It’s peak summer, and every person and bird is just trying to survive the sizzle!

Summer is in full swing and it’s sizzling outside. While you sit in your air-conditioned home, you might glance out and notice your backyard bird feeder is seriously lacking diners. You start to panic. Is it the food? Did I do something to offend the birds? No need to worry. It’s totally normal this time of year, and here’s why.

During peak summer season when temperatures are soaring, backyard birds are in maintenance mode—molting, raising fledglings, and trying to handle the heat like the rest of us. As a result, they might be less interested in hanging out at your feeders, and here’s what’s going on behind the scenes.

First, many species are in the middle of molt, which is the process of shedding and regrowing feathers. This typically happens in late July and August, after the breeding season is over. Birds often disappear during this time, and it’s not because they’re embarrassed. They’re simply trying to hide and stay safe from predators. Birds need protein to regrow their gorgeous feathers, so make sure your feeder is ready for them in case they do come out of hiding by filling it with high protein Safflower, Nuts & Hearts.

Another factor is that some birds are busy raising their young. During this time, adults are constantly flying to and from their nests, gathering insects and seeds to help keep their fledglings’ tummies full. Nobody wants a hungry toddler on their hands – not even the birds. Songbirds’ natural sources of food are abundant during summer, so they don’t rely on backyard bird feeders, especially if there are plenty of bugs, berries, and seeds not far from their nests. Conserving energy is always important, even in the summer.

Finally, the heat can play a huge role in wild bird behavior. In scorching temperatures, birds tend to stay in the shade and rest in cooler spots. Make sure you have a birdbath full of fresh, clean water, because that might attract a little more activity to your yard and help birds stay hydrated and healthy.

Just remember: your bird feeder might not be buzzing with activity, but your backyard besties haven’t forgotten about it. They’re just trying to keep up with their busy lives and not overdo it in skyrocketing temperatures – just like us.