In the (hopefully) drier months of summer - water is a priority for all garden visitors. Free standing or hanging bird baths are necessary for both drinking and bathing. As natural sources of drinking water become scarcer, providing water makes garden visits almost obligatory as opposed to voluntary. Adding roosting pouches in sheltered areas provides refuge and shade from the highest temperatures of the day - additional shelter can be provided by hedges and shrubs with plenty of flowers to attract beneficial insects.

Yes - whilst insect populations are at their highest at this time of year, providing many birds with a bountiful supply of their natural diet, there are still young to raise. Supplemental feeding can help reduce the work parents have to do in finding food not only for themselves, but for their chicks as well.

Yes - fatballs and other suet products are a great source of nutrition year round. But be aware - high quality fatballs and suet cakes such as our suet balls with insects or see the difference suet cakes will melt in direct sunshine. Be sure to feed these from shaded areas.

Sunflower hearts are always popular throughout the year and can be fed via hanging seed feeders or on a bird table or ground. With the shells removed these are accessible to all birds and provide essential oils and calories. Ark Summer Support Mix (for ground and table feeding) has been specifically blended to provide the extra protein and calcium birds need at this time of year, along with plenty of carbohydrates to give them the energy they need to forage for their young. Along with seeds and seed mixes - mealworms are a great source of protein and in particularly dry periods, you can soak them for added moisture.