The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is urging gardeners to perform one simple daily task this summer: topping up bird baths with fresh tap water. This small action can provide essential relief for robins and other birds struggling with heat and dry conditions.
Why Bird Baths Matter
According to RSPB wildlife gardening expert Adrian Thomas, bird baths are a vital source of water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot weather when natural supplies may be scarce. “A bird bath can be a vital source of water for drinking and bathing for birds, in both hot and cold weather,” the RSPB states. Thomas also emphasises the importance of keeping bird baths clean: “Clean them thoroughly once a week to reduce spread of disease between birds.” The RSPB recommends using a non-toxic disinfectant and rinsing thoroughly to avoid chemical residue.
Other Ways to Support Garden Birds
Beyond daily watering, gardeners can delay hedge cutting until late August to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Thomas advises: “With berrying hedges, try cutting one side this year and the other side next year to ensure there are always berries on offer to birds.” For lawns, the RSPB suggests mowing less frequently to create a “mini jungle” for beetles and other creatures, providing food for sparrows and goldfinches. The charity adds that letting grasses set seed and wildflowers bloom offers nectar and a sheltered microclimate. It warns against using strimmers, which can injure hedgehogs, frogs, and insect larvae, and recommends waiting until late summer to mow, mimicking traditional hay meadows.
