With more hot weather on the way, it is a good idea to give birds in your garden a helping hand. Robins need extra help in the summer, as soaring temperatures can pose serious risks to their health.
Why Heatwaves Are Dangerous for Birds
More hot weather is forecast for the UK next week, and with temperatures set to rise, it is important to think about how you can help the wildlife in your garden. Birds are particularly vulnerable in heatwaves because they have a naturally high body temperature and cannot sweat. This means they can easily dehydrate and overheat in extended high temperatures.
For robins in particular, summer weather can be difficult as they are ground feeders. When the sun is especially strong, it bakes the ground and makes it much harder for robins to find food.
The Simple Solution: A Bird Bath
If you want to help robins and other birds in your garden this summer, one of the best things you can do is give them a way to cool down. Having shrubbery that provides shade is a good idea, but providing fresh, clean, and cool water is even better.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said: "Many of us like to cool down by taking a dip and birds do too. Whether a bird bath, a puddle or the edges of a pond, look out for birds such as wood pigeons, blackbirds, starlings and robins paddling or splashing about. Shaking the water through their feathers helps to keep them cool and clean, too."
Tips for the Perfect Bird Bath
If you are going to place a bird bath in your garden, it is crucial that you keep the water clean by replacing it daily. The bird bath will also need a deep clean once a week to stop the spread of infectious diseases between birds.
For the perfect bird bath, the RSPB recommends a shallow dish with sloping sides and a maximum depth of 10 cm. It also needs to be wide, with a minimum recommended measurement across of 30 cm.
Benefits for Other Wildlife
Bird baths can also help other wildlife, such as hedgehogs, to cope with the hotter weather. So it is a good idea to place it somewhere other animals can access it. A nice shady spot will be the best place, and you can even have multiple baths at multiple heights so every animal can enjoy it.
By adding a simple bird bath to your garden, you can help robins and other birds survive the summer heatwaves while also supporting local biodiversity.
