A few degrees can make the difference between a pleasant summer’s day and an unbearably hot one. And when a heatwave rolls in, we’re not the only ones affected by extreme temperatures. Our pets can also struggle to cope in hot weather, and so can smaller creatures such as backyard birds.
In fact, birds are particularly vulnerable because they cannot sweat and have a naturally high body temperature, meaning that extended periods of heat can quickly lead to dehydration, overheating and heatstroke. Ground-feeders face the additional challenge of heatwaves quite literally baking the ground, making it difficult to find food.
One of the best ways to help birds during the heat is to provide them with a way to cool down. During hot spells, birds will naturally seek shelter in the shade of hedgerows, brambles and leafy trees, but they also enjoy a cooling splash.
“Many of us like to cool down by taking a dip and birds do too,” says the RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). “Whether a bird bath, a puddle or the edges of a pond, look out for birds such as wood pigeons, blackbirds, starlings and robins paddling or splashing about. Shaking the water through their feathers helps to keep them cool and clean, too.”
If you put out a bird bath, the RSPB stresses the importance of replacing the water daily and giving it a thorough clean once a week to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert and founder of UK-based bird and wildlife feed supplier Ark Wildlife, echoes this advice. “With many pathogens, such as E. coli and Salmonella, active in warm weather, it’s important to maintain good hygiene for bird health,” he says. “Warm, stagnant bird baths can become breeding grounds for disease if not regularly cleaned.”
If placed in the right spot, a bird bath can help not just feathered friends. “Place shallow dishes or bird baths in shady spots, ideally at multiple heights, to give all wildlife, from hedgehogs to sparrows, a safe way to rehydrate and cool down,” Sean says.
