Most of us are feeling uncomfortable thanks to the intense heatwave the UK is currently experiencing, but wildlife such as birds will suffer more unless they can find a bird bath. Birds do not sweat and need to regulate their temperature through panting, which can cause their small bodies to lose a lot of moisture, and they will need a lot more water to stay hydrated.
However, Kaytee, a pet supply specialist, has warned gardeners that most birds will not go near a birdbath if it is placed in an exposed part of the garden as they will feel unsafe. They said: “Temperatures are hottest in the middle of the day and late afternoon, and it can be difficult to help keep birds cool when the sun is blazing.
“Keeping the yard quiet and free of pets, children, and disruptive activities like lawn mowing or other chores at that time will provide birds with a peaceful, stress-free sanctuary just when they need to cool off the most.”
Birds avoid noisy areas because they are worried about predators harming them when they are in a vulnerable position. Therefore, they will not go into a bird bath near humans.
However, this does not mean you cannot go into your garden during the hottest time of year. All you need to do is place your bird bath in a shady spot, such as near bushes or trees.
This helps give birds more cover and an easy escape if anything comes near them, and it also ensures that the water is cool enough for them to bathe or drink.
Simply moving your bird bath in summer will make your garden a more welcoming place for nervous birds to survive during the hottest time of the year.
It should also be noted that birds will go into any shady area of the garden during hot days, so gardeners are also being asked not to prune at the moment.
Birds need dense foliage to escape the heat, and cutting plants now could harm their nests and also reduce their food sources, as you are getting rid of berries or seeds.
The expert said, “More natural shade will not only help birds stay cool, but thicker, unpruned plants will provide more secure nesting areas for summer birds as well as better shelter from thunderstorms or prowling predators.”
Pruning now can also put a lot of stress on birds, as it causes too much disturbance, which causes them to fly away from their safe spot.
Gardeners will be glad to know that delaying gardening tasks during extreme heat is not laziness but actually an important way to help birds stay cool and safe when they are at their most vulnerable.