmful Chemicals: Avoid pesticides and herbicides near bird feeders.
– Predators: Keep feeding areas away from places where pets or predators can hide.
You can enjoy these beautiful birds all year long by offering the right food, water, and shelter!
How to Attract Chickadees to Your Backyard
With their playful antics and charming personalities, Chickadees are a favourite among backyard birders. These small, curious birds are year-round residents in the Maritimes, making them a delightful sight no matter the season. With just a few simple steps and basic bird supplies, you can attract Black-Capped Chickadees to your yard all year round!
Offer the Right Food
Chickadees are active birds with big appetites, so having a reliable food source is essential. These feathered friends are particularly fond of black oil sunflower seeds, which offer high energy content. In addition to sunflower seeds, chickadees will gladly munch on peanuts, striped sunflower seeds, and suet.
Use a hopper feeder, tray, or tube feeder to offer these tasty treats. For a natural touch, consider growing sunflowers in your garden to create a feeding station where chickadees can perch and feast. Chickadees are also known to enjoy insects, berries, and nuts. To support this, minimize insecticide use in your garden and plant native berry bushes for natural food sources. You can also offer whole peanuts or peanut halves at your feeders.
For an easy-to-access snack, smear suet or peanut butter directly on tree trunks and watch these tiny birds enjoy the tasty treat!
Provide Clean, Fresh Water
Water is essential to attracting chickadees, especially in winter when they stay in their range and don’t migrate. A shallow bird bath is an excellent way to give chickadees a place to drink and bathe. Consider investing in a heated bird bath or a bird bath de-icer to keep the water from freezing; this will give chickadees a consistent water source, helping them stay hydrated throughout the colder months. If you’re using small dishes, make sure they are shallow enough for chickadees to safely access.
Create Shelter and Nesting Areas
Chickadees are cavity-nesting birds, which means they need safe, sheltered spots to rest and raise their young. One of the best ways to attract chickadees to your yard is by providing nesting boxes. A suitable birdhouse should be 8-10 inches tall with a 4-inch square base and a 1-1/8 inch entrance hole. Adding some wood shavings inside your birdhouses will make them even more attractive, and chickadees are known to use pet fur for their nests (just be sure the fur hasn’t been treated with flea products, as these can be toxic to birds).
Hang the nesting box on a tree trunk for easy access, and consider smearing some peanut butter or soft suet on the tree nearby to lure the birds closer.
For natural shelter, chickadees prefer dense, mature trees—especially evergreens. Chickadees will also use roost boxes or nesting pockets during the winter months to keep warm, often cuddling together in small groups.
Attracting chickadees to your yard is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With the right food, clean water, shelter, and nesting areas, these delightful birds will become regular visitors. By following these tips and being patient, you’ll create a welcoming environment that encourages chickadees to thrive in your backyard, year-round.
How to Attract Blue Jays
January’s Bird of the Month is the Blue Jay! With their striking blue, black, and white plumage, these vibrant songbirds are a delight to observe. Many Blue Jays are year-round residents of the Maritimes, making them a familiar presence in local backyards. If you’re looking to attract these stunning birds, you’ll need to know their favorite foods, nesting habits, and other key preferences. Follow our expert tips to create an inviting environment for Blue Jays all year long.
Food Preferences
Blue Jays are particularly fond of nuts, especially peanuts—whether whole or shelled. They’re also big fans of common bird feed like suet, cracked corn, and black oil sunflower seeds. Due to Blue Jays being larger birds, they require sturdy, spacious feeders to feel at ease. Hopper feeders, as well as open trays or platform feeders, are ideal for Blue Jays. To make your yard even more attractive, you can offer natural food sources like berries and acorns. The more food sources you offer in your yard, the more Blue Jays will be able to feed. Providing a mix of different food options will not only appeal to Jays, but a wider variety of different birds as well.
Water Source
Water is especially important during the colder winter months as Blue Jays rely on water not only for drinking but also for splashing and bathing. To keep them coming back, consider investing in a heated birdbath, which will ensure a reliable water supply even in freezing temperatures. Due to their larger size, Blue Jays need a broad basin that is about 2-3 inches deep. This setup will provide them with plenty of space for both drinking and bathing.
Shelter & Nesting
Unlike many other bird species, Blue Jays don’t typically use birdhouses. Instead, they prefer to nest in mature, sturdy trees. They especially favor trees that also provide a food source. Evergreen trees are crucial for Blue Jays in the fall and winter, as they offer dense cover once trees have shed their leaves. To encourage nesting, consider leaving out natural materials such as grass clippings, twigs, and small branches. These resources will help Blue Jays create well-constructed nests in your yard.
At Feeds’n Needs, we understand that each bird species has its own unique requirements. That’s why we offer a wide selection of bird feed and feeders designed to attract a variety of birds. Whether you’re new to birdwatching or a seasoned enthusiast, we have everything you need to turn your backyard into a haven for Blue Jays and other feathered friends.
How to Attract Common Winter Birds
While many birds migrate south for the winter, several species remain in Canada year-round. Supporting these resilient birds during the colder months not only supports local ecosystems but also offers you the chance to enjoy watching them right outside your window.
Here are three simple ways to attract winter birds to your backyard:
- Delay Cleanup Until Spring
One of the easiest ways to help birds is by postponing garden cleanup until spring. While it might be tempting to tidy up fallen seeds, nuts, and berries, these natural food sources are vital for migrating and wintering birds. By leaving them in place, you’re providing an abundant, natural buffet for your feathered friends.
- Provide Habitat with Native Trees and Shrubs
Creating a bird-friendly habitat begins with the right plants. Add a variety of native trees and shrubs to your yard, which provide both food and shelter. In winter, the branches of these plants offer birds a safe place from harsh weather.
- Offer Sheltered Resting Places
Birdhouses and nesting boxes are essential for winter survival. These structures give birds a place to rest and seek refuge from the cold. Be sure to clean out any birdhouses after the nesting season to prevent disease buildup and offer a fresh, safe environment for the winter months.
Common Winter Birds in the Atlantic Provinces:
Several bird species stick around through the winter in the Atlantic provinces. Some of the most common include:
- Black-Capped Chickadee: Prefers Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- White-Breasted Nuthatch: Prefers Black Oil Sunflower Seeds & Suet
- House & Purple Finches: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Northern Cardinals: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Blue Jays: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds & Cracked Corn
- American Goldfinches: Prefer Nyjer Seeds
- Common Redpolls: Prefer Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- Brown Creepers: Prefer Suet
Expert Tip: Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and Suet are some of the best options for attracting the widest variety of birds to your winter feeders.
For more backyard birding tips, be sure to check out our other blogs!
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
Feeding Wild Birds in Winter
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
Best Winter Bird Seed
Best Winter Bird Feeders
Fall Wild Bird Feeding
As cool, crisp temperatures slowly return, you might notice increased activity at your seed feeders. This is the perfect time to let your winter birds know your yard is their go-to spot! How do you adjust your bird-feeding routine for the season? We have some fall feeding tips to keep your local birds happy and healthy throughout the season.
What’s the Best Food for Fall Bird Feeding?
While many feeder birds will gravitate to a variety of food in the wild, once cool weather hits, those same birds will start looking for food that’s easy to get and packed with energy.
Select the Right Seeds: Many seed types are available for your bird feeders. The best fall-feeding options are those with a lot of protein, such as sunflower seeds, Nyjer seeds, peanuts, and safflower seeds. If you buy mixed seeds, look for those with high percentages of sunflower seeds, nuts, and safflower seeds inside. These seeds will give birds a high-quality source of sustained energy to withstand cooler weather or to help fly long distances.
Suet Cakes Deliver: With the right bird feeder, suet can be a valuable addition to your autumn bird-feeding efforts. Birds can pick it apart to build up their own fat reserves. While many suet cakes can spoil in warm weather, they’re perfect for fall and winter feeding.
Keep Feeders Full and the Birdbath Warm
Did you know that birds that don’t migrate during the winter assess and re-assess their fall and winter options all summer? They take note of where full feeders are for cold winter nights. Set up your feeders in a safe location and keep them full so those birds recognize your yard as a reliable source of food. Birds will remember and avoid returning if you leave a feeder empty for over a few days. When winter hits, they’ll fly right by your yard, looking for cold-weather fuel elsewhere.
Birds also need water to drink and bathe in all seasons. If you add a water feature like a birdbath to your yard, it will become even more attractive to birds. Fresh, clean water is a must, so the water needs to be changed every couple of days. If your fall weather is cold enough, consider switching to a heated birdbath to keep the water from freezing.
Watch Out for Squirrels
Autumn is a foraging time for squirrels. You can prevent access to your feeder by using a squirrel-proof bird feeder. You can also distract them with their own food. Set up a squirrel feeder far away from your bird feeder.
Want more wild bird-feeding tips? Expand your bird knowledge with our many bird blogs.
Keep Backyard Birds Healthy in Winter
How to Properly Store Bird Seed
Keep Feeding Areas Clean and Maintained
Best Winter Bird Feeders
Winter Backyard Bird Enthusiasts
