The summer months are known as “fledgling season”, when young birds begin to leave their nests and require additional support in gardens – but many well-meaning Brits could be inadvertently putting fledglings at riskAlex Evans Deputy Audience Editor and Tom Kershaw Content Editor
12:27, 18 Jul 2025
Garden enthusiasts who provide food for feathered visitors this summer have been issued with guidance(Image: Corinne von Nordmann via Getty Images)
Garden enthusiasts who provide food for feathered visitors this summer have been issued with guidance from avian nutrition experts. This comes as the summer months are widely acknowledged as “fledgling season”, the period when young birds begin departing their nests to explore the wider world.
Nevertheless, these young creatures need extra support within domestic gardens throughout the warmer period, with a bird feeding authority now alerting that supplying unsuitable sustenance for birds may actually put them at risk.
Avian feeding expert Richard Green, representing bird food provider Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, warns Britons that offering improper nourishment could jeopardise young birds and recommends alternative provisions to support fledgling development.
Speaking to the Express, he stated: “Summer is often referred to as “fledgling season” because it’s the time when many young birds leave their nests and begin to explore the world as fledglings, but during this vulnerable time, they may need extra support. Richard elaborated: “Young birds need plenty of protein and moisture-rich food while they grow, but not all foods are safe. Live mealworms are ideal, but soaked dried mealworms or waxworms also offer excellent nutrition.
Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East.
“Other good options include sunflower hearts, soaked sultanas, raisins, currants, mild grated cheese, and soft fruits like bananas, grapes, and halved apples or pears. Any dried foods, like fruit or mealworms, should be soaked before serving to make them easier to swallow, reports Yorkshire Live.
“However, he warned that particular foods might present a choking danger for young birds, explaining: “Whole peanuts and sunflower seeds with hard husks can be choking hazards, especially for chicks and fledglings, so it’s best to avoid putting them out during the breeding season. “Fat-based foods should also be avoided during the breeding season, as they’re better suited to cold winter months.
Bread isn’t recommended either, it lacks nutritional value and can swell in a bird’s stomach unless thoroughly soaked first. Distribute food in sheltered areas of the garden where fledglings can easily reach it.
Stay vigilant, as cats may be lurking nearby. Keeping your cat indoors, particularly in the early morning, helps protect young birds at their most vulnerable.
“He went on to observe: “This is an exciting time of year, with young birds often appearing tame and curious. But it’s important not to disturb nests or get too close, as birds may abandon their eggs or chicks if they feel threatened. Enjoy fledgling season from a distance and let nature take its course. “.