As temperatures continue to climb across Britain and the heatwave maintains its blistering grip, it is not solely humans who are struggling with the sweltering conditions. Our feathered friends are also feeling the impact of soaring temperatures, and those fortunate enough to have gardens and outdoor spaces are being urged to provide one vital item for visiting birds: water.
Birds at Risk: 43% of Species Face Decline
According to the RHS, Britain's birds "are in trouble, and they need our help." Statistics from a 2023 State of Nature report reveal that 43% of all bird species in the UK are at risk of disappearing over the coming decades. While the summer months offer bird enthusiasts 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 disclosed that human support is equally crucial, if not more so, during summer. The warmer season is when the majority of Britain's bird species typically rear their chicks, and higher temperatures mean they need our help more than ever to maintain their energy levels.
Water is the Most Valuable Commodity for Birds
To help garden birds flourish and endure the blistering heat, bird specialists at Peckish, a retailer of bird food and accessories, have disclosed the one 'urgent and crucial' measure we must implement straight away: providing water. The bird specialists state: "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."
The experts have additionally offered instruction on how to create your very own water feature in your garden, such as bird baths, and shared recommendations on making it as protected and secure for birds as possible. Sean McMenemy, Wildlife expert at Ark Wildlife, reinforces the guidance, 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."
Feeding Birds in Summer: What to Offer
The 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 vital 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."
With the heatwave and prolonged spell of hot, dry weather, water becomes increasingly limited and triggers rapid evaporation, leaving birds acutely parched and at risk. Providing a clean, shallow water source is a simple yet essential step to support garden birds throughout the summer.
