Heatwaves are a mixed bag when it comes to the UK.
Of course, everyone is glad to see the back of the miserable wet weather the country is so often known for, but the mercury soaring to intense highs can be a not-so-comfortable time for not just people but also animals—and birds especially need help to keep as cool as possible.
Birds do not sweat and need to regulate their temperature through panting, which leads to their small bodies rapidly losing moisture. That’s where bird baths come in—and there’s one simple task we can do to make sure they’re well looked after.
Much like people, these animals love taking a dip to cool off and bird baths are the perfect way to do just that.
Whether it’s a woodpigeon, a blackbird, a starling, a robin, or any other species of bird, jumping right into the cold water is a great way to regulate their temperature.
By paddling or splashing about, and shaking the water with their feathers, they not only keep cool but can clean themselves too.
Wildlife expert Dominic Couzens explained to the RSPB: “Every bird species has its own ‘thermal neutral zone’. This is the range of external temperatures over which its normal rate of metabolic heat production doesn’t change.
“Either side of this range, birds can die; however, this does take extreme conditions. An acclimatised, well-hydrated pigeon, for example, can cope with a temperature of 60°C.”
Yet there is one huge risk that comes with a bird bath, something which could be a danger to them, and we can give them a helping hand.
According to the RSPB: “If you put out a bird bath, it’s best to replace the water daily and make sure you give it a thorough clean once a week. This can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.”
That’s right. With the warmer months it’s possible the water in these baths can also heat up so it’s important to refill them to ensure they’re as refreshing as possible.
Also, especially if they’re using it to clean themselves the water could be considered dangerous.
Birds are known to carry a variety of diseases and pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, some of which can be transmitted to humans and other animals.
Common examples include salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and Avian influenza.
