Summer is the perfect time to create the most epic birding habitat for your favorite feathery VIPs. Not only is it an open invitation to local birds and more elusive summertime celebrities, but it also transforms your yard into a stunning wildlife haven that might just make all your neighbors a little jealous. So, what goes into building the ultimate backyard bird habitat?

First and foremost, food is key. Just like us, birds want a good stash of snacks readily available whenever the craving hits. During the summer months, birds need high-quality, nutrition-packed foods. Stock up on some of the best bird seeds like sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, and Nyjer® seed. These popular foods will attract the biggest variety of cool birds, from classic cardinals and gorgeous grosbeaks to sunny goldfinches. Take your summer picnic to the next level with some sweet fruit like oranges or apple slices to attract birds with more sophisticated tastes like robins, orioles, and waxwings.

Next, is the essential element we all require ─ water. You know the house with the pool gets all the action, so don’t forget to add the most jaw-dropping splash pad for your backyard birds cool, clean, and hydrated all summer. Also, make sure the water is fresh and clean to help keep birds healthy. A birdbath is a great addition, but if you have the space, creating a small pond or stream can attract even more birds. The sound of running water will bring birds like sparrows and warblers, who love to splash around in cool water during the hot months. Keep the water clean by changing it regularly to avoid algae buildup and mosquitoes.

Adding a variety of plants is another excellent way to enhance your bird habitat. Native plants like coneflowers, sunflowers, and black-eyed Susans not only provide food in the form of seeds but also shelter for nesting birds. Shrubs like holly or lilacs offer the perfect hiding spots for shy species and are ideal for nesting.

Finally, if you really want to really help birds thrive and feel at home, give them an invitation to stay by adding a move-in ready birdhouse to your backyard. Cool birds such as bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens are cavity-nesters and will happily settle into a nesting box (home tweet home). You’ll get a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest reality shows ─ parenting ─ and see how all the cool birds are handling it. Make sure you install your fly-in birdhouse in a safe, quiet area, away from predators like cats (sassy felines are welcome to judge backyard birds’ parenting style from a comfortable indoor location).

COOL BIRDS Summer Checklist:

1. Fill bird feeders with the bird food (more variety equals more cool birds!)
2. Fill a birdbath with fresh, clean water (hello, pool party!)
3. Plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees (they keep birds safe and offer additional food sources)
4. Install a nesting box for your new BFFs (beautiful feathery friends).

Pro Summer Tip: birds LOVE to eat bugs, so invite them to your all-you-can-eat backyard bug
buffet. More backyard birds = fewer bug bites for you.