When spring and summer arrive, birds often rely less on feeders as food becomes plentiful and insects are abundant, keeping them busy with natural foraging. But that doesn't mean your role as a backyard bird lover is over. Even when birds aren't flocking to your feeder, you can create a safe and welcoming environment that supports their health, nesting and survival. Here are three ways to help them: provide natural habitats, ensure they have access to water, and create safe nesting spaces.
1. Create a Healthy, Natural Habitat
When feeders come down, your yard itself becomes the most important resource. Native plants are the foundation of a bird-friendly habitat — they provide food, shelter, and even nesting materials. According to the National Wildlife Federation, native trees and shrubs host up to 90% of the insects that many songbirds need to feed their young.
Practical tips:
Plant native species. Go for plants like serviceberry, coneflower, or oak that produce seeds, berries, or nuts birds naturally love.
Avoid pesticides. Insecticides don't just kill pests — they also wipe out vital food sources for birds. Studies from Cornell Lab of Ornithology show that yards free from pesticides support up to three times more insect diversity.
Let your yard "go a little wild." Keep a brush pile, allow some leaf litter to stay under trees, and leave seed heads on plants through fall and winter. These spots harbor insects, offer shelter, and provide natural foraging grounds for species like wrens and sparrows.
Add native grasses or groundcover. These help protect soil moisture and create hiding spots for ground-feeding birds such as juncos and towhees.
By turning your yard into a small ecosystem instead of just a manicured lawn, you'll give birds year-round reasons to visit — not just when they're hungry.
2. Keep the Water Flowing
While food becomes abundant in warmer months, clean water often remains in short supply — especially during dry spells or heat waves. Providing a reliable water source is one of the most powerful ways to attract and support birds naturally.
Here's what works best:
Install a birdbath or shallow basin. Choose one that's 1–2 inches deep with a rough surface for grip. Birds prefer gently sloping edges that make it easy to wade in and out.
Keep it clean and fresh. Change the water every couple of days and scrub the basin weekly to prevent algae and mosquito larvae.
Add movement. A small solar fountain or dripper can make your birdbath irresistible — birds are drawn to the sound and sparkle of moving water.
Winter care. In colder climates, consider a heated birdbath or an outdoor-safe water heater to prevent freezing. According to Audubon Society guidelines, offering liquid water in winter can make a life-saving difference for many resident birds.
Fresh water not only helps birds stay hydrated but also keeps their feathers in good condition for flight and insulation.
3. Offer Safe Nesting and Shelter Options
When birds aren't busy feeding, they're nesting, raising chicks, or finding refuge from predators and harsh weather. You can make your yard a haven by offering both natural and man-made shelter options.
Practical nesting ideas:
Provide birdhouses. Species like chickadees, bluebirds, and wrens eagerly use nest boxes. Make sure the entrance hole size matches the target species and position the box in a quiet area facing away from prevailing winds.
Leave natural materials available. Place short twigs, dried grass, pet fur (unscented), or natural fibers in a mesh bag or on shrubs — birds will happily pick what they need for nesting.
Preserve dead trees when safe. Snags (standing dead trees) are vital nesting and roosting sites for woodpeckers and owls. If the tree poses no danger, consider keeping it.
Add dense shrubs and evergreen cover. These protect small birds from hawks and provide roosting spots during storms or cold nights.
Experts from The Cornell Lab's NestWatch Program suggest regularly inspecting nest boxes in early spring to make sure they're clean and ready before breeding season starts.
Even when bird feeders aren't the main attraction, your garden can still be a thriving sanctuary for birds. By planting native vegetation, providing a consistent water source and safe nesting areas, you can create a space that supports every stage of a bird's life cycle, from feeding and breeding to resting and roosting.
In short, even when birds don't need your feeder, they still need you. With a little planning, your garden can become a year-round refuge that keeps wildlife healthy and active, and ensures they keep coming back season after season.