Summer is the perfect time to grab your binoculars and hit the trail—or even just step outside into your backyard! Whether you're new to birdwatching or a seasoned birder, summer offers a chance to see some amazing birds in action. From colorful songbirds to sleek waterbirds, here’s a fun Summer Bucket List of 10 birds to look out for this season, plus where you're likely to find them. This list is aimed at our North American friends; if you'd like to see a similar list for another part of the world, please let us know!

American Goldfinch

These bright yellow birds are common across most of the United States and southern Canada. Look for them in weedy fields and backyards, especially where thistles grow. If you don't have American Goldfinches breeding where you live, try looking for House Finches, whose year-round range includes much of the United States, apart from the central mountain region.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The only breeding hummingbird in the eastern U.S., they range from the Gulf Coast north to southern Canada. Attracted to gardens with flowers or nectar feeders, they’re a summer favorite. If you're out of their range, pick another native hummingbird to find, like the Black-chinned Hummingbird, widespread across the west. 

Barn Swallow

Found across almost all of North America during summer, Barn Swallows nest under eaves, bridges, and barns. Their acrobatic flight makes them easy to spot near open areas. For an added challenge, look for Chimney Swifts in the eastern half of the U.S., or White-throated Swifts in the west. These high fliers have similar traits -- see if you can learn the differences between these flying friends.

Eastern Bluebird

Common in the eastern half of the U.S. and parts of the Southwest during summer, Eastern Bluebirds prefer open country with scattered trees and nest boxes. If these blue beauties aren't in your neighborhood, try looking for Mountain Bluebirds, or Western Bluebirds.

Cedar Waxwing

These birds breed across most of southern Canada and the northern U.S., but can be seen throughout much of the continent in summer. Watch for flocks near fruiting trees and water. If you're south of their summer range, try finding another berry-loving species: the Northern Mockingbird.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Herons can be found along coasts, wetlands, and inland waterways across great parts of the continent. During the summer, these imposing waders are active and visible around lakes, marshes, and coastal shores. 

Belted Kingfisher

Found across most of North America near lakes, rivers, and coasts, these little fish-lovers are recognizable by their rattling call and mohawk-like crest. Watch for them diving headfirst into water to catch fish.

Western Tanager

This colorful cutie is a summer visitor to western North America, from California to British Columbia and the Rockies. Males are eye-catching with red heads and yellow bodies. They often stay high in the canopy, but their vivid colors can give them away. Out of range alternatives to look for: Summer Tanagers across the south and Scarlet Tanagers across the east.

Killdeer

Widespread in open areas across North America, these familiar plovers often nest on gravel rooftops or bare ground and are famous for their “broken wing” act to lure predators away from their nests.

Common Nighthawk

Seen across most of North America, only in summer, Common Nighthawks are active at dusk in both cities and open areas. Listen for their nasal "peent" call and watch for their erratic flight. As an alternative, you could try looking for a Black-crowned Night Heron.

Could you find all of these birds during the summer? Would you have to travel far to see them, or can you check them off in your yard, neighborhood, or nearby park? Could you find them all in a day? A week?

With a little luck and some time outdoors, hopefully you can check off several of these birds from your summer list. See how many you can find in your area and let us know how you do in the comments! Happy summer birding!

Feeding birds in the summer can be just as rewarding as in winter, but the warmer weather brings different challenges. Birds still appreciate easy access to food, especially during breeding season when they’re raising hungry chicks. However, it’s important to follow some summer-specific tips to keep your feathered visitors safe and healthy.

Do keep feeders clean

In the heat, food can spoil quickly, especially suet and fruit. Moldy or rotten food can be dangerous for birds. Clean your feeders every few days with a diluted bleach solution or hot soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of disease, no matter the season.

Don’t offer suet in high heat

Suet can melt in warm weather, turning rancid and attracting pests like insects or rodents. If you want to offer high-fat foods, use no-melt suet cakes that are designed for summer use, or switch to alternatives like sunflower seeds or peanuts.

Do provide fresh water

Water is even more important than food during the summer. Birds need it for drinking and bathing to regulate their body temperature. A shallow birdbath, dish, or fountain can be a lifeline during hot, dry spells. Change the water daily and clean the container every few days to avoid mosquito breeding and algae buildup. Offering movement via a drip hose or mister can help keep the water fresher longer.

Don’t overload feeders

Only put out as much food as the birds will eat in a day or two. Excess food spoils faster in heat, and it can also attract unwanted animals. Store birdseed in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and keep insects away.

Do adjust feeder placement

Move feeders into shaded areas to slow spoilage and keep birds more comfortable while feeding. Avoid placing feeders in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Do think about nesting birds

During summer, many birds are busy feeding their young. Offering live or dried mealworms and protein-rich food like black oil sunflower seeds can help support their growing families. Some species may even come to your yard just for these easy meals.

Don’t forget about native plants

Summer is a great time to supplement feeders with natural food sources. Native flowers, shrubs, and trees can provide nectar, seeds, berries, and insects. These natural foods support more species and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

Feeding birds in summer requires a bit more attention, but it’s a great way to support wildlife during a critical time of year. By following a few simple dos and don’ts, you can keep your backyard visitors healthy, happy, and coming back for more.

When temperatures rise, birds have to work hard to keep cool. Unlike humans, birds don't sweat. So how do they survive the summer heat? Birds have evolved several clever ways to regulate their body temperature and stay safe when the sun is blazing.

One of the first things birds do when it's hot is seek out shade. They’ll retreat into dense shrubs, trees, or the shadowed side of buildings. Many birds become less active during the hottest part of the day and save their foraging and other activities for early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler.

Birds also rely on water. Bathing in shallow puddles or birdbaths helps them cool down and keeps their feathers in good condition. You might also see birds spreading their wings and holding their feathers away from their bodies to let air circulate and carry away heat. Some species, like Turkey Vultures, even urinate on their legs in a process called urohidrosis—when the liquid evaporates, it cools their blood vessels.

Panting is another common cooling method. Just like dogs, birds will open their beaks and breathe rapidly to increase evaporation from the respiratory system. This helps release excess body heat. Some birds, like owls, cormorants, and herons, use a technique called gular fluttering, which involves vibrating the throat tissues to boost cooling without expending much energy.

Feathers play an important role, too. Feathers act as a barrier that protects a bird's skin from direct solar radiation. This insulation works both ways—while feathers trap warmth in cold weather, they also reduce heat absorption by reflecting sunlight and blocking UV rays. This is particularly important for birds in sunny, arid regions.

Birds can fluff up their feathers to allow air to circulate close to their skin. This movement of air helps dissipate excess heat. Conversely, they can press feathers down tightly to reduce airflow and conserve warmth when needed.

Birds also adjust their behavior based on the season. Desert species like the Greater Roadrunner are especially adapted to extreme heat. They’re active mostly in the early morning and rest in the shade during midday. Nightjars, which are nocturnal, avoid the heat entirely by being active only after dark.

You can help backyard birds stay cool by providing clean, fresh water in birdbaths or shallow dishes. Place them in shady areas and clean them regularly. Planting native shrubs or trees can also give birds much-needed shelter during the hottest times of day.

Watching how birds handle the heat can be fascinating—and a great reminder that all animals, including us, need to adapt to our changing climate. Whether it’s panting, perching in the shade, or finding a cool bath, birds have plenty of tricks to beat the heat.

We've previously highlighted amazing avian dads in both Fun Avian Dad Facts for Father's Day and More Fun Avian Dad Facts for Father's Day. As dad's big day approaches again this year, let's take a look at some more fun facts about feathered fathers.

Native to Central and South America, the male Sungrebe is unique among birds for having specialized pouches under his wings to carry his chicks. After hatching, he places his altricial chicks into these pouches, keeping them safe and warm  while he forages. He will even carry the young when swimming, and flying! This remarkable adaptation allows him to transport and protect his young until they are ready to fend for themselves.

The African Jacana is a standout dad in the bird world. In this species, females are polyandrous—one female mates with multiple males—while the males take on virtually all of the parental responsibilities. After the female lays her eggs in the nest built mostly by the male, he incubates the eggs and raises the chicks entirely on his own. Using his long toes to carefully walk across lily pads and floating vegetation, he protects and feeds his young in freshwater wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa. If danger threatens, he can even tuck the chicks under his wings and carry them to safety, legs dangling comically from beneath his body.

Defying typical bird gender roles, the female Wilson's Phalarope is the more colorful of the sexes; she leaves incubation duties to the male. He develops a brood patch and is the only one to incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, often continuing to feed and protect them for weeks after they leave the nest.

Found in the southeastern United States, some Brown-headed Nuthatches exhibit cooperative breeding. Male offspring from previous broods often assist their parents in raising new chicks, feeding and defending the nest. These helpers act as father figures by helping in several aspects of raising young, from territory defense to nest-building, and feeding of chicks. Having a team of uncles like these can enhance the survival rate of the young.

These bird dads (and father-figure uncles) showcase the diverse and remarkable ways male birds contribute to raising their young. Their dedication and care are truly something to celebrate this Father’s Day.