As temperatures continue to climb across Britain and the heatwave maintains its fierce grip, it is not just humans who are struggling with the oppressive conditions. Birds are feeling the impact of soaring temperatures too, and those with gardens and outdoor spaces are being urged to provide one essential item for our feathered visitors.
Bird Species at Risk
According to the RHS, Britain's birds "are in trouble, and they need our help." Data from a 2023 State of Nature report revealed that 43% of all bird species in the UK are at risk of disappearing over the coming decades. While the summer months present bird enthusiasts with wonderful opportunities to spot wildlife in their gardens—particularly species such as robins and blackbirds—these are also the months when temperatures across the UK typically peak and heatwaves strike in rapid succession.
Although many of us might presume that birds need our assistance most during the winter months, experts have revealed that human support is equally crucial, if not more so, during summer, reports the Mirror. The warmer months are when the majority of birds found throughout Britain typically rear their young, and heightened temperatures mean they need our help more than ever to maintain their energy levels.
The Simple Task: Provide Water
Thankfully, there is plenty we can do to support our feathered friends during the warmer months—and the first step is remarkably simple. To assist garden birds in flourishing and enduring the sweltering temperatures, bird specialists at Peckish, a bird food and accessories retailer, have disclosed the single 'urgent and crucial' task we must undertake immediately: establish safe and sheltered refuges for garden birds by providing water.
The bird specialists explain: "Water is the most valuable commodity for birds in summer. Be sure to leave shallow trays of water out for birds, particularly during dry spells. Even better are ponds, which won't need to be topped up as often, and will also provide insects for birds to eat."
How to Set Up a Safe Water Source
The experts have additionally offered guidance on how to establish your very own water source within your garden—such as bird baths—and provided advice on making it as secure and safe for birds as possible:
- Position the water source two metres away from cover such as trees or shrubs, ensuring they remain visible while providing a safe retreat for birds.
- Ensure garden birds have access to ample fresh, clean water for both drinking and bathing.
- Regularly clean feeding and drinking areas using a mild disinfectant.
Sean McMenemy, Wildlife expert at Ark Wildlife, echoes 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."
Additional RHS Advice for Summer Bird Care
A water source proves particularly vital for birds throughout summer, especially now given the heatwave and prolonged period of hot, dry conditions, which renders water increasingly scarce and causes it to evaporate rapidly, leaving birds desperately parched and at risk. The RHS has also offered vital advice on caring for birds in British gardens during the summer period:
- Avoid using pesticides in your gardens, as insects form a vital (and substantial) portion of a bird's diet.
- Hold off trimming hedges until late August, by which time nesting season will have safely concluded.
- Reduce the use of mains water as it has a knock-on impact on wetland habitats.
What to Feed Birds in Summer
Specialists at Gardeners' World 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 has suggested steering clear of filling bird feeders with peanuts and seeds between May and the end of October. Instead, small amounts of mealworms, or suet and fatballs are recommended. Above all, it is crucial to ensure the food is kept in a clean and uncontaminated bird feeder. The RSPB shares: "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."
