Wildlife experts are urging gardeners and bird enthusiasts to refill bird baths with fresh water every day throughout July, a simple one-minute task that could save birds from fatal diseases. According to Lucy Taylor, a wildlife expert from Vine House Farm, the most important thing to do in July is to provide fresh water daily, as warmer weather dries up natural sources and birds need fluids to survive.
Why Fresh Water Is Critical in July
Taylor told Ideal Home: "The most important thing that you can do in July to support birds is to refill bird baths with fresh water daily. The warmer weather we experience in July means that other sources of water relied on by birds may have dried up, and they need to drink to replace the fluids they lose in the heat." Without care, bird baths can spread trichomoniasis, a highly contagious parasitic disease transmitted through contaminated saliva. This disease causes severe lesions in the throat and upper digestive tract, primarily affecting Greenfinches, Chaffinches, pigeons, and doves, leading to difficulty swallowing, lethargy, and weight loss.
Simple Steps to Protect Birds
Gardeners do not need a special bird bath; a shallow dish suffices. If using a bird bath, empty and clean it daily, then let it dry completely before refilling. Proper cleaning minimises disease transmission. Place the water source in a cool spot, a few metres from shrubbery, to avoid direct sunlight (which encourages algae) and to protect birds from predators. James Ewens, bird specialist at Green Feathers, told Ideal Home: "Providing water in July is so important for many reasons, the main and most obvious one being the warmer weather. In July, rainfall is limited, and temperatures tend to be higher, making it more difficult for birds to access water to cool down, hydrate and maintain their feathers."
Additional Disease Prevention Tips
To further reduce disease spread, provide correct food. The RSPB advises against leaving out peanuts and seeds between May 1 and October 31, as trichomonosis spreads in summer and autumn. Instead, offer small amounts of mealworms, fat balls, or suet year-round.
