If you start seeing birds looking like wizened little old forest elders in late summer don’t fret—it’s a completely natural process called molting.

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Molt is an annual event (and some birds molt twice a year) when birds replace old, worn feathers with fresh new ones. During this process, they can look patchy, scruffy, or even a little—or a lot—bald. Some just look like a hot mess! 

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Waterfowl take molting to another level. Many species undergo a process called simultaneous wing molt, where they lose and replace their flight feathers all at once and temporarily become unable to fly.

And pssst… here’s a little secret: your birds don’t need a special, expensive “molt blend” to get through this process.

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This is coming from someone who once had twenty feeders in her yard! And if I had a yard again, I’d probably have twenty again.  I love feeders, and they’re a wonderful way to connect with birds. But let’s face it—while feeders are a great supplement, they’re mostly for us. 

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Seed is a snack. (Except in winter, when supplemental food can truly make a difference.) Native plants are what serve up the main course. 

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During molt—and during nesting season—birds need protein to grow strong new feathers and raise healthy young. The best way to support that isn’t by buying another seasonal product; it’s by creating habitat that provides the foods birds naturally depend on.

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Native plants support caterpillars and other insects, as well as nutrient-rich berries. Those caterpillars are the real protein powerhouses, while many native berries provide valuable fats and energy.

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Your regular, high-quality seed is perfectly fine. (Remember—avoid cheap seed mixes filled with ingredients birds often leave behind. A good-quality blend gives you more value for your money.) If you want to offer something extra, mealworms or unsalted peanuts are nice additions.

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But the best support you can give birds is a yard full of native plants—flowers, shrubs, and trees.

And remember: when you see a scruffy—or even bald—cardinal or blue jay, have a giggle at how ridiculous it looks, knowing this is simply a natural part of being a bird.