Although winter has always been the traditional time to feed the birds, there are many reasons to continue through all the seasons. The birds also benefit in the spring when food stores are at their lowest and energy is spent nesting and raising young. In summer you'll watch the young initiated to feeders by parents. You'll also see plumage changes, like the dramatic transformation of the goldfinch. Store seed in a cool dry place in a sealed container that rodents can't enter.
Mice can carry and spread some bird diseases without being affected themselves.
Keeping your feeders clean is a very important part of bird feeding. Bacteria and disease are spread through bird droppings on feeders, seed and on hulls below the feeder. Damp feed and debris can cultivate fungus. Discard wet or moldy food. Disinfect any containers or scoops used to handle it.