The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat covering parts of England and Wales from Wednesday morning until Thursday night, with temperatures potentially reaching 40°C in some areas. High humidity is expected to make conditions feel even more uncomfortable, affecting London, parts of the Midlands, south-east Wales and southern England. Meteorologists warn of disruption to daily life, travel problems and serious health risks.
Birds Vulnerable in Extreme Heat
Garden birds are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat because they can quickly become dehydrated if water is not readily available. According to Kennedy Wild Bird Food, fresh water is “essential” for birds during warm weather as they naturally lose water through breathing and other bodily processes.
Richard Green from Kennedy Wild Bird Food said: "Providing fresh water is essential for wild birds, especially during the hot summer months. Birds lose water through various means, including respiration and excretion, which can become a serious issue in high temperatures."
Move Bird Baths to Shade Before Wednesday
Bird experts urge gardeners to move bird baths into shaded areas of the garden before the hottest weather arrives. Placing bird baths in the shade helps keep the water cooler for longer and makes it more appealing for birds looking to drink or cool down.
Green added: "Bird baths don't need to be fancy, even a shallow dish with 1-2 inches of water can help them stay hydrated and regulate their body temperature. It's important to keep the water clean and place it in a shaded area to encourage more birds to visit."
Location and Safety Tips
However, experts caution that the location is important. Bird baths and water dishes should not be placed too close to bushes or dense shrubs. Green explained: "Placing water dishes near bushes or trees may attract predators, particularly cats, which often hide in shrubs waiting to ambush birds. To reduce the risk of predator attacks, place water sources away from areas where predators might be lurking."
Additional Advice for Gardeners
Gardeners who do not own a bird bath can still help by leaving out a shallow bowl or plate filled with fresh water. Experts also recommend cleaning and refilling bird baths regularly during hot weather to keep the water fresh. Leaving out high-energy foods such as dried mealworms, suet and sunflower hearts may also help birds cope with the extra demands of the heatwave.
Another tip is to place an old pre-1992 penny in the water. Bird experts say the copper can help slow bacterial growth and keep bird baths cleaner for longer during periods of very hot weather.
