The upcoming May bank holiday is suddenly looking very summery and – after a pretty up-and-down spring – the excitement is building for the first proper prolonged stint of sunshine.
Much of the UK will be dusting off picnic blankets and heading outdoors as temperatures climb above 30°C across parts of the South East, Midlands and Wales, according to the Met Office.
But while many of us enjoy the warm weather, garden birds can't regulate their temperature the way mammals can. Many are also entering the thick of their breeding season, spending most of the day searching for food and water for their hungry babies. In hot conditions, water becomes especially critical as natural puddles dry up fast.
A well-placed birdbath, kept clean and filled, can make a real difference right now. Here are 5 things to know about setting one up, positioning and, most importantly, keeping birds safe in the heat...
Keep birdbaths shallow so smaller birds stay safe
Keep your birdbath shallow – no more than a couple of inches deep – so smaller birds can bathe and drink safely. In hot weather they'll come back again and again through the day, especially while they're feeding chicks.
If you don't already have a birdbath, the RSPB recommends a wide, shallow puddle-style bath. A shallow plant saucer, wide bowl or any smooth container works just as well. But if you want to splash out on something proper, your garden will look better for it. The birds won't judge either way.
Fallen Fruits Robins on Leaf Bird Bath
John Lewis Ceramic bird bath
Place birdbaths somewhere birds can escape quickly
Birds have to lower their guard as they bend down to drink, and are even more vulnerable when bathing – sodden feathers slow their escape. The National Wildlife Federation recommends placing birdbaths at least ten to twelve feet away from bushes or fences where cats could hide, giving birds enough time to spot trouble and get away.
Keep birdbaths shaded so water stays cool
Place your birdbath in shade, ideally beneath a tree. In direct sun, shallow water heats up and evaporates quickly during a heatwave, leaving birds without access to clean water just when natural sources are drying up. Shade keeps water cooler, slows bacterial growth and means water lasts through the hottest part of the day.
Change birdbath water daily in hot weather
In hot weather, warm stagnant water quickly breeds algae and bacteria, which can make birds (who are already struggling with the heat) very sick. The RSPB recommends changing the water daily, or twice daily in extreme heat.
For extra care during peak heat, freeze water overnight in a plastic bowl and pop a chunk of ice in the birdbath each morning. As it melts, it keeps the water cool through the hottest hours.
Scrub your birdbath weekly
Changing the water daily helps, but the bath itself needs a proper clean too. Droppings and food waste build up quickly, and birds drinking from a dirty bath can get sick. The British Trust for Ornithology recommends scrubbing and disinfecting it once a week.
In summer, the water may turn green or red with algae. This is normal, but it's a sign the bath needs attention. If regular cleaning isn't possible, it's worth pausing the birdbath until it is – a neglected bath can do more harm than good.
Smart Buys for Bird Lovers
Dots Allowed Blackbird British Bird Greeting Card
Blackbird Appliqué and Embroidery Kit
Barn Style Oak Bird Table with Slate Roof
Embroidered Garden Bird Lantern
