As temperatures continue to climb across Britain and the heatwave maintains its blistering grip, gardeners are being urged to take immediate action to protect robins and other garden birds. The single most crucial step, according to bird experts, is to provide a reliable source of fresh water.
Why Water Is Vital for Birds in Summer
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Britain's birds "are in trouble, and they need our help." Data from a 2023 State of Nature report reveals that 43% of all bird species in the UK face the threat of disappearing over the next few decades. While many assume birds need help most during winter, experts say human intervention is equally, if not more, crucial in summer. Warmer periods are when most birds rear their young, and heightened temperatures mean they need assistance to maintain energy levels.
Bird experts at Peckish, a bird food and accessories retailer, have disclosed one urgent and crucial task: leaving shallow trays of water out for birds, particularly during dry spells. Even better are ponds, which won't need topping up as often and also provide insects for birds to eat.
Creating Safe Water Sources
Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert at Ark Wildlife, reinforces the advice, telling Woman and Home: "With many pathogens, such as E. coli and Salmonella, active in warm weather, it's important to maintain good hygiene for bird health. Warm, stagnant bird baths can become breeding grounds for disease if not regularly cleaned. We recommend rinsing bird baths daily and giving them a full scrub at least once a week."
The RHS has also offered advice on making bird baths secure: place them in a sheltered spot away from predators, ensure they are shallow (no more than 2-3 inches deep), and add a few stones to provide perching spots. This is especially important during the current heatwave, as prolonged hot, dry conditions cause water to evaporate rapidly, leaving birds parched and vulnerable.
What to Feed Birds in Summer
Gardeners' World specialists say: "Feeding birds used to be a winter activity, but birds need our help in the summer months too, to ensure they have energy enough to survive leaner times ahead. Just as in winter, high-energy food is the key to summer feeding. Live food is also recommended, to supplement the food they can find in the wild."
In a surprising turn, the RSPB suggests steering clear of filling bird feeders with peanuts and seeds between May and the end of October. Instead, small amounts of mealworms, suet, or fatballs are recommended. The RSPB notes: "During summer and autumn, there's a higher risk of disease spreading. But it's also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects."
Impact of the Heatwave
The current UK heatwave has made water sources increasingly scarce, with many natural ponds and puddles drying up. By providing clean water daily and maintaining good hygiene, gardeners can create safe sanctuaries that help robins, blackbirds, and other species survive the scorching conditions. As the RHS emphasises, simple actions can make a significant difference to the 43% of bird species at risk of decline.
