Caring for Wild Birds in Every Season: Summer vs Winter Essentials
Wild birds bring so much life and colour to our gardens here in New Zealand. Helping our native and visiting birds is important all year round. You might hear the cheerful calls of silvereyes or see a bright flash of green from a tūī. Supporting these birds helps them thrive. But just like us, their needs change with the seasons. Here is how you can make a difference for wild birds in summer and winter and the best ways to keep their bellies full and wings flapping strong.
Seasonal Challenges for Wild Birds in New Zealand
Summer: Dry Gardens and Hungry Beaks
New Zealand summers often bring less rainfall, leading to drier gardens and a sharp drop in natural nectar supplies. Nectar-feeding birds like tūī and bellbirds may find it harder to access the sugary energy they need. Insects can become hard to find. This makes it difficult for birds to get enough protein. This is especially true during breeding season when chicks need constant feeding.
Winter: Cold Days and Energy Shortages
Winter flips the challenge. As temperatures drop and natural food becomes limited, birds need a lot more energy to maintain their body heat. Seeds, fruits, and insects are harder to come by. Without enough fat-rich food, birds can struggle to survive cold snaps.
How Bird Needs Change with the Seasons
- Summer Breeding Boost: Birds are busy raising their young in summer. They need high-energy, nutritious food sources to fuel their constant activity.
- Winter Warmth: In winter, it is all about dense, fat-rich foods that help birds store energy and stay warm through chilly nights.
Seasonal Support Ideas for Your Feathered Friends
Summer Bird Care
- Provide shaded feeding areas: Help birds stay cool by setting up feeders under trees or awnings.
- Offer nectar-rich foods: Boost natural nectar supplies with high-quality nectar mixes to attract tūī, bellbirds, and silvereyes.
- Fresh water: Keep birdbaths topped up and clean to give birds a safe place to drink and cool off.
Winter Bird Care
- Serve high-fat foods: Energy-packed foods help birds maintain body heat. Think seeds, energy cakes, and suet treats.
- Sheltered feeding spots: Position feeders where they are protected from rain and wind.
- Regular feeding: In winter, birds come to rely on regular food sources. Try to refill feeders consistently.
Helpful Products to Support Wild Birds
- Tui Wild Bird Seed Mix: A fantastic, versatile blend suitable for year-round feeding. Ideal for attracting a variety of bird species to your backyard.
- Topflite Wild Bird Energy Cake Value Pack: These energy cakes are full of essential fats. They give birds the boost they need during winter.
- Topflite Nectar: This nectar is easy to mix and packed with natural sugars. It's perfect for native nectar feeders, especially during dry summers.
- Tui Nectar Feeder: This feeder is designed to attract native birds. It's perfect for anyone wanting to help tūī, silvereyes, and other species thrive.
Final Tip
Caring for wild birds through the seasons does more than help them survive. It helps them flourish. By providing the right food and support, you help create a safe home for some of New Zealand's favourite animals. You can do this right in your own backyard.