UPDATE: Experts have just announced three essential measures gardeners must take to protect garden birds during the current heatwave. With temperatures soaring, immediate action is crucial to help wildlife stay hydrated and energized.
As the mercury rises, birds face severe challenges in the heat, struggling to find food and water. According to garden specialists, offering high-energy foods, ample shade, and clean water sources are vital actions gardeners can implement today. These simple yet effective strategies can be life-saving for our feathered friends as they cope with the extreme weather conditions.
Michael Clarke, founder of Yardwork and Pulled, emphasizes the importance of nutrition during these hot days. “Provide high-energy foods like mealworms—both live and dried—as they are easy for birds to digest,” he advises. Additionally, bird enthusiasts should consider offering black-oil sunflower seeds and unsalted, unroasted peanut pieces, which are dense in energy and favored by many bird species. Clarke also suggests fresh fruits like apples and pears, which not only provide hydration but also deliver essential natural sugars.
Water access is another critical concern during heatwaves. Siobhan Shaw, co-founder of Growing to Give, stresses that “water is absolutely vital. Birds lose moisture quickly in high heat, so providing fresh, cool water can be life-saving.” Shaw recommends refilling bird baths or shallow water dishes early in the morning and again at dusk to ensure birds have access when they are most active. She also highlights the need to clean bird baths regularly to ensure safe water for wildlife.
Gardeners are urged to consider the shade available for birds. “Opt for native plants for trees and shrubs to create cool spots,” says Clarke. Installing shade cloth or umbrellas near feeders and baths can also provide necessary relief from the sun. Moving feeders to shaded areas beneath trees or structures can further aid birds in finding refuge from the heat.
Shaw also points out that nocturnal birds like owls and nighthawks require water and shade too. “I once glanced up from my garden one hot evening and saw an owl waiting for me to fill a water dish,” she recalls. Providing evening mist through sprinklers not only helps cool down birds but also protects lawns during the heat.
It’s crucial to remain vigilant for signs of stress in birds during this extreme weather. “One clear sign they’re struggling is when they sit with their beaks open, a behavior called ‘gular fluttering,’ which helps them cool down,” notes Shaw. Gardeners should take immediate steps to assist birds exhibiting this behavior.
As we navigate this unrelenting heatwave, it is essential to implement these expert recommendations today. By taking these steps, gardeners can ensure that birds have the resources they need to survive and thrive. Let’s work together to create a sanctuary for our garden wildlife this summer.
Stay tuned for more updates on how to support our feathered friends as temperatures remain high.
