How To Support Birds During Seattle’s Warmest Months

Pine Siskin | Pedro Rodriguez

by Kelly Metcalfe, Communications Manager

Summertime in Seattle brings longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of reasons to get outside. As we enjoy the sunshine, it’s important to think about the birds and wildlife that share our community. Rising temperatures can make it harder for birds to find the resources they need, but with a few thoughtful changes, your yard, garden, or community green space can become a safe summer refuge.

If you’re looking for ways to support birds during the hotter months, here are a few simple but impactful things to keep in mind.

Anna’s Hummingbird / John Sanders / Audubon Photography Awards

Provide a Clean, Reliable Water Source

Even in a city surrounded by water, finding safe and dependable drinking water takes time and energy for birds, especially during summer. In hot weather, birds often adjust their behavior to conserve energy and avoid overheating, making easy access to water even more important.

Adding a bird bath to your yard can make a big difference. To keep it safe, clean it regularly, disinfect it at least once a week, and remove any droppings or debris to prevent harmful bacteria from building up.

Extra tip: Moving water, like a dripper or mister, can make your bird bath more attractive to birds while also helping reduce bacterial growth and insect reproduction.

Cedar Waxwing / Badsah Mukherji / Audubon Photography Awards

Think About Shade

Shade is just as important as water. When placing bird baths, feeders, or bird houses, choose a cooler, shadier area of your yard when possible. These spots give birds a place to rest, cool down, and conserve energy during the hottest parts of the day.

If you’re updating your landscaping, consider planting native species with broad leaves or dense foliage to create natural shelter. Native plants not only provide shade but also offer food and habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Extra tip: If you’re installing a bird house, adding predator guards or baffles can help protect nesting birds from squirrels and rats. It’s also best to place bird houses away from feeders, as the extra activity can make some nesting birds feel less secure.

Pileated Woodpecker/ Lon Turner / Audubon Photography Awards

Remember to Reduce Risks

Inviting birds into your yard with food, water, and shelter is a great start, but it’s equally important to make sure the space is safe.

Outdoor cats remain one of the biggest threats to urban birds. Keeping cats indoors protects birds and helps keep cats safe from outdoor dangers as well.

Windows can also pose a serious risk. Birds traveling to and from feeders or baths may not recognize glass as a barrier. Adding decals, window tape, or screens can make windows more visible and help reduce collisions.

When caring for your garden, try to avoid pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers whenever possible. These products can harm birds directly and reduce the insects and plants they rely on for food.

Creating a bird-friendly summer space doesn’t have to be complicated. By providing water, shade, and a safer environment, you can help birds weather the warmer months, and enjoy more wildlife right outside your window.